I’ve read online that Lycopene is A 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitor. Can it be used to halt hair loss or even help. If so could it interfere with finasteride and would it cause an initial shed?
I have little doubt that there are many 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors in the various foods we eat, or in herbs and plants (examples here). The issues that I believe should be the focus is the effectiveness of these substances and their side effects. With Propecia, the drug has been extensively studied for these two issues and the recommended dose is the most effective with the least side effects of anything that I know of. As shown in the paper referenced below, the inability to scientifically document the effective dose is critical.
Do you want to take lycopene? If so what does does it require? Will it really work as well as Propecia? Are you willing to put your hair loss at risk to gamble on the dose or in experimenting on yourself? If hair loss is what you’re wanting to treat, then stick to what we know works.