Finasteride is the most clinically studied medication for male pattern hair loss. YourMD offers FDA-approved generic oral finasteride, and compounded topical formulations — including a fin/minoxidil combination and a 3-in-1 fin/minoxidil/tretinoin solution — that are compounded preparations, not FDA-approved, prepared by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy (for example Hallandale Pharmacy or Valiant Compounding Pharmacy); the dispensing pharmacy is named on your prescription label.
Physician-verified manufacturer savings programs, copay cards and cash-price checks. Free, no sign-up. Program terms are set by the manufacturer or pharmacy.
Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is driven by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes genetically susceptible hair follicles to miniaturize over time. Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, reducing scalp DHT levels by approximately 60–70% at standard oral doses.
Commercial finasteride is available as an oral 1 mg tablet (Propecia® or generic). Compounding adds topical formulations that deliver medication directly to the scalp with substantially reduced systemic absorption.
A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials reported that combining topical finasteride with topical minoxidil improved hair density and hair diameter more than either treatment alone. These studies concern topical finasteride and minoxidil generally, not YourMD’s compounded product, which has not been studied or FDA-approved. Individual results vary.
Oral finasteride: 2–4% report decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased ejaculate volume. Effects are usually reversible upon discontinuation, but rare persistent effects (post-finasteride syndrome) have been reported. Finasteride lowers PSA by about 50%; tell any clinician who orders a PSA test.
Topical finasteride: similar potential side effects but lower incidence due to reduced systemic absorption. Scalp irritation is possible.
Contraindications: finasteride, oral or topical, is not for anyone who is pregnant or may become pregnant (it can harm a male fetus). They must not handle crushed or broken tablets or the topical solution.
Prices are monthly physician care fees. Medication is never included in the care fee. Retail prescriptions are paid to the pharmacy directly; a compounded medication is quoted to you as a final price proposal (medication + shipping + care) that you accept, and you make one payment to YourMD for that proposal.
Some men keep losing hair, or plateau, after 6–12 months of consistent finasteride. For them your physician may consider oral dutasteride 0.5 mg. Finasteride blocks one form of the enzyme that makes DHT (type II 5-alpha reductase); dutasteride blocks both forms and lowers scalp DHT further. In a 24-week randomized trial in men aged 20–50, dutasteride 0.5 mg increased hair counts more than finasteride 1 mg. Where the pharmacy supports it, a topical dutasteride formulation may be an option.
It is a physician decision, not a plan you pick. Dutasteride is FDA-approved for an enlarged prostate, not for hair loss in the US, so it is prescribed off-label after a consult, and it is priced at that consult. It is not combined with finasteride.
Who it is not for, and what to know:
Medical disclaimer: Educational content, not medical advice. Page medically reviewed by Teja V. Surapaneni, MD, MS — Board-Certified Internal Medicine (NV, WA, OR, WI). Last reviewed: April 17, 2026