How Good is Finasteride for Hair Loss?

It’s natural to lose 50-100 hair strands each day as a part of the hair growth cycle that comprises three phases- growth, rest and fall. However, due to external or internal factors, the hair fall count may increase more than this and is termed hair loss. There are several treatment options, including finasteride for hair loss.

Some hair loss conditions can be reversed if treated on time, while others can be slowed down using medications. Finasteride for hair loss is an oral prescription that comes in the form of a tablet. Finasteride is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss. It is also available in topical formulations in combination with minoxidil. Depending on the superficiality of the hair loss, the dermatologist prescribes the dose of oral tablets. As the drug can be consumed regularly, most hair doctors prescribe 1-5mg of dosage per day to reverse hair loss. Topical formulations are to be directly applied to the affected area once or twice daily, as advised by the doctor.

Finasteride drug contains 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that prevent the conversion of testosterone into the hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT. DHT is the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss. Pattern baldness is most common in men and is referred to as male-pattern baldness. It binds with receptors of the hair follicle leading to miniaturisation and, ultimately, significant hair loss.

Finasteride for hair regrowth helps to slow down hair loss or even stop hair loss, and in others, hair regrowth is also visible. Most men observe hair regrowth in the areas of baldness like the crown, hairline and scalp after taking the dose of Finasteride.

Every medicine has some side effects, and so does finasteride. Finasteride is an over-the-counter medicine for androgenic alopecia but may lead to potential side effects. The low-potential form of the drug used for hair loss treatment has mild side effects. However, you must consult your dermatologist if you observe these side effects.

• Erectile dysfunction
• Discomfort in testicles
• Depression
• Mood swings
• Reduces sexual drive
• Altered levels of Prostate Specific Antigen

Topical therapy is associated with side effects like headaches, lightheadedness, mild scalp irritation, etc.

Finasteride for hair loss is only helpful in pattern hair loss. As male and female pattern baldness is generally caused due to DHT, and the drug is effective in these cases. You should not start taking the medication on your own without a prescription. The dose and the duration required will be suggested by your hair loss doctor, who will also tell you about the side effects and other things to keep in mind while on these medications. Thus, it is advised to visit the dermatologist at HairMD Clinic Pune to get the right treatment on time.