Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat hair loss in men, particularly male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT are known to shrink hair follicles, leading to hair thinning and eventual hair loss.
By lowering DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride helps slow down hair loss and may even stimulate new hair growth in some cases. It is usually taken in pill form once daily, and results can typically be seen after several months of regular use.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication used to treat hair loss known as male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. This medicine aims to stop hair loss by blocking the production of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). It is usually used in oral tablet form and has the potential to slow or stop hair loss with regular use. It is recommended to be used under the supervision of a doctor as it may have side effects.
For Which Hair Losses Is Finasteride Effective?
- In DHT-related hair loss
- Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)
- Female Pattern Hair Loss
How to Use Finasteride?
Finasteride is typically used as an oral medication to help slow or prevent hair loss. It is most often prescribed in a 1 mg dose for the treatment of male pattern baldness. The standard usage involves taking one tablet by mouth once a day, with or without food.
For best results, finasteride should be used consistently. Skipping doses or stopping treatment can reduce its effectiveness and may lead to continued hair loss. It’s important to note that results are not immediate — most users begin to see improvements after 3 to 6 months of regular use. Continued use is necessary to maintain any benefits gained.
It is not recommended to double the dose if you miss one. Just take the next scheduled dose as usual. Also, it’s essential to store the medication in a dry place at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Finasteride is meant for long-term use, and its benefits typically continue only while the medication is taken. If treatment is stopped, any regrown hair is likely to be lost within several months. As with any medication, it’s important to follow the prescribing doctor’s guidance and report any unusual side effects, such as changes in mood, libido, or sexual function.
Finasteride Side Effects
- Sexual Dysfunctions:
- Erection problems
- Decreased sexual desire
- Ejaculation disorders
- Breast Enlargement (Gynecomastia)
- Chest Pain or Tenderness
- Testicular Pain
- Changes in Emotional State (Depression, Anxiety)
- Acne or Skin Problems
- Headache and Dizziness
- Nausea or Stomach Upset
- Weight Gain or Loss
- Swelling of the Hands or Feet
Finasteride and Other Hair Loss Treatment Options
Combination Therapy with Minoxidil
Hair loss treatments such as Finasteride and Minoxidil can be effective when used alone, but may give better results when used together. This combination therapy can provide a more comprehensive approach to stopping hair loss and promoting hair growth. Finasteride blocks the production of DHT, while Minoxidil has a direct effect stimulating hair follicles. When used together, these drugs can act on different aspects of hair loss, providing a more effective treatment.
Comparison with Other Hair Treatments
| Treatment | Mechanism | Application Form | Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Finasteride | Works by inhibiting DHT production. | Oral tablet | Particularly effective for male pattern hair loss. | Can cause side effects such as sexual dysfunction. |
| Minoxidil | Stimulates hair follicles to promote hair growth. | Topical solution | Can be used for both male and female pattern hair loss. | May cause scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the face and hands. |
| Ketoconazole Shampoo | Cleanses the scalp with anti-fungal properties and may inhibit DHT. | Topical shampoo | Improves scalp health and can be combined with Minoxidil or Finasteride. | Limited efficacy when used alone. |
| Dutasteride | More potent in inhibiting DHT production. | Oral tablet | May be more potent than Finasteride. | Higher risk of side effects. |
| PRP Therapy | Involves injecting growth factors derived from your own blood into the scalp. | Injection | Revitalizes hair follicles and improves hair quality. | Expensive and requires multiple sessions. |
| Hair Transplantation | Involves transplanting healthy hair follicles to balding areas. | Surgical procedure | Provides permanent results. | Invasive and costly procedure. |
| Hair Laser Therapy | Uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to stimulate hair follicles with light energy. | Topical application with laser devices | Non-invasive method that is painless and suitable for at-home use. | Requires regular and long-term use; results may vary from person to person. |
| Stem Cell Hair Therapy | Utilizes stem cells to rejuvenate hair follicles and promote hair growth. | Injection or topical application | Can rejuvenate hair follicles and support hair growth. | Some methods are still experimental and can be costly. |
| Exosome Hair Therapy | Involves injecting exosomes, small vesicles that promote cell communication and renewal. | Injection | May promote cell renewal and revitalization of hair follicles. | A new and experimental treatment; more research is needed on its long-term effects and safety. |
If you want to have healthy, natural and permanent hair, it is useful to apply to specialist hair doctors. Your hair transplant doctor will tell you the appropriate hair treatment according to your hair loss problem. You can contact our specialist hair transplant doctors for detailed information about hair transplantation and treatments.
