For reducing hair loss, you theoretically only need to lower DHT levels in the scalp. But finasteride lowers it systemically (as well as inhibiting a bunch of other metabolic pathways systemically).
> Some of these are just the effects of having low DHT, which is in reality not a negative,
Sexual disfunction, depression, and gynecomastia are not desired effects for most people.
There is a huge amount of FUD about finasteride online. The adverse effects most guys worry about with finasteride are the same sorts of issues that can caused by anxiety. Finasteride can actually increase free testosterone by 10-15%. Additionally, it's possible to capture most of the therapeutic benefit at a lower dosage than 1mg/day, further reducing the side effect potential.
There is also a recent study [0] that found efficacy of essential rosmary oil to be as effective as minoxidil with less side effects when used topicaly as a shampoo additive.
