Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss. If you’re considering this medication, you’ll be keen to learn about finasteride results and what you can expect. Finasteride is also sometimes used to treat an enlarged prostate. This article looks as finasteride results for hair loss, not prostate health.

Male pattern hair loss

Androgenic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss, is incredibly common. It can begin as early as your late teens or early twenties, but it does vary between men. It’s particularly common in Caucasian men with over 50% experiencing male pattern hair loss symptoms, such as a receding hairline, thinning or balding, by the time they are fifty years old. Many then consider finasteride tablets, and wonder about the results they can expect.

Male pattern hair loss is evidenced with hair loss on the top and front of the head, as well as a receding hair line. It typically develops slowly over time. For the best finasteride results, it’s essential to notice the hair loss earlier and treat it sooner.

There are a few factors which come into play to cause male pattern hair loss. Firstly, there’s a genetic predisposition. If the men in your family (both on the maternal and paternal sides) have male pattern baldness then it’s more likely that you will develop it. Some families are more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the scalp. It’s also due to your unique combination of hormones.

When you are sensitive to DHT, the hair regrowth cycle is believed to shorten. Additionally, it affects follicles, causing miniaturisation, which is why the hair feels thinner. DHT production in the body is regulated by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

Treatment options for male pattern baldness

You don’t have to treat male pattern hair loss – it’s a matter of personal choice. However, treatments, like finasteride are an option. Like other hair loss treatments, finasteride results include reducing further hair loss. For some men, it may even help some regrowth. However, for the best finasteride results, it’s better to start treatment sooner rather than later as it is generally more effective at preventing further loss.

What results can you expect with finasteride?

Finasteride comes in tablet form which you take daily. The usual dose is 1mg and it’s best to take it with food. You can take it at the time of day to suit you.

Finasteride, sometimes sold as Propecia, is a type of type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This stops the conversion of DHT, reducing the impact on the hair follicles and thus reducing hair loss. As a treatment, it is specifically indicated for male pattern hair loss (as well as being a treatment for an enlarged prostate).

Finasteride results are impressive. Most studies show that when taking finasteride for over six

months, hair loss is slowed down in 80-90% of cases. With men who start taking finasteride sooner, in the early stages of hair loss, they may even experience some regrowth. As with other male hair loss treatments, finasteride results are not permanent. If you stop taking the tablets then the hair loss will recommence.

The evidence from placebo-controlled studies shows that finasteride results are best for mild-to-moderate hair loss. Hair loss cannot be complete or extensive.

Does everyone get the same finasteride results?

It’s difficult to predict who will get the best results from finasteride. We know that the sooner you start treatment, the more effective it will be. We also know finasteride is very effective compared to other hair loss treatments. Finasteride needs to be taken regularly for at least six months. After this, trials show that hair loss slows for most men for another 12 months. However, ultimately, hair loss will start again if you stop taking the tablets. More evidence is appearing which shows that regrowth is quite promising with men who take finasteride long term.

It’s worth noting that all finasteride studies have looked at younger men, aged 18-41. If you are over 41 then it’s likely that you will get good finasteride results, but the extent will depend on how much hair you have already lost. There’s also no data available for men who have already gone completely bald.

Once you are taking finasteride tablets for male pattern hair loss, you will likely need to continue taking the tablets daily. If you stop taking the tablets then once again the DHT levels will rise in the scalp and balding will resume.

What about other side effects?

Many men worry that if they take finasteride for male pattern hair loss it will increase the hair all over their body. This isn’t the case. Finasteride works on type II 5-alpha reductase which is predominantly found in hair follicles in the scalp, not elsewhere. There’s no evidence to say you will become hairier overall.

Some women may experience male pattern hair loss due to hormone balance. If they experience this, they should not use finasteride during pregnancy as it may cause birth defects. Indeed, finasteride is not recommended for pre-menopausal women.

Most men can take finasteride without troublesome side effects. There is a small chance that finasteride can cause a lower libido or erectile dysfunction. Issues with ejaculation or breast enlargement are unlikely side effects too. Many side effects resolve with ongoing use of finasteride. If you stop taking finasteride due to side effects, the side effects reverse in the majority of cases. There is an incredibly small increased incidence of depression when taking finasteride. Current evidence does not associate finasteride with prostate cancer.

Studies so far show that finasteride is safe to use in the long term, but studies have only looked at use up to two years so far. However, wider evidence exists that shows that men born with a deficiency in 5-alpha reductase do not experience long term health consequences.

It would appear that finasteride is safe to take with all other medications without patients experiencing significant adverse reactions.

Where to get finasteride tablets

At International Pharmacy, we are pleased to bring you finasteride tablets, as well as Propecia. You can order online for fast reliable shipping worldwide.

As always, the information given in our articles is intended for information purposes only. Please consult with your own GP before taking any medication.