The transcript states that in around 96-98% of men, severe side effects will not occur when taking oral finasteride. Therefore, the percentage experiencing severe side effects is approximately 2-4%.
This video compares topical and oral finasteride for hair loss treatment. The speaker analyzes scientific studies to determine which method is safer and more effective, emphasizing evidence-based information.
Oral finasteride lowers total DHT in the body (serum DHT) by around 70%, and scalp DHT by approximately 60%. One study showed that topical finasteride reduced serum DHT by 68-75%, and another showed it to be comparable to oral finasteride in DHT reduction. Although oral finasteride appears to lower serum DHT more, the studies didn't definitively link this difference to a greater incidence of side effects.
Several limitations are mentioned in the studies discussed:
Small sample sizes: Some studies involved a small number of participants (e.g., 24 participants in one study comparing oral and topical finasteride), limiting the generalizability of findings.
Varying topical finasteride strengths: In one study, the strength of topical finasteride varied among individuals, introducing variability and potentially affecting the results.
Short study durations: One study only lasted 7 days, restricting the assessment of long-term effects. The lack of extensive long-term data on topical finasteride is a recurring theme.
High dropout rates: One study had a significant dropout rate (135 participants out of 458), introducing potential bias. The reasons for these dropouts were unclear.
