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POSTED: 8 Jul 2024

How Effective is Finasteride for Hair Loss & Can it Actually Help with Regrowth?

Hair loss is super common and affects millions of people worldwide. There are many different causes, and hair loss can affect individuals across all races, age groups and genders. Despite how common and natural it is, hair loss can have significant psychological effects, including low self-esteem and . There are as many as there are causes, each with varying rates of success. Amongst these, is a powerful option for combating hair loss, particularly in men but also in women where other options have failed. In this guide, we explore how finasteride can treat hair loss, its effectiveness for regrowth, who it’s best for and potential side effects. We’ll also compare finasteride with other and the best way to use it.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride, commonly known under the brand names Propecia and Proscar, is a only medication. It was initially developed in the late 1980s by the pharmaceutical giant . Finasteride was originally approved for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlarged prostate gland). Like many other drugs, scientists accidentally discovered another therapeutic role for it during clinical trials. The researchers discovered that finasteride also had a positive effect on hair growth, which led to its approval by the FDA for the treatment of in 1997.

Finasteride works by . This is an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). that shrinks hair follicles, which leads to hair thinning and eventual hair loss. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride helps to prevent further hair loss and and .

Effectiveness of Finasteride for Hair Loss in Men & Women

Numerous clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of finasteride in hair regrowth for . For example, a involving over 1,500 men showed that 48% of participants experienced increased hair growth and 42% maintained their existing hair. Only 10% of the continued to experience hair loss.

Although finasteride’s main use is for male pattern baldness, its effectiveness in treating has also been studied. However, studies exploring the effectiveness of finasteride for hair loss in women have shown mixed results. indicate that finasteride may help increase hair density in women with , especially postmenopausal women. However, the evidence is not as robust or conclusive as it is for men. Furthermore, it’s best not to use in due to the risk of teratogenic effects. This is because it can lead to birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the medication.

Form & Strength

Both oral and topical forms of finasteride can treat hair loss and aid regrowth. Oral finasteride, taken in tablet form, is the most common and well-studied method of administration. It has shown in reducing DHT levels and promoting scalp hair regrowth in men. However, it can carry a risk of systemic side effects, which we’ll discuss later. Topical finasteride works on the follicles but minimises systemic absorption, which reduces the risk of side effects. Early studies on topical finasteride have shown , with significant reductions in scalp DHT levels and improvements in hair density. In fact, several studies have demonstrated that in increasing hair count and hair thickness in men.

For women with , research suggests that can also hair regrowth and density comparable to the oral form. Whilst it lower risks of systemic side effects, it is still best to avoid using it for women of age.

The is 1 mg per day, though this depends on the sex of the patient, their weight and other individual health factors. Finasteride is available orally (often other hair loss treatments like ) or topically, often in a formula containing other hair .

Risks & Side Effects

Finasteride is a very useful drug but, like any medication, is associated with . If used correctly for the right patient, serious side effects are . However, it is important to understand them fully if you’re considering treatment. General side effects of finasteride include:

Specific Risks for Men

In addition to the above, there are some side effects and risks of using . These include:

Specific Risks for Women

As well as the side effects, finasteride treatment carries additional risks for . These include:

Topical finasteride hair loss treatments can reduce the risk of systemic side effects like those mentioned above, but they do not completely negate them. To mitigate and manage side effects, it is vital to consult a healthcare provider before starting finasteride. Regular monitoring and open communication with your clinician can help address any concerns or side effects early on.

Finasteride vs Other Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments

Finasteride is often compared with , an even more popular treatment for hair loss that is also available in tablet and, most commonly, topical form. stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. You can use both treatments together (and they often are) for enhanced results. Unlike finasteride, you can also safely use it in women of all ages as well as men. It doesn’t carry the same hormonal side effects as finasteride. It is also available in lower strengths without prescription, in the form of Regaine. At higher strengths it is a prescription only medicine.

is a diuretic that has anti-androgen properties. This makes it effective in treating hormone-related hair loss, especially in women. It works by blocking androgen receptors and reducing androgen production, which can help in conditions like female pattern . is often preferred for women over finasteride due to its safer profile regarding reproductive health. It doesn’t pose the same risks of birth defects. However, spironolactone is not used for male pattern baldness due to potential feminising effects.

is another 5 inhibitor. It is similar to finasteride but more potent, as it inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. This broader inhibition makes more effective at reducing DHT levels and potentially more effective for hair regrowth. However, its increased potency also raises the risk of side effects. This makes it a second-OnabotulinumtoxinAAbobotulinumtoxinAIncobotulinumtoxinAPrabotulinumtoxinALetibotulinumtoxinARimabotulinumtoxinBHyaluronic Acid FillersCalcium Hydroxylapatite FillersPoly-L-lactic Acid FillersPolymethylmethacrylate FillersAutologous Fat GraftingForehead Lines TreatmentGlabellar Frown Lines TreatmentCrow's Feet TreatmentBunny Lines TreatmentChemical Brow LiftLip FlipGummy Smile CorrectionMasseter ReductionJaw SlimmingDimpled Chin SmoothingCobblestone Chin SmoothingNefertiti Neck LiftMicro-BotoxMesotoxHyperhidrosis TreatmentChronic Migraine ReliefBruxism TreatmentTMJ TreatmentCervical Dystonia TreatmentNeck Spasm TreatmentBlepharospasm TreatmentLip AugmentationLip ContouringCheekbone EnhancementTear Trough FillersNasolabial Fold SofteningMarionette Line FillersLiquid RhinoplastyNon-Surgical Nose JobJawline ContouringJawline DefinitionChin AugmentationTemple VolumisingHand RejuvenationAcne Scar Subcision Filling treatment, typically reserved for cases where .

Typically, hair loss treatments may a combination of these ingredients, either separately or in a single formula. They may be used in tablet and/or topical form. The choice of treatment is best tailored to individual needs and medical history under the guidance of a healthcare .

Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS)

This is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that persist in some individuals after discontinuing finasteride. These symptoms can include sexual dysfunction, psychological effects and physical issues (such as fatigue and muscle weakness). Although , it has been reported by a subset of users. The exact cause of PFS remains unclear. Ongoing research aims to better understand its mechanisms and develop effective strategies.

How Long It Takes to See Results of Finasteride for Hair Loss

To achieve the best results, it is vital to take finasteride consistently, as skipping doses can reduce its effectiveness. Most users begin to see noticeable within three to six months of regular use. However, it can take up to a year to optimal results. It is really important to understand that you will need to stay on this treatment to maintain your results. If you stop finasteride (or any non-surgical hair loss treatment), this can lead to a reversal of its . Hair loss may restart within several weeks or months of stopping the medication.

Where to Get Finasteride Hair Loss Treatments

Finasteride is a prescription only medicine regardless of the dose or form it comes in. You would need an assessment with a medical provider (e.g. a doctor) either in a physical or to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and potential suitable treatments. They will then decide whether finasteride is suitable for you and in what dosage or form, as well as whether it can be used alone or needs other medications. Your clinician will either give you a prescription to take to a pharmacy or, most likely if they’re a specialist provider, send your to a specialist pharmacy who will dispense your treatment.

Finasteride is an effective treatment for male pattern baldness. It is also useful in some cases of androgenetic hair loss in postmenopausal women. Its to promote hair regrowth is backed by extensive clinical research, and it has a well-established safety profile. That said, it’s a prescription only medicine. This means it must only be used under careful guidance and monitoring by a medical provider. This is because serious potential side effects exist, which can be reduced if it is used correctly and appropriately.

We believe that hair loss and regrowth is an personal journey. This drove us to launch our online clinic. Our doctors provide personalised and using actives like , , , and where appropriate. To start your personalised plan, book a or use . The journey towards great skin and hair .

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified provider for any health concerns or questions you might have.

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SKINCARE 11 March 2024

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