What it is
Finasteride is a prescription oral medication classified as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It was originally developed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and later approved by the FDA at a lower dose (1 mg) for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. It is one of the most extensively studied hair loss treatments available.
Who it's commonly prescribed for
Finasteride is typically prescribed for adult men experiencing early-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia (male-pattern hair loss), particularly those with thinning at the crown or recession at the temples. It is not approved for use in women or children. A licensed clinician will consider your medical history before prescribing.
Typical timeline
Hair loss treatments require consistency. With daily finasteride use, most patients begin to notice reduced shedding within 3 months. Visible improvement in density or coverage generally becomes apparent between 6 and 12 months. Maximum results are typically observed around 24 months of continuous use. Discontinuation leads to gradual loss of benefit over 6 to 12 months.
Common side effects
As with any medication, finasteride carries potential side effects. The following have been reported in clinical trials and post-marketing surveillance. Most are uncommon and generally resolve upon discontinuation.
- Decreased libido
- Erectile changes
- Reduced ejaculate volume
- Breast tenderness (rare)
- Mood changes (reported infrequently)
- Skin rash (uncommon)
Questions to ask a clinician
If you are considering finasteride, these questions can help guide a productive consultation with your prescribing clinician.
- Is finasteride appropriate given my specific pattern of hair loss?
- Are there any interactions with medications I currently take?
- What monitoring, if any, do you recommend while on this medication?
- What should I do if I experience side effects?
- Is a lower dose or less frequent dosing schedule a reasonable starting point?
- How will we evaluate whether the treatment is working?