The Truth: Does Finasteride Really Work for Hair Loss?

As hair restoration experts, we are here to give you the facts on one of the most talked about hair loss treatments: Finasteride. Widely used for male pattern baldness and androgenetic alopecia, Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication that has gotten a lot of attention for its results. With BosleyRx®, you can get a prescription for Finasteride from the comfort of your home if you’re a candidate.

In this post, we will get into the science behind finasteride, its effects on hair growth, and its side effects, all to help you make an informed decision on your hair loss treatment options. 

Finasteride and Hair Loss

Finasteride is one of the most effective prescription hair loss meds available. Let’s get into what it is, how it works, and why it’s one of the top treatment recommendations for those suffering from hair loss.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is an oral medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. It’s a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Originally developed to treat enlarged prostates, researchers found out its potential for hair growth during clinical trials. This led to its FDA approval for male pattern baldness treatment in 1997. (Note that while it’s FDA-approved for men, it’s not recommended for women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Learn more about hair loss medication for women here.

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride works by targeting the root cause of male pattern baldness: DHT. This hormone is a byproduct of testosterone and is primarily responsible for hair follicle miniaturization in genetically susceptible individuals.

By inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, finasteride reduces DHT levels in the scalp by up to 60%. This reduction allows hair follicles to regain their normal size and function, promoting hair growth and preventing further hair loss. 

Keep in mind that finasteride doesn’t work overnight. Most users start to see results after 3-6 months of use and maximum benefits after about a year of treatment.

FDA Approved Treatments

The FDA has approved several treatments for hair loss, Finasteride is one of the most effective. BosleyRx® offers FDA-approved Finasteride as a convenient once-daily pill as well as a topical treatment compounded with minoxidil.

Other FDA-approved treatments:

1. Minoxidil: Topical solution for hair growth
2. Low-level laser therapy: Red light for hair follicles
3. Hair transplant: Surgical procedure for hair restoration

Note that while these treatments are effective individually, combining them often yields the best results. Many doctors recommend using finasteride with minoxidil for maximum hair growth.

Finasteride for Hair Loss

Finasteride is the top prescription treatment for hair loss. Let’s get into its effectiveness, who it works best for, and how it compares to other treatments.

Effectiveness of Finasteride

Finasteride has proven to be very effective for male pattern baldness. Clinical studies have shown a significant increase in hair count and thickness for most users.

A study published in the Department of Clinical Research found that 83% of men reported slowed hair loss after 2 years of treatment. 

Finasteride results tend to be the most noticeable in the crown area and middle of the scalp. 

Consistency is key with Finasteride. Users need to take it daily for at least 3-6 months to start seeing results, and continued use is necessary to maintain the benefits.

Does Finasteride Work for Everyone?

While Finasteride is very effective for many, it doesn’t work for everyone. Its effectiveness can depend on:

1. Age: Younger men tend to respond better to treatment.
2. Stage of hair loss: Earlier stages of hair loss tend to show better results.
3. Genetics: Some individuals may be less responsive to the treatment.
4. Consistency of use: Daily use is crucial for optimal results. Also note that Finasteride is only effective for male pattern baldness. It may not work for other types of hair loss, such as nutrient deficiency, stress, or certain medical conditions.
5. Gender: Finasteride is only FDA-cleared for men.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss in men. Let’s get into this condition and how Finasteride fits into its treatment.

Male Pattern Baldness Explained

Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition that affects millions of men worldwide. It’s characterized by progressive thinning of hair, usually starting at the temples and crown of the head.

The main culprit behind this condition is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT binds to hair follicles and causes them to shrink over time. This process is called miniaturization and leads to thinner and shorter hair until the follicle stops producing hair altogether.

The progression of male pattern baldness follows the Norwood Scale, a classification system that helps doctors assess the extent and pattern of hair loss. Knowing where you are on this scale will help determine the best treatment approach.

Role of Finasteride in Hair Restoration

Finasteride plays a crucial role in combating male pattern baldness by directly targeting the root cause: DHT. By inhibiting the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, Finasteride reduces DHT levels in the scalp.

This reduction in DHT levels does two things:

1. Halts miniaturization, preventing further hair loss.
2. Allows miniaturized hair follicles to regrow, potentially reversing some of the hair loss.

Finasteride’s ability to address the root cause of male pattern baldness makes it a cornerstone of many hair restoration strategies. It’s often used as a first-line treatment or in combination with other therapies for comprehensive hair restoration.

Long-Term Benefits of Finasteride

The long-term benefits of finasteride for hair restoration are well documented. Studies have shown that consistent use of Finasteride can result in sustained improvements in hair count and thickness over several years.

A study by Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine found that 91.5% of men who took finasteride reported improvement and prevention of hair loss over a ten year period. That’s impressive, considering the natural progression of male pattern baldness would normally result in significant hair loss over a decade.

But note that finasteride needs to be taken continuously to maintain its benefits. If treatment is stopped, DHT levels will rise again, and hair loss will likely resume.

For those considering long-term use of finasteride, consulting with a hair restoration expert at Bosley can provide personalized advice and monitoring to ensure optimal results.

Considerations and Side Effects

While finasteride is a good treatment for hair loss, it’s important to be aware of the possible side effects and weigh the risks and benefits. Let’s get into these considerations.

Side Effects of Finasteride

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but like all medications, it can cause side effects in some individuals. The most common side effects are related to sexual function:

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Ejaculation disorders

Note that these side effects occur in a small percentage of users, less than 2%. In most cases, these side effects will resolve on their own, even with continued use of the medication.

Other less common side effects may include:

• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Testicular pain
• Depression

If you experience any concerning symptoms while taking finasteride, consult your doctor immediately.

Weighing Risks and Benefits

When considering finasteride for hair loss treatment, weigh the risks against the benefits. Here are some key points to consider:

Benefits:

• Proven to slow the progression of hair loss and promote hair growth
• Convenient once-daily oral medication
• FDA-approved for male pattern baldness

Risks:

• Minor chance of sexual side effects
• Suitable for men only
• Rare but serious side effects

Consulting Healthcare Professionals

Before starting any hair loss treatment, including finasteride, consult with a healthcare professional. They can:

1. Assess your overall health and suitability for the treatment
2. Discuss risks and benefits in detail
3. Answer any questions or concerns you may have
4. Monitor and support you

With BosleyRx®, you can get medical advice from the comfort of your own home. Our team of healthcare professionals specializes in hair restoration and can guide you on using finasteride and other hair loss treatments.

Remember, open communication with your healthcare provider is key to safe and effective treatment. Don’t hesitate to discuss any side effects or concerns that arise during your treatment journey.

Get Started with Finasteride

Getting started with Finasteride through Bosley is easy: 

1. Consultation: Book a free consultation with a Bosley hair restoration expert.

2. Evaluation: During your consultation, your hair loss will be evaluated, and treatment options will be discussed.

3. Prescription: If Finasteride is recommended, you can get a prescription through BosleyRx®.

4. Follow-up: Follow-ups will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust treatment as needed.

Remember, consistency is key with finasteride. Bosley’s team can guide you on proper use and what to expect during your treatment journey.