I am 65 and started having thinning hair a few years ago. I was ready to have hair transplants. I had tried over the counter hair serums (Minoxidil) but had not seen any results. The hair transplant doctor required me to get a scalp biopsy and a full medical panel with an endocrinologist. The biopsy revealed what I thought that my hair loss was genetic. The endocrinologist gave me a clean bill of health to rule out the 10 other reasons for hair loss. The endocrinologist did tell me that taking Finasteride will show increased liver enzymes on blood tests if I choose to take it.
The hair transplant doctor would not see me because he said that since my hair loss was genetic, (early pattern baldness in women), that transplants would not stay. I was referred to a dermatologist that specialized in hair. I had no idea that such a thing existed. In fact, my regular dermatologist told me that there was nothing that could be done for women losing hair due to genetics.
Fast forward a year - I went to the dermatologist for hair. She put me on finasteride and a hair tonic that was made by a compound pharmacy. I use each once a day. I started seeing results in 2 months. A year out and I not only gained back the lost hair, but I actually have hair growing in places that disappeared a long time ago. (widows peak, etc). The cost is very minimal for the medications (approximately $40 a month) and I am thrilled with the results.
When I went for my annual physical, my liver enzymes were up as predicted. The endocrinologist told me that it would be a false reading and not to worry about it. I told my regular doctor that I was taking finasteride, but they still referred me for a liver ultrasound. The ultrasound came out normal and my liver enzymes are still in the normal range, just higher than in the past. I feel good about continuing my hair meds and will continue to do so.
My advice is to see a dermatologist that specializes in hair. I know the finasteride helped but without the serum from the compound pharmacy, I don't think I would have the great results that I have seen. Good luck in your search.