DHT inhibition · follicle stimulation · evidence-based
Conservative hair therapy in Munich

Stop hair loss, before it shows.

Not every case of hair loss calls for surgery straight away. Modern drug therapies such as Fynzur® spray, oral finasteride or minoxidil address the biochemical cause: they lower DHT levels, reactivate shrinking follicles and protect your own hair, either as a treatment in its own right or as the essential foundation after a hair transplant.

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DHT reduction (oral finasteride)
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in the treatment range
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to first visible results
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DHT reduction with dutasteride
Mechanism & biology

Why medication acts directly at the root

Hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) has a clearly defined biological cause: the body’s own enzyme 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Where there is a genetic predisposition, the follicles at the hairline and crown are oversensitive to DHT. The result: the growth phase (anagen) shortens, and the follicles miniaturise and waste away step by step.

Two mechanisms, one shared goal
Drug therapies work on two decisive levers: they either block DHT synthesis (orally with finasteride or dutasteride, or locally and precisely with Fynzur® spray) or directly stimulate blood flow to the follicle and its cell metabolism (minoxidil).

The decisive advantage of conservative agents: they act across the whole hair-bearing area and protect follicles that have not yet visibly thinned. Surgery relocates existing hair. It does not stop the loss progressing in the surrounding area.

For that reason a tailored drug therapy forms the foundation of any durable treatment strategy. Before or after a hair transplant it protects the surrounding native hair and keeps the overall result dense and natural.

The treatment range

Evidence-based agents at a glance

From proven gold standards to innovative topical formulations, combined to suit you.

Classic standard therapies

Finasteride (oral)

Systemic · 1 mg tablet

The best-documented gold standard for male androgenetic alopecia.

  • Effect: Selectively blocks type 2 5α-reductase and reduces serum DHT by around 70%.
  • Goal: Halts the progression of hair loss and strengthens miniaturised follicles.
  • Dosing: Prescription only, one tablet (1 mg) once daily. First review after 6–12 months.

Minoxidil (topical)

Topical · solution / foam

Direct follicle stimulation and vasodilation, applied externally.

  • Effect: Increases local microcirculation, improves nutrient supply and lengthens the anagen phase.
  • Use: Apply twice daily directly to the affected areas of the scalp.
  • Strength: 2% (for women) and 5% (for men). First effects after three to six months.
Advanced & modern alternatives

Dutasteride

Systemic / off-label

A highly effective option in advanced or treatment-resistant cases.

  • Effect: Dual inhibition of type 1 and type 2 5α-reductase, lowers DHT by over 90%.
  • When used: Where finasteride alone does not achieve the desired stabilisation.

Minoxidil (oral)

Low-dose · tablet

A modern systemic alternative where topical foam or solution is impractical.

  • Advantage: No residue in the hair, and a simple daily dose that patients stick to.
  • Effect: Promotes hair density and thickness across the whole area at a very low dose.

Alfatradiol

Gentle tincture

A very well tolerated, gentle topical solution for local enzyme inhibition.

  • Effect: Reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT within the scalp itself, without hormonal side effects.
  • Who it suits: Ideal for mild hair loss, a sensitive scalp, or as an adjunct therapy.

Ketoconazole

Medicated shampoo

A medicated shampoo treating micro-inflammation and flaking.

  • Effect: Antifungal, anti-inflammatory, with mild anti-androgenic properties.
  • When used: Optimises the scalp microbiome and prepares the ground for healthy growth.
Head to head

Finasteride vs. dutasteride

Two comparable DHT inhibitors, the choice depends on your findings, your age and your treatment goals.

DHT reduction in serum (bloodstream)
Dutasteride (0.5 mg) > 90 %
Finasteride (1 mg oral) ~ 70 %
Isoenzymes inhibited (5α-reductase)
Dutasteride Type 1 & type 2
Finasteride type 2 only
Long-term clinical evidence
Dutasteride extensive (off-label)
Finasteride very extensive (FDA approved)
The treatment timeline

What to expect, and when

Hair growth takes time, patience and consistent use are the key to success.

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Starting treatment

Thorough trichoscopy, assessment of the findings, and drawing up your tailored treatment plan.

2

Weeks 2–8

Possible temporary shedding, a positive sign that the follicle is entering a new anagen phase.

3

Months 3–6

The loss slows noticeably. The first fine terminal hairs gain in quality and density.

12

Month 12+

Maximum growth result: visibly denser, stronger native hair, provided treatment continues.

Indications

Who is drug therapy for hair loss suitable for?

Early-stage hair loss
Androgenetic alopecia (Norwood II–V)
Preserving native hair
Adjunct to a hair transplant
Diffuse thinning at the crown
A preference for non-surgical prevention
Women with hormonal hair loss
Combination with PRP & Regenera Activa

Which combination is medically ideal, a systemic tablet, or a modern topical spray such as Fynzur® is something we establish after a thorough examination. Dr. Sussan Rosenthal draws up your individual treatment plan at Munich Hair Transplant, Theatinerstrasse 31, Munich.

Transparency & knowledge

Frequently asked questions

How quickly do these treatments work?

Drug therapies work gradually, in step with the natural hair cycle. The first visible effects, a slowing of the loss, appear after three to six months, and the maximum gain in density after roughly 12 to 18 months. Consistent use is essential.

What is Fynzur® (topical finasteride) and how does it work?

Fynzur® is a prescription finasteride spray (2.275 mg/ml) with a special applicator for precise application to the scalp. It inhibits the DHT enzyme directly at the follicle and lowers local DHT levels, while systemic absorption into the bloodstream is considerably lower than with oral finasteride tablets. This minimises the risk of systemic side effects.

What is the difference between finasteride and dutasteride?

Finasteride primarily inhibits the type 2 enzyme of 5-alpha-reductase and lowers serum DHT by around 70%. Dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type 2 and lowers DHT by over 90%. Dutasteride is therefore stronger, and is usually used where finasteride alone does not achieve sufficient stabilisation.

Can medication be combined with a hair transplant?

Yes, medically it is expressly advisable. Agents such as finasteride, Fynzur® or minoxidil protect your remaining native hair from further loss while the transplanted grafts take. That keeps the overall result dense and natural in the long term.

Do I have to continue treatment indefinitely?

Because these agents suppress the genetic predisposition rather than removing it, the biological loss process gradually returns once treatment stops completely. Through regular check-ups at our practice in Munich we adjust the dose and the form of application over the long term.

Personal expertise

Which treatment is right for you?

Every head of hair is different. Dr. Sussan Rosenthal analyses your case personally, talks through the pros and cons of each agent, and draws up your tailored treatment plan, at Theatinerstrasse 31, Munich.

Book a consultation

The information shown here is for general medical guidance and does not replace a personal consultation with a specialist. All the agents named are available on prescription or through a pharmacy, and may only be used where medically indicated and under supervision. Statements about how they work and how treatment progresses are based on clinical studies and are not guarantees of individual success.

Contact us for a consultation

contact@munich-hairtransplant.com