Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness: All You Need To Know

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia, as well as a number of different companies such as Hims, Hers, Manual, Numan, Roman, and many others, is a medication used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

It can also be used to treat excessive hair growth in women. It is taken by mouth. Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor and therefore an antiandrogen.

How does Finasteride treat hair loss?

Finasteride works by stopping testosterone turning into another hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT can cause the prostate to grow bigger. It can also stop the hair growing. Finasteride stops DHT being produced and this helps shrink the prostate and reduce hair loss.

How effective is Finasteride for hair loss?

Finasteride does not cure or fully reverse hair loss, but, taken regularly, it can help reduce the effects of hair fall, and support the function of hair growth.

Around 9 out of 10 men taking finasteride found that their hair loss stopped within six to 12 months, but hair regrowth is very rare. Finasteride is generally considered to be a hair loss prevention treatment.

What are the negative side-effects of Finasteride?

Finasteride does come with the risk of negative side-effects, some of which can be very severe and long term. Some of the most common negative side-effects reported from using finasteride are; headaches, dizziness, fatigue, skin rash, erectile dysfunction, impotency, low libido, depression, feminisation, and breast swelling. Some of the side-effects will continue even if you come of the treatment.

It should be noted that some side-effects can be long-term, and also permanent, even after the treatment has been stopped. 

Like with any medication, caution is advised.   

Is Finasteride expensive?

Finasteride is not an expensive treatment. You can pay around £25 per month for the treatment, however, it is ongoing, so the price would add up in the long term.

Should you try Finasteride?

Finasteride is a treatment that could be considered if you are experiencing early stages of hair loss, caused by androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness).

If you are expecting a miracle treatment for hair loss, then you will not find it in finasteride. Results are usually minimal, and the negative side-effects are a risk. If you are looking to avoid the negative side-effects, then safer alternatives are available. 

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