My College-Age Daughter Was Prescribed Finateride

Dr. Rassman, my daughter is presently attending college in Houston Texas and was just diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia. Her dermatologist came to that conclusion after she did a biopsy. What concerns me is, she prescribed a treatment of Minoxidil and 0.5 mg of Propecia daily. I understand the Minoxidil but I thought Propecia was for men only?

She did inform her of the pregnancy risks associated with taking the drug but it has me concerned and I asked her not to take it until I get more info. I’m not questioning this doctor’s diagnosis of the problem, just her remedy. Would you think an appointment with a proven hair loss professional would render any alternative advice? It seems this sort of hair loss in women is difficult to treat but I would think there are options available other than Propecia. Do you have any colleagues in the Houston area you might recommend? We may just wait a couple weeks and make an appointment at your office when she comes out for the summer. I appreciate your time.

Androgenic alopecia is not diagnosed with a scalp biopsy! More importantly Propecia (finasteride) is not to be taken by young women! It may cause birth defects if they get pregnant. There are a minority of women past their childbearing years who do take finasteride for very specific reasons, but even those women have equivocal results. Unfortunately, minoxidil is the only FDA approved hair loss treatment for women.

Perhaps your daughter should get a second opinion by another doctor. I don’t have any personal recommendations in your area, but you can check for physicians using the doctor search at ISHRS.org… or of course, contact our office for an appointment here in Los Angeles.