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Finasteride: Hair Loss Treatment

How does finasteride work?

Finasteride works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent androgen. By reducing the level of DHT in the scalp, finasteride slows, and sometimes even reverses, the miniaturization of hair follicles is caused by androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss.

What does finasteride do?

Finasteride is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate gland enlargement. It works by lowering levels of DHT, which is implicated in both conditions. For hair loss, finasteride has been shown to slow down and even stop the process, and in some cases, it can help regrow hair. For BPH, finasteride can reduce symptoms such as frequent urination and difficulty in starting to urinate.

Is finasteride used to treat anything else apart from male pattern hair loss?

Yes, apart from treating male pattern hair loss, finasteride is also used to treat symptoms of BPH as mentioned earlier.

Finasteride Tablets Effectiveness and Results:

How long does Finasteride take to work?

The effects of finasteride aren't immediate, it usually takes about three to six months of daily use to notice a slowing of hair loss, and up to a year to notice any actual regrowth. It's important to keep taking the medication regularly because stopping the treatment likely lead to losing any gained or maintained hair.

Finasteride Results: 1 to 3 months

During the first one to three months of using finasteride, the user might notice a slight increase in hair shedding. This is normal and is a sign that the medication is working, as older hairs are shed to make way for new ones.

Finasteride Results: 3 to 6 months

After three to six months, most users notice a significant decrease in hair loss. Some even begin to see signs of new hair growth. It's important to note that results vary widely from person to person.

Finasteride Results: 6 to 12 months

Between six and twelve months, many users experience noticeable hair regrowth or at the very least, a cessation of hair loss. Again, individual results vary; some people respond better to treatment than others.

Does finasteride work in all men?

Finasteride does not work equally well for all men. While most men who use finasteride for male pattern baldness find that it slows their hair loss or even promotes some regrowth, this is not the case for everyone. Around 86% of men who use finasteride experience a halt in hair loss, while about 65% see some degree of hair regrowth, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. However, these numbers do mean that a small percentage of men do not see significant benefits from the treatment. It's also worth noting that the effectiveness of finasteride varies based on factors such as age, the severity of hair loss, and other individual biological factors.

Does finasteride work in older men?

Yes, finasteride works in older men. Male pattern baldness or androgenic alopecia is a condition that can affect men of all ages, but the likelihood increases as men get older. Finasteride is effective because it targets the hormonal cause of this hair loss, specifically DHT, which is not age-dependent. It's important to remember that while finasteride can slow hair loss and even lead to regrowth of hair, the response can vary from person to person.

Does finasteride help hair loss?

Yes, finasteride has been proven to be an effective treatment for male pattern hair loss. By inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride reduces the level of DHT in the scalp, which is a key factor contributing to male pattern hair loss. As a result, finasteride slows or stops the progression of hair loss, and in some cases, it can stimulate new hair growth.

Can finasteride regrow hair?

Yes, in some cases finasteride stimulates hair regrowth. However, it's more accurate to say that finasteride primarily slows or stops the progression of hair loss. The degree of hair regrowth varies widely from person to person, and it's more common for finasteride to maintain existing hair count than cause significant regrowth. Also, remember that it typically takes several months of consistent use before results are noticeable.

Is improvement with Finasteride permanent?

No, the improvements with Finasteride are not permanent, they last as long as the person continues to use the medication. If a person stops taking finasteride, the levels of DHT start to rise again in the scalp, and hair loss typically resumes where it left off. This is why finasteride is a long-term treatment option for hair loss.

Finasteride Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of finasteride?

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects including sexual problems like decreased sex drive, difficulty achieving an erection, or a decrease in the amount of semen produced. These side effects occur in a very small percentage of men taking finasteride and are usually reversible when the medication is stopped.

What are the long-term effects of finasteride?

Although rare, long-term use of finasteride lead to prolonged side effects such as sexual side effects continuing after stopping the medication, which is a condition sometimes referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome. Other less common side effects include breast tenderness or enlargement, rashes, depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes. It's important to consult with a healthcare provider to understand the potential risks and benefits of long-term finasteride use.

What are the cons of finasteride?

While finasteride effectively manages male pattern baldness, it does have potential downsides. The medication must be taken continuously for the benefits to persist, which means it's a long-term commitment. It can also cause side effects, although these are generally rare and reversible. Lastly, finasteride does not work for everyone, and it's more likely to slow hair loss than to cause substantial regrowth.

Does Finasteride cause depression? 

No, depression is not a common side effect of finasteride, but some reports suggest a potential link. In rare cases, men taking finasteride have reported feeling depressed. However, it's unclear whether finasteride directly causes depression or if other factors might be involved. If you're taking finasteride and feel depressed, it's important to seek help from a healthcare provider.

Does finasteride reduce sex drive and fertility?

Yes, in some rare cases, Finasteride causes sexual side effects, which include decreased sex drive (libido), problems with erection, or reduced ejaculate volume. It's important to note that these side effects are relatively rare and usually reversible when the medication is stopped.

As for fertility, there's currently no definitive evidence that finasteride has a long-term impact on a man's ability to conceive a child. Some research indicates that finasteride might decrease sperm count in some men, but this effect seems to be temporary and reversible. In most cases, men taking finasteride have not experienced problems with fertility.

However, if an individual is experiencing sexual side effects or is concerned about fertility, it's important to discuss this with a healthcare provider. They are able to provide further information and help weigh the potential benefits of the medication against these possible side effects.

Does Finasteride work in women with hair loss?

No, Finasteride is not typically prescribed for women, especially those of childbearing age, due to potential risks. This is primarily due to the risk of birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the medication. Currently, other treatments like minoxidil are usually preferred for treating female pattern hair loss.

Finasteride Usage and Dosage 

Finasteride 1mg

Finasteride 1mg is the standard dosage used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. This dosage was established based on clinical trials that showed it to be effective at reducing DHT levels in the scalp, and subsequently slowing hair loss and promoting hair regrowth.

Finasteride Tablet 5mg

Finasteride 5mg, on the other hand, is typically used for the treatment of BPH. Studies have shown that this higher dosage can effectively reduce prostate size and alleviate symptoms of the condition.

Will finasteride work better if I take a higher dose?

No, increasing the dose of finasteride does not necessarily result in quicker or better results. The standard dose for treating hair loss is 1mg per day. This dosage has been clinically proven to be effective. Taking a higher dose potentially increases the risk of side effects without increasing the drug's effectiveness for hair loss. It's always important to follow the healthcare provider's instructions regarding dosage.

Can I take less than finasteride 1mg daily or take it less often, to reduce the risk of side effects?

Yes, although taking a lower dose might reduce the risk of some side effects, taking less than 1mg of finasteride daily or taking it less frequently has not been proven to be as effective as taking 1mg daily. While it might seem like a good way to reduce the risk of side effects, it reduces the effectiveness of the treatment. It's always important to discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider.

When is the best time of day to take finasteride?

Finasteride can be taken at any time of day. However, it must be taken at the same time each day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in one's body. The key to success with finasteride is consistency, as regular daily use over the long term is required to see and maintain results.

Finasteride Availability and Purchasing

Is finasteride 1mg available through the NHS?

Yes, in the UK, finasteride is available on the NHS, but primarily for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), not for hair loss. The typical dose for BPH is 5mg. For hair loss treatment, a private prescription is typically necessary, and the standard dose is 1mg.

Do you need a prescription for finasteride?

Yes, a prescription is needed for finasteride. It's important to have a healthcare professional evaluate an individual's condition and overall health to determine if finasteride is a suitable treatment.

Can I buy Finasteride cheap in the UK?

Yes, Finasteride is affordable and available to buy online or at a local pharmacy starting at £12.20. Finasteride 1mg and 5mg are available with a prescription. When purchasing online, a person must ensure they are using a reputable pharmacy to avoid counterfeit products. Always buy from authorized sellers and never from unverified sources.

Does Amazon Sell Finasteride tablet?

No, Amazon in the UK does not sell Finasteride tablets, as it is a prescription-only medication.

Can I buy finasteride over the counter UK?

No, in the UK, finasteride is not available over the counter. It is a prescription medication, which means it must be prescribed by a doctor or other licensed healthcare professional. It's important to have a medical evaluation before starting finasteride to make sure it's safe and appropriate for you.

Finasteride Consultation and Medical Advice:

Why should men see a doctor before starting treatment?

It's essential for men to see a healthcare professional before starting treatment with finasteride to get a prescription, to ensure the medication is suitable to use and to receive more information on the medicine. Firstly, finasteride is a prescription medication, so a healthcare professional needs to authorize its use. Secondly, a doctor must evaluate the person's overall health and specific condition to determine if finasteride is the most appropriate and safe treatment for the individual. They can also provide information about the medication and its potential side effects, to help one make an informed decision about the treatment.

Will Finasteride help an area of complete baldness?

No, finasteride is not meant to help in specific areas with complete baldness. Finasteride is most effective at treating hair loss in its early to moderate stages, especially in the crown and mid-scalp areas. It's not typically effective at regrowing hair in areas of complete baldness or reversing complete hair loss. It works primarily by preventing further hair loss, rather than by regrowing lost hair.

Will finasteride reverse complete hair loss?

No, finasteride does not reverse complete hair loss, it helps reduce further hair loss hair and helps regrow where there are still hair follicles. It is generally more effective in the early stages of hair loss, rather than reversing complete hair loss.

Does finasteride lower testosterone?

No, contrary to what some might think, finasteride does not lower testosterone levels. In fact, men taking finasteride see a slight increase in testosterone levels because the drug works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone contributes to hair loss. The resulting decrease in DHT, not testosterone, helps slow the process of hair loss.