Finasteride – Everything You Need to Know

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is an FDA-approved hair regrowth medication for male pattern hair loss. It is typically taken as an oral solution between 1-5 milligrams per day. Finasteride is a dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocker. The medication works to lower DHT levels by preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. 

DHT is one of the main causes of pattern hair loss as it binds to hair follicles which gradually causes them to shrink therefore shortening the hair growth cycle. As this progresses it can cause hair growth to stop completely resulting in balding. 

By blocking DHT, thicker, healthier hair can be encouraged to grow. Check out the FAQs below to answer all your queries and see how it compares to other medications like dutasteride or minoxidil.

Highlights

• Finasteride provides a convenient daily solution to hair loss
• By blocking the production of DHT, finasteride can help hair regrow
• Studies have shown it can lower DHT levels in the scalp by up to 72 per cent

Core Evaluation Criteria

Finasteride for hair loss effectiveness

Finasteride has been proven to be highly effective at treating androgenetic alopecia in men as a DHT blocker. By blocking excess levels of DHT in the hair follicles, it can allow hair to grow thicker and healthier. 

Studies have shown that DHT levels can be lowered by up to 72 per cent preventing hair from becoming weak and thin. 9 out of 10 men who took 1 milligram of finasteride every day in a study saw that their hair loss progression was effectively stopped. 

Finasteride is best suited for male pattern hair loss but its effectiveness in treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL), hirsutism (excess hair growth), along with frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA), and the results have been promising. Research has shown that most men who take finasteride saw a decrease in hair loss symptoms within just 3 months of treatment along with an increase in hair growth. 

Results are best observed with long-term use, however. FDA reports showed that after one year 65 per cent of men saw an increase in hair growth while after 2 years 80 per cent of men experienced significant hair growth.

Finasteride cost

How much finasteride costs will vary depending on your location and how you access your medication. Typically finasteride can only be accessed through a prescription which requires a doctor’s approval. With the advent of hair loss treatments, it is becoming increasingly common to be able to access these treatments at home without the need to visit a clinic in person. 

Consultations with a GP can be conducted over the phone to receive your prescription which can be delivered right to your door. Generic finasteride pills are priced at an average of $0.92 per pill in Australia. 

Generic drugs will usually cost less than the brand name options. One of the main brand names is Propecia which in the US can range from $1.38 to $3.88 per pill compared to generic which is usually between $0.16 to $3.23 per pill. 

Other brand names include Proscar which can cost between $0.60 to $5.25 per pill. The per-pill price can be higher in formulations that include other hair loss ingredients such as minoxidil or biotin which can allow for a treatment that tackles different causes of hair loss.

Finasteride hair regrowth treatment duration

Typically you should see some results from taking finasteride after around 3 months. Then after 6 months, you should be able to see a more noticeable difference in your hair. Consistency is required with finasteride to see results as it is designed to be a long-term treatment. 

As your hair loss decreases you should notice your hair growth increasing gradually and the health of your hair should improve alongside this. Results can differ depending on the individual but most people see significant results within a year. If finasteride is not taken regularly or stopped, the results can reverse and your hair can fall out. 

The effectiveness of finasteride only continues to improve over time. After 10 years 91.5 per cent of patients in a Japanese study saw continued improvement and 99.1 per cent saw their hair loss progression being prevented. This means that the treatment is also safe to continue in the long term to enjoy continued results.

Finasteride safety

Most patients have reported that finasteride is well tolerated. There are potential side effects like any medication, however. Potential side effects center around sexual dysfunction including the loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation problems. While not everyone will experience the side effects of finasteride it is important to know the potential risks before opting for this treatment. 

Less than 2 per cent of men who took a standard dose of 1 milligram of finasteride daily saw negative side effects according to one study. There are other potential side effects including depression, dizziness, weakness, chills, and confusion. Any negative side effects are not permanent and will go away if the treatment is discontinued according to research. 

If sexual side effects are experienced, it is possible that they could ease in the long term according to studies. Overall, finasteride is thought to be a safe and effective treatment for hair loss but it is worth discussing the potential side effects with your healthcare professional before beginning treatment.

Finasteride ease of use

Finasteride is most often taken as an oral solution but topical finasteride is also available. A daily pill can be appealing for being a non-intrusive option that will not interfere too much with your daily routine. The side effects can cause some disruption but they are not experienced by a majority of users. 

Topical finasteride has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of hair loss. In a 2018 systematic review, 73 per cent of patients found that topical finasteride was effective. Topical finasteride can be found in combination topical treatments in low concentrations. 

While more research is required into topical finasteride, studies have indicated that the topical version of finasteride can produce fewer side effects than the oral medication. Topical finasteride is a newer treatment meaning that it has not received approval from medical boards like the FDA yet while oral finasteride was approved by the FDA in 1992. 

Finasteride accessibility

Finasteride is pretty widely available and can be accessed through online subscription services. You can seek a prescription from a doctor in a clinic or you can receive a consultation online from an Australian GP over the phone. Your treatment can be delivered straight to your door to provide a convenient and private solution to hair loss. 

Compared to minoxidil, another medical treatment for hair loss, there is not an over-the-counter solution that is widely available. As topical finasteride is further researched and becomes more popular this may change. 

Whether you receive finasteride in combination with other treatments through an online subscription or your local GP or dermatologist, your doctor should be able to monitor your progress when it comes to hair regrowth. If you experience any negative side effects that are disrupting your life you should contact your GP or subscription service provider to see if it can be countered. 

Subscription services for finasteride that contain a combination of hair loss ingredients can often fine-tune your formulation if you are experiencing negative side effects to provide a unique service that is tailored to your response to the medication.

Finasteride sustainability of results

It may take some time to enjoy results from finasteride depending on how your body reacts to the medication. While some results can be observable after 3 months it can take up to a year to see an improvement in your hair growth. In the long term, the effectiveness of finasteride can increase over time if it is not initially working for you. 

This can be a significant commitment as studies have observed an increase in medication effectiveness after 2 years and even more after 10 years. This may not be a sustainable choice if you are experiencing the negative side effects while not enjoying the finasteride benefits. 

As finasteride is a DHT blocker, it is only tackling one cause of hair loss. While it can provide positive results, it may not be enough to completely stop your hair loss. Your finasteride treatment may need to be supplemented by other medical treatments like minoxidil.

Finasteride compatibility with other treatments

Finasteride is effective in combination with other medications. Minoxidil, an FDA-approved topical treatment, increases the flow of blood to the scalp by widening the blood vessels. This can increase the size of hair follicles and encourage the production of thicker and healthier hair. 

Studies have shown that taking minoxidil and oral finasteride can be a better combination treatment than using either as a monotherapy. Research has indicated that the combination is typically well tolerated and that it is safe for use. 

Similarly, topical finasteride and minoxidil combinations have also been effective in studies. 80% of patients in one study saw an increase in hair growth or their hair density maintained. However, more research is required to see how effective this combination is. 

Other combinations include dutasteride, which is also a DHT blocker, topical ketoconazole, an antifungal DHT blocker and natural supplements though again these require more research into their effectiveness when used in combination.

Finasteride emotional appeal

While studies and doctor recommendations can help choose a hair loss treatment, patient testimonials are also important to consider. Many people report having a positive experience using finasteride to tackle hair loss. They noticed a significant reduction in hair shedding and improvements in their hairline. 

This not only restored their confidence but also improved their overall quality of life. Patients have reported a considerable decrease in hair loss while gaining self-assurance through the treatment. Testimonials have also noted the importance of adherence and patience since noticeable results require consistency and the best results are only visible after an extended period. 

Due to the negative effects on libido and erectile dysfunction, it can be difficult for patients to adhere to taking the medication consistently enough to see results. Some patients reported microdosing the medication which reportedly can reduce the side effects but it could be a placebo effect. If making any changes to your dosage it’s important to consult your doctor beforehand.

Finasteride health benefits beyond hair loss

Finasteride was initially developed to treat enlarged prostate glands. Specifically, it was used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). Finasteride has also shown promise as a long-term protection against prostate cancer. 

A study from the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that finasteride could help protect men from developing prostate cancer for up to 16 years. Studies have found that 1 in 9 men will experience prostate cancer making it the most common form of cancer in men. 

The study showed that when taken for 7 years, the risk of developing prostate cancer was reduced by 25 per cent and that the protective effect was maintained throughout those 7 years. Since finasteride is usually taken as a long-term treatment for hair loss, it could provide potential benefits such as this alongside improving your hair growth. 

While it is only FDA-approved for hair loss in men, finasteride has also shown promise when used as a treatment for FPHL, hirsutism, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). 

Finasteride environmental impact

Finasteride is a 5 alpha-reductase (5AR) inhibitor. 5AR is the enzyme that allows for the conversion of testosterone to DHT. In environmental safety and ecotoxicology reports, researchers have expressed concerns over 5AR inhibitors. 

Since 5AR inhibitors have a long half-life, researchers are worried about the potential impact they can have on the environment. However, more research is required to fully understand how it reacts in different water sources and soil. 

Some studies have suggested that finasteride when exposed to a crucial marine crustacean in freshwater ecosystems saw that the organisms were negatively impacted in their development and reproduction. 

This could have a knock-on effect on the ecologies of these ecosystems and have wider environmental impacts as it could harm biodiversity in aquatic biomes thanks to human interference. The carbon footprint of the production of pharmaceuticals like finasteride should also be considered. The full effect of transporting this medication can also harm the environment. 

Treatment Method

Finasteride is most commonly available as an oral solution but it can also be applied as a topical treatment.

If taken as an oral medication, it just requires taking a daily pill with a glass of water at the same time every day. It’s important to adhere to any directions with your prescription as your formulation may contain other ingredients that dictate how the medication should be taken. Finasteride needs to be taken regularly to see results.

If taken as a topical treatment, the treatment process is similar to other topical solutions like minoxidil:

• Ensure that your scalp is dry and clean
• Use the recommended dosage
• Gently rub the treatment into your scalp
• Allow it to absorb
• Maintain consistency in application

Different concentrations of topical finasteride can take a different amount of time to absorb but it is recommended to leave it on for at least 4 hours.

FAQs

Are there other DHT blockers available to treat hair loss?

There are two main DHT blockers available to treat hair loss: finasteride and dutasteride. Finasteride is the most common option and is most widely available. Dutasteride is stronger than finasteride but is currently only approved to treat androgenic alopecia in South Korea and Japan. Natural DHT blockers can also be used such as pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto and caffeine.

Does post-finasteride syndrome exist?

Due to the negative side effects that some people can encounter which can impact their sexual, physical and mental health, some have coined the term post finasteride syndrome (PFS). The medical community has not recognised PFS due to lack of scientific evidence but research is being conducted into the reality of this condition as some of the side effects appear to continue even after treatment is discontinued.

Are there medications that interact with finasteride?

Some drugs and nutraceuticals can interact with finasteride like Saint John’s Wort. These can affect the finasteride levels in your bloodstream but it is rare this is the case. The FDA has not listed any major finasteride interactions but it’s important to consult with your doctor before starting finasteride to see if there is a potential for any negative interactions with your other medications. 

Are some people more likely to respond to finasteride than others?

It can be hard to determine which patients will respond to finasteride and how effective the treatment will be. In clinical trials, patients ranged between 18 to 41 years old and had mild-to-moderate but not complete hair loss which indicates the best profile for effective treatment.

Is it possible for hair to grow more on other parts of the body while taking finasteride?

Since finasteride is a specific type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor it primarily works on hair follicles found in the scalp. No reported effect was observed on hair on other parts of the body during clinical trials.

Is there anyone who can’t take finasteride?

Finasteride is not recommended for use by women and children. It can be prescribed off-label for postmenopausal women however and has not caused issues. It is contraindicated in women who are pregnant or if they are hypersensitive to any of the components of the finasteride pill. Additionally, it is not recommended for subfertile men. Sperm counts may be taken before starting finasteride and checked after 6 months of treatment.

Can finasteride help to regrow hair?

Finasteride works to convert DHT into testosterone to prevent hair loss. It will only be effective if this is the cause of your hair loss. It won’t be effective if your hair loss is caused by other factors such as chemotherapy, stress, medications, or hypothyroidism. It’s important to identify the cause of your hair loss before starting treatment to ensure the best results.

Do I need to take minoxidil if I’m already taking finasteride?

While both medications are effective at treating male pattern baldness, your results can be improved by combining the treatments. This is because they have different mechanisms of action which can target different causes of hair loss. While finasteride helps to prevent hair loss, minoxidil is a vasodilator that encourages hair growth.

Can finasteride have an impact on the heart?

Finasteride may have an impact on the heart and can lead to lowered blood pressure for some users. It’s important to have a consultation before starting this medication as it can lower your blood pressure. Research has indicated that finasteride can help reverse abnormal changes in the lower chambers of the heart thanks to its cardioprotective effects.

What if I miss a day of taking oral finasteride?

If you miss a day of taking oral finasteride it will probably not cause an issue if it is an infrequent occurrence. However, if you skip your pill regularly the finasteride won’t be as effective. If you are experiencing negative side effects you may be able to take it every other day. Before making any changes to the intake of the medication you should consult your doctor. 

What is the difference between 5mg of finasteride and 1mg of finasteride?

Finasteride at 5mg is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia to reduce the size of the prostate. It can have other benefits such as improving urine flow and easing difficulties while urinating. Finasteride baldness medication has been approved at a 1mg dose for effective hair loss treatment.

Can finasteride affect your sleep?

Finasteride may cause issues with your sleep including sleep apnea and insomnia. In some studies, the negative effects on sleep persisted even after patients had discontinued the medication. You should talk to your doctor before taking finasteride if you have a history of problems with your sleep.

Does it matter what age you are if you want to start taking finasteride?

Finasteride can work at any age and will be as effective. The best time to start taking a medication like finasteride is when you first start to notice the signs of hair thinning or hair loss. It can be more effective in younger people as they tend to have less hair loss as a result of ageing.

Can you take Viagra if you are taking finasteride?

There are no interactions between finasteride and Viagra so they are safe to take together. You may be prescribed Viagra or another phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor to combat erectile dysfunction caused by finasteride. Consult with your doctor before taking Viagra alongside finasteride.

How do I know if finasteride is causing negative side effects if it is part of a combination treatment?

If you are taking finasteride in a formulation that contains other ingredients to combat hair loss, it’s important to report any negative side effects to your doctor. Based on the reported side effects, your doctor should be able to isolate which ingredient is causing an issue and the formulation you are taking can be altered to counter this depending on the provider.

Can finasteride help tackle baldness?

There is currently no cure for baldness. Finasteride would not be effective for bald men as there are not enough strong hair follicles that can be regenerated by taking the medication. Finasteride is most effective at slowing the impacts of hair loss or thinning and promoting regrowth of hair from dormant follicles.