Hair
Finasteride
Finasteride treatment
Finasteride is one of the most important, effective, and studied treatments for androgenetic alopecia. It acts on a central mechanism of progression — the effect of DHT on hair follicles.
By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps slow follicle miniaturization, preserve existing hair, and in some patients encourage regrowth of thicker, stronger hairs.
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What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a selective inhibitor of type II 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
In androgenetic alopecia, follicles sensitive to DHT undergo gradual miniaturization — the follicle shrinks, the growth phase shortens, and hairs become finer, shorter, and lighter until some follicles stop producing visible hair.
By reducing DHT, Finasteride slows miniaturization, helps preserve follicles, and allows some to produce thicker hairs over time.
Treatment benefits
- Treatment of the hormonal cause of androgenetic alopecia
- Reduction of DHT levels
- Slowing of follicle miniaturization
- Preservation of existing hair
- Regrowth encouragement in some patients
- One of the most studied treatments in hair medicine
- Can be combined with other treatments
Types of treatment
Treatment is personalized according to type of alopecia, patient characteristics, and medical considerations.
Oral Finasteride
Taken as tablets, usually 1 mg daily for androgenetic alopecia.
Topical Finasteride
Applied to the scalp, often as part of personalized compounded preparations. It aims to reduce systemic exposure, though some absorption may still occur.
- Treatment duration
- Daily use
- Discomfort level
- When results appear
- Slowing of progression may appear after 3–6 months. Density and thickness may continue to improve during the first year.
- Number of treatments
- Ongoing according to medical assessment
- Duration of effect
- Maintained while treatment continues
Questions & answers
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride reduces type II 5-alpha reductase activity, thereby lowering DHT production.
Lower DHT helps slow follicle miniaturization, preserve activity, and in some patients encourage thickening of fine hairs and regrowth.
The treatment may help by:
- Reducing DHT levels
- Slowing follicle miniaturization
- Extending the growth phase (Anagen)
- Preserving DHT-sensitive follicles
- Encouraging hair thickening in some patients
- Slowing progression of androgenetic alopecia
Results build gradually over months of consistent treatment.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
Finasteride is mainly for androgenetic alopecia. It may suit:
- Men with androgenetic alopecia
- Women with androgenetic alopecia, in suitable cases and according to medical judgment
- Patients in early stages of hair thinning
- Patients who want to preserve existing hair and slow the miniaturization of hair follicles
- Patients as part of a personalized treatment plan
Suitability for treatment is determined after a medical diagnosis, according to the type of hair loss, the patient’s characteristics and medical condition.
In women, finasteride use is limited to certain situations and depends on medical judgment. The medication is not intended for use during pregnancy, due to the risk of harm to the development of a male fetus.
What is the difference between oral and topical Finasteride?
Both reduce DHT effect on follicles.
Oral Finasteride acts systemically and has extensive research. Topical Finasteride acts mainly on the scalp to reduce systemic exposure, though some absorption may occur.
The choice depends on patient characteristics, type of alopecia, and medical considerations.
How is treatment performed?
After medical assessment, the most suitable form is chosen.
Oral Finasteride is taken once daily.
Topical Finasteride is applied to the scalp per physician instructions, sometimes as part of a compounded formula with other actives.
When can results be seen?
The process is gradual.
Slowing of progression is often noticeable after about 3–6 months. Improvements in density, thickness, and quality usually develop over 6–12 months or longer.
What happens if treatment is stopped?
Androgenetic alopecia is chronic and progressive.
When Finasteride is stopped, its effect fades and DHT returns to baseline.
Stopping does not cause worse loss than natural progression, but miniaturization continues and hair gradually returns to the state expected without treatment.
Can it be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Finasteride addresses the hormonal mechanism and is often combined with Minoxidil, PRP, iPRF, scalp mesotherapy, Microneedling, compounded preparations, and post-transplant care.
Combination addresses multiple mechanisms of alopecia for optimal results.
What are the possible side effects?
Finasteride is considered safe and effective for most patients when used after medical assessment.
A small proportion may experience side effects, including:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced semen volume
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (rare)
- Mood changes (rare)
In most cases, if side effects occur, they resolve after stopping or adjusting treatment. Contact your physician for evaluation and plan adjustment if any side effect appears.
Is Finasteride a standalone treatment?
Finasteride is one of the most effective treatments for androgenetic alopecia, but in many cases it is part of a comprehensive plan. It can combine with Minoxidil, regenerative treatments, compounded preparations, and others to address multiple mechanisms for optimal long-term results.
In summary
Finasteride helps slow androgenetic alopecia by reducing DHT, preserving existing hair, and encouraging regrowth in some patients.
It remains a cornerstone of modern hair loss treatment with medical tailoring and follow-up, often as part of a comprehensive plan.