Cedar Oral in Beverly Hills
Hair loss plans that work are simple to follow and easy to measure. If you’ve tried topicals and missed doses, or you’re seeing pattern thinning speed up during weight changes, you’re likely looking for a pill-based protocol that fits a busy week and still moves the needle.
Cedar Oral is the physician-directed regimen at Physique26 in Beverly Hills. It combines finasteride to lower scalp DHT, low-dose oral minoxidil to keep hairs in the growth phase longer, and biotin only when diet or labs suggest a gap. The aim is straightforward: slow miniaturization, improve caliber and density, and track progress with consistent photos and set follow-ups.
Cedar Oral is a three-agent regimen that addresses the two forces most responsible for common thinning—hormone-driven miniaturization and short growth cycles—while covering basic cofactors when appropriate.
Finasteride reduces scalp dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone signal that shrinks follicles over time. By lowering DHT, we slow miniaturization so density has a chance to stabilize and improve.
Oral minoxidil lengthens the growth (anagen) phase and increases follicle size. It’s used at low doses for hair in patients who struggle with topical adherence or scalp irritation. “Low dose” keeps the risk profile manageable while still supporting visible change with consistent use.
Biotin supports keratin production when intake is low or labs suggest a need. It isn’t tossed in by default. We dose deliberately and time bloodwork to avoid lab assay interference on thyroid and cardiac tests.
In androgenetic alopecia (AGA), follicles sensitive to DHT shrink and produce finer hair. Finasteride reduces that signal, slowing the process so that thickness and coverage can rebound over months.
Minoxidil acts at the follicle to extend anagen duration and improve hair caliber. As cycles even out, many patients see less shedding and a denser look at the part line and crown.
If diet is limited or labs are low, biotin helps close gaps. Protein intake, ferritin, vitamin D, and B12 are also reviewed because hair reflects overall status, not just follicles.
Cedar Oral fits adults with pattern thinning who want a pill-based plan and are comfortable with medical monitoring. Men with Norwood stage 2–5 often do well. Women may be candidates in select cases—post-menopause or with reliable contraception—after reviewing options and risks. It’s also useful for patients in active medical weight loss who notice increased shedding (telogen effluvium) or unmasking of AGA during rapid change.
We’ll steer you elsewhere if scarring alopecias are suspected, if traction habits continue, or if inflammatory scalp disease is active and untreated.
We start with history, medication review, scalp photos under consistent lighting, and targeted labs when they add value (iron studies/ferritin, thyroid panel, vitamin D, B12). Women of childbearing potential require a pregnancy test. Men over 50 may have a baseline PSA discussed before finasteride.
Finasteride is typically taken daily; micro-schedules can be used for sensitive patients. Oral minoxidil starts low (night dosing helps some) and adjusts gradually. Biotin is added only when indicated, with simple timing rules around lab days.
Check-ins every 3–4 months keep the plan honest: standardized photos, shed counts, sexual health checks for finasteride users, edema/palpitations screens for minoxidil, and routine blood pressure readings. We change one variable at a time so that cause and effect stay clear.
Months 1–2 can feel uneventful or even a touch shed-heavy as cycles reset. By months 3–4, shed rates usually settle, and early density cues show up at the crown or part. Months 6–12 are when most patients notice meaningful thickening and coverage. Stop the plan and hair gradually trends back to its baseline over months; maintenance is part of the conversation from day one.
Some patients report decreased libido, erectile changes, or breast tenderness. Mood shifts are discussed up front. Finasteride lowers PSA readings; that caveat is documented. It’s contraindicated in pregnancy and should not be handled if tablets are crushed.
Potential effects include ankle swelling, facial/body hair growth, lightheadedness, or palpitations—more likely at higher doses. We’re cautious with cardiac history and concurrent antihypertensives. Any concerning symptom prompts a pause and contact with the team.
High doses can distort certain lab tests. We keep dosing reasonable and give clear “hold” timing before thyroid or cardiac labs.
Across the protocol, shared decision-making is documented. If a trade-off doesn’t fit your priorities, we adjust.
Some patients prefer topical minoxidil for a lower systemic footprint; others can’t abide the mess or irritation. Dutasteride has a stronger DHT-lowering effect but carries different trade-offs. PRP and microneedling can complement medical therapy for recruitment and caliber, while transplant is a structural solution for advanced loss once medical therapy is stabilized. We map choices to your goals, time, and risk tolerance—then commit to a path you can actually follow.
Finasteride use in women is restricted and off-label; we have direct conversations about contraception and alternative paths. Spironolactone is often discussed as an anti-androgen option. For postpartum and perimenopausal shedding, we separate temporary telogen effluvium from underlying AGA so expectations stay realistic. If oral minoxidil is used, dosing is conservative, and side effects are reviewed in detail.
Hair responds to consistent inputs. We talk protein targets, ferritin support when low, sleep and stress basics, and gentle styling. If seborrheic dermatitis is part of the picture, medicated shampoos lower inflammation that can worsen shedding. Heat and traction rules are kept simple so you’ll actually follow them.
Cedar Oral is prescribed through Physique26 after evaluation. This is typically self-pay; HSA/FSA receipts are available. Refills align with check-ins. Shipping is available where compliant. Most insurers don’t cover AGA medications; we can provide documentation if you choose to submit.
If you’re on GLP-1 therapy, we integrate hair support from the start, so shedding doesn’t derail your mood or training. Skin protocols (think AM vitamin C and SPF, night retinoid like Cashmere) run alongside, so your face and hair move in the same direction. You get a single team, one chart, and a plan that respects your calendar.
Most patients notice early improvements around 3–4 months, with fuller changes by 6–12 months. Photos and shed tracking keep progress honest.
Possibly, with coordination. Oral minoxidil can affect blood pressure. We review your meds, start low, and monitor.
Targeted labs help when history suggests a gap—iron/ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D, B12. Women of childbearing potential also need a pregnancy test.
It can. We use conservative dosing and adjust if facial or arm hair becomes an issue.
Most effects, when they occur, are reversible after stopping. We discuss risks plainly and track sexual health at follow-ups.
Yes. Combination therapy can help in select cases. We stage treatments so you can tell what’s working.
Gains are maintained only while treatment continues. Expect a gradual return toward baseline over the months if therapy is discontinued.
