Finasteride for Hair Loss: The Complete Guide
Finasteride is the most effective FDA-approved medication for stopping male pattern hair loss. This guide covers everything: how it works, proper dosing, realistic timelines, side effects, and how to get it online.
Quick Facts
Brand name: Propecia
Dose: 1mg once daily
FDA approved: 1997 (for hair loss)
How it works: Blocks DHT production
Effectiveness: 80-90% stop hair loss
Results timeline: 3-6 months to start
Cost: $16-40/month generic
Prescription required: Yes
How Finasteride Works
To understand finasteride, you need to understand DHT—the hormone that causes male pattern hair loss.
The DHT Problem
- 1. Your body converts testosterone into DHT using an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase
- 2. DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles on your scalp
- 3. This triggers follicle miniaturization—follicles shrink over time
- 4. Shrunken follicles produce thinner, shorter, lighter hairs
- 5. Eventually, the follicle stops producing visible hair altogether
The Finasteride Solution
Finasteride blocks 5-alpha reductase (specifically type II, found in hair follicles). By blocking this enzyme:
- • DHT levels in the scalp drop by 60-70%
- • Hair follicles stop shrinking
- • Existing miniaturized follicles may recover
- • Hair loss stops; some regrowth occurs
This is why finasteride is so effective—it addresses the root cause of male pattern hair loss, not just the symptoms.
How Effective Is Finasteride?
The clinical evidence is strong. Here's what studies show:
Stopping Hair Loss
80-90%
of men stop or significantly slow hair loss
Hair Regrowth
~65%
of men see some degree of regrowth
Meta-analyses show finasteride increases hair count by about 12-18 hairs per cm² after 12 months. For context, a full head of hair has about 120 hairs per cm², so this represents meaningful improvement.
Finasteride works best on the crown (vertex) but also helps the frontal hairline area. It's most effective when started early—before significant hair has been lost.
Dosage and How to Take It
Standard Dosing
- Dose: 1mg once daily
- Timing: Same time each day (morning or night, doesn't matter)
- With food: Can be taken with or without food
- Duration: Continuous—effects only last while taking it
Note: Some men use 5mg finasteride (Proscar, for prostate) cut into quarters to save money. This works but creates uneven doses. The 1mg tablet is specifically formulated for hair loss.
💡 Consistency Matters
Missing occasional doses is fine, but skipping days regularly reduces effectiveness. Set a daily reminder to maximize results.
Results Timeline: What to Expect
Finasteride requires patience. Your hair has a growth cycle, and it takes time for improvements to become visible.
Months 1-3: The Waiting Period
DHT levels drop immediately, but you won't see visible changes yet. Some men experience temporary shedding as weak hairs fall out. This is normal—don't panic.
Months 3-6: Early Signs
You may notice: less hair in the shower/on pillow, shedding slows down, existing hair looks healthier. Clinical studies show "significant improvement" as early as 12 weeks.
Months 6-12: Visible Progress
This is when most men see real results: thinning areas filling in, bald patches showing new growth, hair density improving. Vellus hairs (fine baby hairs) begin converting to terminal hairs (thick, pigmented).
Year 1+: Maximum Results
Optimal results typically appear after 12-24 months of consistent use. Studies show continued improvement in year 2. Finasteride maintains results long-term with continued use.
Side Effects: What the Studies Show
Finasteride does have potential side effects—mostly sexual. Here's what the clinical data actually shows:
| Side Effect | Incidence (Finasteride) | Incidence (Placebo) |
|---|---|---|
| Decreased libido | 1.8% | 1.3% |
| Erectile dysfunction | 1.3% | 0.7% |
| Ejaculation issues | 1.2% | 0.7% |
| Breast tenderness | 0.5% | 0.1% |
Key points:
- •Sexual side effects occur in 1-2% of users
- •Most side effects resolve after stopping the medication
- •Some men report side effects persisting after stopping (rare, controversial)
- •In 2025, the EMA confirmed suicidal thoughts can occur as a side effect
⚠️ Important Warning
Women: Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
If you experience depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts while taking finasteride, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Oral vs Topical Finasteride
Topical finasteride has become popular as a way to potentially reduce systemic side effects. However:
2025 FDA Warning
The FDA issued a warning about compounded topical finasteride products. These are not FDA-approved, and the FDA received reports of serious adverse events (including sexual dysfunction and depression) similar to oral finasteride. The agency has not evaluated their safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality.
If you want topical finasteride, discuss it with a dermatologist who can properly evaluate your options.
Can You Use Finasteride with Minoxidil?
Yes—and combination therapy is actually the gold standard for treating male pattern hair loss.
Why Combination Works
- • Finasteride: Blocks DHT → stops hair loss at the source
- • Minoxidil: Increases blood flow → stimulates new growth
- • Different mechanisms = complementary effects
- • Studies show 92%+ success rate with combination therapy
There's no interaction between finasteride and minoxidil, so they're safe to use together.
Get Finasteride Online
Free consultation, discreet shipping, starting at $16/month.
What Happens If You Stop Taking Finasteride?
Finasteride only works while you're taking it. If you stop:
- •DHT levels return to normal within days
- •Hair loss resumes within 3-6 months
- •Any regrown hair will eventually be lost
- •After 6-12 months off, you'll return to where you would have been without treatment
This is a long-term commitment. If you start finasteride, plan to continue indefinitely to maintain results.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Take Finasteride
Good Candidates
- ✓ Men with male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia)
- ✓ Early-to-moderate hair loss (best results)
- ✓ Those committed to daily, long-term use
- ✓ Men comfortable with potential (rare) side effects
Not Recommended For
- ✗ Women (not FDA-approved; can harm male fetuses)
- ✗ Men under 18
- ✗ Those with liver disease
- ✗ Men with a history of prostate cancer
- ✗ Those allergic to finasteride
Key Takeaways
- 1. Finasteride blocks DHT — the hormone causing male pattern hair loss
- 2. 80-90% of men stop hair loss; ~65% see regrowth
- 3. Standard dose: 1mg daily — take consistently
- 4. Timeline: 3-6 months to see initial results; 12 months for full effects
- 5. Sexual side effects occur in 1-2% — usually resolve if you stop
- 6. Works better with minoxidil — combination is gold standard
- 7. Long-term commitment — stopping causes hair loss to resume
- 8. Prescription required — available online from multiple telehealth platforms
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Finasteride is a prescription medication with potential side effects. Consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting treatment to determine if finasteride is appropriate for your situation.