Hair loss affects millions of men worldwide, and androgenic alopecia (commonly known as male pattern baldness) is the most prevalent culprit. Fortunately, there is one of the most clinically tested remedies available for this very condition, which is Finasteride. Men who are dealing with thinning hairlines or balding will have hope for this remedy.
Given the importance of the topic, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery established a task force on finasteride adverse event controversies to evaluate published data and make recommendations. A daily regimen of 1 mg orally may be recommended for those who fail or cannot tolerate other therapy as indicated for male-pattern hair loss. A trial of therapy for one year is needed to assess stabilization of hair loss, and hair regrowth may take up to two years or longer. Â
What Is Finasteride Used For?Â
Finasteride is a pharmaceutical drug that is approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat androgenetic hair loss in men. It can also be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but has become a popular choice for pattern baldness due to its effectiveness at stimulating hair growth. Unlike common solutions, Finasteride acts from within the body to help treat the underlying hormonal cause of balding.
Some recent studies with topical finasteride formulations have been published. A double-blind study showed that the therapeutic effects of 1% finasteride gel applied twice daily and oral finasteride, 1 mg daily, were relatively similar. Topical finasteride can be considered for hair density maintenance after initial improvement with oral finasteride, thereby avoiding the need for using oral finasteride indefinitely.Â
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How Does Finasteride Work?Â
You should understand how finasteride works; it’s necessary to take a quick look at the biology of hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that is a by-product of testosterone and is a primary cause of male pattern baldness. Over time, DHT triggers the hair follicles to shrink, or miniaturize, making it impossible to see hair grow.
Finasteride is a 5α-reductase inhibitor. It inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT and lowers DHT levels in the scalp and in the blood by about 60-70%. Lower levels of DHT reduce hair shrinkage and help many men halt further hair loss and even regrow some hair in many instances.
Does Finasteride Work for Hair Loss? The StatisticsÂ
So, what about the effectiveness of finasteride for hair loss? For most of the users, clinical evidence says yes:
- If men took finasteride for several years, about 83-90% of them did not experience any further progress in hair loss.
- After 2 years of regular use, about 65% of men experienced some sign of regrowth.
- A study of 5 years’ duration revealed that 48% of men that were taking the placebo continued to experience hair loss, while only a small percentage of the men taking finasteride continued to experience hair loss.
- Initial improvement is usually observed between 4 and 6 months, and best results will occur between 12 and 24 months of age.
For example, a Japanese study following men for 10 years found that 90% maintained their hair and 99% avoided significant worsening while on Finasteride. The rate of visible regrowth is 65%. These statistics add to the fact that it is effective for finasteride male pattern baldness.
How Long Does Finasteride Take to Work?Â
One frequently asked question: how long does finasteride take to work? Or how long does it take for finasteride to work? Patience is the key:
- Months 1-3: Little visible difference; some men experience temporary shedding while new hairs grow in place.
- Months 4-6: Hair loss is less evident, and the scalp may begin to become covered.
- Months 6-12: Noticeable regrowth and thickening in most users, especially on the crown and mid-scalp.
- More than 12 months: Maximum benefits are generally seen after 12 months, and they should be continued to maintain.
Those wondering about how long it takes for propecia to work should know that it is the same thing as Propecia working, as it has the same active ingredient.
Finasteride for Receding HairlineÂ
Results from finasteride for a receding hairline (temple area) are not as promising as for crown and mid-scalp thinning. The hairline area frequently does not react as strongly as the back of the head. Some dermatologists suggest using finasteride in combination with a topical minoxidil for more complete coverage, particularly if hairline recession is a main issue.
In the article “Finasteride in the treatment of men with frontal male pattern hair loss,” finasteride is used to increase hair count at the front of the scalp. It can impact frontal hair loss when used consistently for at least a year. In the article “Use of Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Hair Loss),” men were more satisfied with the appearance of their hairline after using finasteride. 99% of men who used finasteride experienced no further hair loss, and 91.5% saw visible improvement in hair growth.Â
How Effective Is Finasteride/Propecia?Â
If you’re considering how effective is Propecia or Finasteride, data from extended time period studies are helpful. Research over a period of 5-10 years has demonstrated that regular daily application helps to preserve higher hair density than none at all. If the medicine is not taken, its effectiveness is reduced. DHT will return, and hair loss usually occurs 6-12 months after stopping.Â
Choosing the Right Finasteride ProductÂ
Choosing the Right Finasteride Product Depending on your treatment plan and the prescribing physician’s recommendation, you can choose from a range of finasteride doses and brand formulations:Â
Fincar 5 mg is a strong version that is more commonly used for BPH and is also prescribed off-label for hair loss. Proscalpin 1 mg is a standard-dose tablet that has been designed to treat androgenic alopecia specifically. Curlzfin Tablets are a popular generic finasteride tablet for helping hair regrowth. Finpecia 1 mg Tablets are one of the most popular generic versions of Propecia. Proscare 5 mg is a stronger dose that’s usually used for prostate-related issues. Healpecia 5 mg Tablet is a 5 mg dosage with flexible options. Prohair Tablet is specially formulated to combat hair thinning and pattern baldness.Â
Safety Considerations
Side effects are rarely a problem when taking finasteride, but a small proportion of people have experienced some, such as reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or mood changes (which are each reported to affect about 2-4% of people taking finasteride in clinical trials). Males should not handle broken or crushed tablets because they may cause birth defects in the male fetus.
Final Thoughts
Finasteride is an effective and proven treatment for men with androgenetic alopecia. When properly used, with realistic expectations and medical advice, it has one of the greatest potential at slowing the progress of hair loss and regrowth. In treating androgenic alopecia, finasteride does not lead to a 100% reduction in DHT; hair loss is slowed but not completely halted. Patients receiving treatment for androgenic alopecia have a reversal of hair count within 12 months.
FAQ's
1. How long for Propecia to work if you are consistent with dosing?
Initial results begin to be seen in most men after 4-6 months of continued daily use, and full benefits may be observed after 12 months.
2. Does finasteride work for hair loss in all men equally?
No. It will depend on the person’s genetics, age, and the levels of hair loss when treatment was initiated. The intervention is provided, and the result will be shown.
3. What is finasteride used for besides hair loss?
Finasteride is also prescribed by the FDA to treat a condition in men called benign prostatic hyperplasia, or an enlarged prostate, beyond treating androgenic alopecia.
4. Is finasteride effective for a receding hairline specifically?
It can moderate recession but is generally more effective at the crown. When used with minoxidil, it could enhance the effects of the hairline.
5. What happens if you stop taking finasteride?
The levels of DHT return to normal, and most hair growth will start to fall back to normal within 6-12 months, working backwards from the time of treatment.
Dr. Lucifier is a men’s health specialist with over 12 years of experience in sexual wellness and ED treatment. He holds an MBBS, MD in Internal Medicine, and DM in Urology, and focuses on safe, personalized care using proven therapies like Sildenafil and Tadalafil.