Finasteride is a pill many men use to slow male pattern hair loss and treat an enlarged prostate (BPH). It blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles. If you’ve noticed a receding hairline or thinning on the crown, finasteride is one of the few drugs proven to help keep and sometimes regrow hair.
Take it once daily and be patient: hair changes show up slowly. Most people need at least 3–6 months before noticing a difference, and the best results usually appear around 6–12 months. Stopping finasteride normally causes any benefit to fade over months — hair tends to return to the path it was on before treatment.
Finasteride lowers DHT levels in the scalp and blood. That protects follicles from further shrinkage and can allow some regrowth. It won’t turn a Norwood 6 into a full head of hair, but it often stabilizes loss and improves density in many men.
Common doses: 1 mg daily for hair loss and 5 mg daily for BPH under a doctor’s guidance. Swallow with water; you can take it with or without food. Keep taking it consistently — skipping days delays results.
Side effects are possible. A small portion of men report lowered libido, erectile issues, or changes in ejaculation. Most side effects appear early and resolve if the drug is stopped, but talk to your doctor if you notice persistent problems. Women who are or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed tablets — finasteride can harm a male fetus.
Two safety notes most people miss: 1) Finasteride lowers PSA (a prostate cancer screening marker). If you’re getting PSA tests, tell your clinician you’re taking finasteride so results can be interpreted correctly. 2) If you have liver disease or take multiple strong meds, review interactions with your doctor.
Alternatives and combos: Many people combine finasteride with topical minoxidil for better results. Dutasteride is a stronger 5-alpha reductase blocker used off-label by some doctors but has a different risk profile. Hair transplant or low-level laser therapy are other options if medication isn’t enough.
When to see your doctor: start a visit if you want to begin treatment, if side effects occur, or if your scalp worsens despite therapy. A quick check-in can confirm the right dose and rule out other causes of hair loss, such as thyroid issues or nutritional gaps.
Bottom line: finasteride works for many men who act early and stay consistent. It’s not a miracle cure, but used properly it’s one of the best chances to stop or slow male pattern baldness. Talk to your clinician about benefits and risks before starting.
As a blogger who has researched hair loss treatments, I've discovered that Finasteride is a popular option. One major pro of using Finasteride is that it has been proven to be effective in slowing down hair loss and promoting regrowth. Additionally, it's an FDA-approved treatment, which provides a level of assurance. However, there are some cons to consider, such as potential side effects like sexual dysfunction and the fact that it's not suitable for women. Overall, Finasteride has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to weigh these factors before deciding if it's the right treatment for you.
Health and Wellness