Finasteride

Finasteride tablets are used to treat male pattern hair loss, which involves a gradual thinning of scalp hair most obviously manifested as a receding hairline or balding on the top of the head in men. Finasteride is not used to treat all forms of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium, tinea capitis, or others. Finasteride is also sometimes prescribed at higher doses to treat an enlarged prostate gland also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Male pattern baldness is the most common cause of hair loss. It is typically an inherited condition. As the condition progresses the natural hair growth cycle weakens and your hair follicles shrink, causing your hair to become shorter and finer. The exact cause for this type of hair loss is unknown but it is related to the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Treatments that inhibit the production of DHT are sometimes effective in slowing, stopping or reversing hair loss due to androgenic alopecia.

Prescription finasteride (1mg dose prescribed for hair loss) has been clinically proven to reduce hair loss or increase hair regrowth in more than 90% of study participants. Results are usually noticed after about 3-4 months of daily use. Continuous use of finasteride is essential, or new hair will be lost after one year of stopping the medication. (In comparison, topical minoxidil 5% is effective in stimulating hair regrowth in about 50% of men who use it consistently.)

Prescription finasteride works by preventing testosterone from breaking down into DHT, the hormone that is thought to contribute to male pattern baldness (aka androgenic alopecia) in genetically predisposed men. Finasteride medication is known as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Learn more about this and other drug classes we offer.

Start here to inquire about a finasteride prescription on our website. In the UK, finasteride, is only available with a prescription. You cannot buy finasteride over the counter. In order to get a prescription, you'll need to be evaluated by a healthcare professional either online or in person so they can determine which treatment options may be appropriate and whether finasteride is appropriate for you based on your patient information.

In clinical trials of finasteride 1mg, the following sexual side effects were the most common side effects experienced by patients:

• Decreased libido or lower sex drive (reported in 1.8% of patients taking finasteride vs. 1.3% taking placebo)

• Erectile dysfunction (reported in 1.3% of patients taking finasteride vs. 0.7% taking placebo)

• Ejaculation disorder (reported in 1.2% of patients taking finasteride vs. 0.7% taking placebo)

• Decreased volume of ejaculate (reported in 0.8% of patients taking finasteride vs. 0.4% taking placebo)

In addition, fewer than 1% of patients develop a rash or breast tenderness which is reversible after the medication is stopped. Medical literature shows some evidence of increased depressive and anxiety symptoms in users under 45 while using oral finasteride. Customers on our platform will answer questions relating to mental health during a consultation for oral finasteride treatment. As always, any new or worsening side effects (such as, feeling not yourself, mood has changed, etc) should be brought to your medical provider for guidance and medical advice. On the whole, studies indicate that side effects usually resolve themselves after the discontinuation of finasteride. However, about 1.4% of the patients who experience side effects continue to experience side effects even after stopping finasteride. There may be an association of sexual dysfunction side effects and the use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), which is why your doctor may recommend you stop taking finasteride for the period of time when you take NSAIDS. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience adverse effects like allergic reaction while taking finasteride. Emerging evidence suggests topical finasteride can help regrow hair and prevent further hair loss with a lower risk of sexual side effects compared to finasteride pills.

Yes. Finasteride & minoxidil are clinically proven to work better when combined.

No, finasteride is also available as a topical spray. Topical finasteride and minoxidil 2-in-1 hair loss spray is also available through Hims.

Your provider will prescribe what’s right for you. Typically a 1 mg tablet is prescribed for hair loss, although it may vary. Learn more about finasteride dosage for hair loss.

Along with NSAIDS, there are certain prescription drugs, otc medications, and supplements that may have interactions with finasteride. If you have a finasteride prescription, be sure to discuss any current medications or supplements you are taking with your healthcare provider. Additionally, you should avoid finasteride if you have liver disease, as this combination could lead to serious side effects.

If you are taking finasteride for hair loss, it may take 3-6 months before you start to notice results. Typically it takes closer to 12 months to see the best results. Finasteride starts working as soon as it’s absorbed by your body. This means that you’ll start blocking the conversion of testosterone and have lower DHT levels as soon as the first dose of finasteride gets into your system. However, your hair grows through a multi-phase process that’s referred to as the hair growth cycle. This means that even though finasteride starts working immediately, you shouldn’t expect to see any changes in your hair for several months, even if you’re using the medication as directed. Rest assured that finasteride is actively working. Over time, finasteride begins to accumulate in your body, meaning that a modest daily dose (typically 1mg, although it may vary) is enough to significantly reduce DHT production and keep your hair protected.

No, weight gain is not considered a side effect of finasteride.