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POSTED: 8 Jul 2024

How Effective is Finasteride for Hair Loss & Can it Actually Help with Regrowth?

is super common and affects millions of people worldwide. There are many different causes, and hair loss can affect individuals across all races, age groups and genders. how common and natural it is, hair loss can have significant psychological effects, including low self-esteem and confidence. There are as many as there are causes, each with varying rates of success. these, is a powerful option for combating hair loss, in men but also in women where other have failed. In this guide, we how can treat hair loss, its effectiveness for regrowth, who it’s best for and potential side effects. We’ll also compare finasteride with other and the best way to use it.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride, commonly known under the brand names Propecia and Proscar, is a only . It was initially developed in the late 1980s by the pharmaceutical giant . was approved for the of benign prostatic (an prostate gland). Like many other drugs, scientists discovered another therapeutic role for it during trials. The researchers discovered that also had a effect on hair growth, which led to its approval by the FDA for the treatment of in 1997.


works by . This is an enzyme for into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). that shrinks hair follicles, which leads to hair thinning and eventual hair loss. By DHT levels in the scalp, helps to prevent further hair loss and and .

Effectiveness of Finasteride for Hair Loss in Men & Women

Numerous studies have demonstrated the of in hair for . For example, a involving over 1,500 men showed that 48% of participants increased hair growth and 42% maintained their hair. Only 10% of the participants to experience hair loss.


Although finasteride’s main use is for male baldness, its in has also been studied. However, studies the effectiveness of for hair loss in women have shown mixed . indicate that finasteride may help hair density in women with , especially postmenopausal women. However, the evidence is not as robust or conclusive as it is for men. Furthermore, it’s best not to use finasteride in due to the risk of teratogenic . This is because it can lead to birth defects if a woman becomes pregnant while taking the medication.

Form & Strength

Both oral and forms of can treat hair loss and aid regrowth. Oral finasteride, taken in tablet form, is the most common and well-studied method of administration. It has shown in reducing DHT levels and promoting scalp hair in men. However, it can carry a risk of systemic side effects, which we’ll later. Topical finasteride works on the follicles but minimises absorption, which reduces the risk of side effects. Early on finasteride have shown , with reductions in scalp DHT levels and improvements in hair . In fact, have that in increasing hair count and hair thickness in men.


For women with , that can also hair regrowth and comparable to the oral form. Whilst it lower risks of side effects, it is still best to avoid using it for women of age.


The is 1 mg per day, though this depends on the sex of the patient, their weight and other individual health factors. treatment is orally (often other hair loss treatments like ) or topically, often in a containing other hair .

Risks & Side Effects

is a very useful drug but, like any medication, is with . If used for the right patient, serious side effects are . However, it is important to them fully if you’re considering treatment. General side of finasteride include:

Specific Risks for Men

In addition to the above, there are some side effects and risks of using . These include:

Specific Risks for Women

As well as the general side effects, treatment additional risks for . These include:


finasteride hair loss treatments can reduce the risk of side like those mentioned above, but they do not completely negate them. To and manage side effects, it is vital to a healthcare provider before finasteride. monitoring and open with your clinician can help address any concerns or side effects early on.

Finasteride vs Other Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatments

is often with , an even more popular for hair loss that is also available in tablet and, most commonly, form. stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp. You can use both together (and they often are) for enhanced results. Unlike finasteride, you can also safely use it in women of all ages as well as men. It doesn’t carry the same hormonal side effects as finasteride. It is also available in lower strengths without prescription, in the form of . At higher strengths it is a only .


is a diuretic that has . This makes it in treating hormone-related hair loss, especially in women. It works by androgen receptors and production, which can help in like female baldness. is often preferred for women over finasteride due to its safer profile regarding reproductive health. It doesn’t pose the same risks of birth defects. However, spironolactone is generally not used for male pattern baldness due to potential feminising effects.


is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It is similar to but more potent, as it both type I and type II 5 enzymes. This broader inhibition makes more at reducing DHT levels and potentially more effective for hair regrowth. However, its increased also raises the risk of side effects. This makes it a treatment, reserved for cases where .


Typically, hair loss treatments may contain a combination of these ingredients, either separately or in a single . They may be used in tablet and/or form. The choice of is best tailored to individual needs and medical under the guidance of a healthcare .

Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS)

This is a term used to describe a collection of symptoms that persist in some individuals after discontinuing finasteride. These symptoms can include sexual dysfunction, psychological effects and issues (such as fatigue and muscle weakness). Although , it has been reported by a subset of users. The exact cause of PFS remains . Ongoing research aims to better its and develop .

How Long It Takes to See Results of Finasteride for Hair Loss

To achieve the best results, it is vital to take consistently, as skipping doses can reduce its effectiveness. Most users begin to see noticeable within three to six months of use. However, it can take up to a year to achieve optimal results. It is really important to understand that you will need to stay on this treatment to maintain your results. If you stop (or any non-surgical hair loss treatment), this can lead to a reversal of its . Hair loss may restart within several weeks or months of stopping the medication.

Where to Get Finasteride Hair Loss Treatments

is a only regardless of the dose or form it comes in. You would need an with a (e.g. a doctor) either in a physical or to diagnose the cause of your hair loss and suitable . They will then decide whether is suitable for you and in what dosage or form, as well as whether it can be used alone or needs other medications. Your clinician will either give you a to take to a pharmacy or, most likely if they’re a specialist provider, send your prescription to a who will your treatment.


is an for male pattern baldness. It is also useful in some cases of androgenetic hair loss in women. Its to promote hair regrowth is backed by extensive clinical research, and it has a safety . That said, it’s a only medicine. This means it must only be used under guidance and by a . This is because serious potential side effects exist, which can be reduced if it is used and .



We believe that hair loss and is an . This drove us to launch our online clinic. Our and using actives like , , , and where appropriate. To start your plan, book a or Thérascan - prettyfitaesthetics.co.uk, use . The towards great skin and hair .



This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a for advice, diagnosis or . Always consult a for any health or questions you might have.


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