Finasteride against hair loss (2024)
One of the most effective treatments to combat male pattern baldness is finasteride. Originally used as a remedy for prostate enlargement, today it helps many individuals who suffer from hair loss. One of the most famous users is the former American president Donald Trump.
In a Nutshell
| Cost | 38 - 52 USD per month |
| Side Effect | 2 - 5% of users |
| Chances of success | 66% of users |
What is finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and for benign prostate enlargement. When used for hair loss, 1mg of finasteride is taken daily with a glass of fluid.
The active ingredient has been approved in the USA since 1992. In 2017, finasteride was prescribed to more than 9 million patients in the US. Finasteride is available only by prescription and is prescribed by your family doctor, dermatologist or urologist.
| Study | Result |
|---|---|
| Drake et al (1999) | It was shown that DHT levels in the scalp were reduced by 64% for 1mg and 69% for 5mg after 42 days of treatment compared to a 13% decrease in the placebo group. |
| Roberts et al (1999) | This study showed that treatment with finasteride leads to both an increase in hair count and a cosmetic improvement in hair growth. The efficacy of finasteride 1 mg was similar to the efficacy observed with the 5 mg dose, but was significantly greater than the efficacy observed with lower doses (0.2 mg and 0.01 mg) of finasteride. |
| Kaufman et al (1998) | The expert panel's evaluation of standardized clinical photographs showed that 48% of men treated with finasteride showed improvement in hair growth after one year, compared to 7% of men in the placebo group. The benefits of finasteride continued to increase after two years: 66% of the men experienced an improvement in hair growth based on the evaluation of standardized clinical photographs, compared to 7% of the men who received placebo. |
Who is finasteride suitable for?
Men who suffer from male pattern baldness can take finasteride. The medication should not be taken by women. Women who suffer from hair loss should utilize the drug minoxidil or pursue a hair transplantation.
If the hair loss is already advanced (Norwood scale 5 to 7), taking finasteride is not really helpful, as the drug primarily stops hair loss.
Various studies show that finasteride can stop hair loss, particularly on the crown of the head. In many cases, however, the spread of a receding hairline can also be prevented.
According to the medihair hair transplant statistics, only 15.6% of the patients who are interested in a hair transplant are treating their hair loss with medical proven hair loss medication such as minoxidil or finasteride. However, a hair transplant should always be the last resort and in most cases the hair transplant needs to be complimented with hair loss medication to achieve a lasting result.
- Age: 28
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 27
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 43
- Hair loss degree: V+ (advanced)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 38
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 45
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 24
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 29
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 32
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 30
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 34
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 33
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 40
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 43
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 37
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
- Age: 42
- Hair loss degree: III and IV (medium)
- Method: FUE
Finasteride for women
Finasteride is not a recommended medicine for women suffering from hair loss. Women who are seeking treatment to stop hair loss should use the topical medicine minoxidil, it can be applied as a gel or foam to the scalp. If they are seeking to regain hair in balding areas, they should look into hair transplantation.
Finasteride can be harmful to an unborn child if a pregnant woman comes into contact with it. When having intercourse with a partner taking finasteride a condom should be worn if you are pregnant or suspect you could be. In addition, pregnant women should not handle finasteride tablets because if the tablet is broken it can reach the bloodstream through the skin and harm the unborn child.
Saving Tip
Finasteride medications for hair loss are roughly ten times more expensive than finasteride medications for benign prostate enlargement (when the active ingredient content is compared). However, the active ingredient composition of finasteride drugs for hair loss and for benign prostate hyperplasia (brand name Proscar) is identical. Finasteride for benign prostate enlargement can therefore also be used for hair loss. Since the dosage per tablet is higher (5mg) than the recommended dosage for hair loss (1mg), the tablet should be divided several times. (Please only do this in consultation with the appropriate specialist. We do not provide medical advices.)
How to use finasteride?
The drug is to be taken orally in 1mg tablets once a day. The hair loss is stopped only during the period of use. Therefore, the treatment period can last for years. Besides tablets, some providers also offer topical finasteride which is applied locally on the affected area.
Although officially finasteride against genetic hair loss is only approved with a dosage of 1mg per day, a reduction of the dosage may continue to stop hair loss while reducing the negative side effects. The following diagram shows the percentage of DHT inhibition per dosage:
The graph shows the strongly degressive effect of finasteride on the DHT levels in the scalp. At 0.2mg finasteride daily, 61.7% of DHT is already inhibited, at 1mg 68.7% and at 5mg 69.2%. Since the frequency of side effects increases the higher the dosage, a reduction of the dosage is a recommended method to mitigate the side effects.
| Study | Result |
|---|---|
| Drake et al (1999) | 5mg: Decreased libido (2.6%) 1mg: Decreased libido (0%) Placebo group: Decreased libido (4.5%). |
| Roberts et al (1999) | 1mg: Sexual function side effects (4.2%) Erectile dysfunction (1.4%) Decreased ejaculation volume (1.0%) Decreased libido (1.9%) Placebo group: Sexual function side effects (2.2%) Erectile dysfunction (0.9%) Decreased ejaculation volume (0.4%) Decreased libido (1.3%). |
| Kaufman et al (1998) | 1mg: Decreased libido (2.9%) 0.2mg: Decreased libido (1.5%) Placebo group: Decreased libido (2.2%). |
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are finasteride results permanent?
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