Finasteride

Finasteride is a hair loss treatment for men with male pattern baldness. Sold under the brand name Propecia, Finasteride targets the root cause of hair loss to prevent any more hair from falling out and, in some cases, can even strengthen existing follicles, helping you maintain and improve your natural look.

Propecia is a branded version of the hair loss treatment Finasteride. Both Propecia and generic Finasteride work by preventing testosterone from converting to DHT, thereby stopping the process that leads to hair loss.

They contain the same active ingredient (finasteride), and produce the same effects. The only real, noticeable differences between the two are price, packaging, and manufacturer.

Finasteride works by preventing testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles over time. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps halt hair loss, making existing hair fuller and stronger.

Please note that Finasteride will only work if your hair loss is a result of male pattern baldness, which is caused by hormones. If your hair loss is due to other factors, such as stress or illness, Finasteride will not prevent further thinning.

Finasteride is the most effective hair loss treatment available because it addresses male pattern baldness at the root of the issue. Most men will find their hair loss completely halted with consistent use.

One study found that 83% of men using Finasteride had no further hair loss after two years, compared to just 28% of men taking a placebo.

Finasteride doesn’t work overnight. Most men start to see reduced hair loss within 3 to 6 months of daily use. Noticeable improvements in hair thickness or regrowth usually take at least 6 to 12 months. Whether it takes weeks or months to notice results, consistency is key. Stopping treatment will reverse any progress made.

Finasteride can only be prescribed to men over 18 experiencing male pattern baldness.

Do not take Finasteride if you are:

• a woman (Finasteride does not work in women with hair loss)
• allergic to any ingredient found in Finasteride

While its primary effect is to prevent further hair loss, Finasteride can also encourage regrowth in some cases, so long as hair follicles are still active. Once follicles are too damaged, regrowth isn’t possible, so starting treatment early gives you the best chance to restore and maintain your hair’s natural look.

One study found that Finasteride improved hair growth in 48% of men after one year, and 66% after two years. That’s roughly two thirds of all men with stronger, healthier hair than when they started.

Finasteride works better at the crown of the head, and you are more likely to see regrowth there. It can certainly regrow some hair at the hairline too, but results there are more limited. If you want stronger, thicker hair at your hairline, it’s best to start treatment as soon as possible so your hair loss hasn’t progressed too far.

No, Finasteride doesn’t lower testosterone. In fact, it can slightly increase testosterone by blocking its conversion into DHT, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness. This small change isn’t usually noticeable in day-to-day life. The only difference you should recognise is its ability to prevent hair loss.

Finasteride works from the inside out, targeting the hormone (DHT) that causes hair loss in men. It helps prevent further thinning and can strengthen hair over time. Minoxidil, on the other hand, is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp. It stimulates hair follicles to encourage growth and improve hair density.

Essentially, Finasteride slows hair loss at the source, while Minoxidil promotes visible growth where it’s applied.

Yes, many men use Finasteride and Minoxidil together to maximise results. Finasteride stops the production of the hormone that causes hair loss, while Minoxidil works directly on the scalp to stimulate hair growth.

Using both together can give a stronger overall effect, helping to maintain existing hair and encourage regrowth. However, you should only combine treatments if your doctor has said it’s safe to do so.

Side effects can happen as a result of Finasteride use, but not everyone will get them. The most common Finasteride side effects include:

• erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• less desire to have sex (lowered libido)
• issues with ejaculation
• anxiety
• suicidal thoughts

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Post-Finasteride syndrome

Post-Finasteride syndrome is a rare condition that can occur in men who stop taking Finasteride. It causes side effects like erectile dysfunction, low libido, anxiety or suicidal thoughts to persist even after treatment has ended. Scientists are unsure why this can happen, though it may be linked to lasting changes in hormone levels, or how the body responds to them after treatment ends.

Men have reported symptoms lasting for weeks, months, or even years after stopping treatment. Some even claim their symptoms persist indefinitely.

Yes, Finasteride is safe to use as a long-term treatment for male pattern baldness. It’s been widely used by millions of men worldwide for years, and most find it straightforward and hassle-free to take. Once you start, it simply becomes part of your daily routine, helping you protect and maintain your hair with confidence.

Safety is our number one priority at 121doc. For this reason, our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects