Finasteride Dosage

Hair loss is a common concern among men. It can affect up to 50% of men, and those assigned male at birth, by the time they turn 501 and can lead to a loss of confidence and self-esteem.

Treatments like Finasteride dose for hair growth can help manage this condition. Finasteride is specifically designed to combat male pattern baldness, a type of hair loss that presents as a receding hairline or thinning on the crown.

Recognising the early signs of hair loss, such as increased hair shedding, noticeable thinning, or a receding hairline, means you can start exploring treatments early.

This medication works by targeting the hormone responsible for hair loss, stopping further loss and possibly giving hair a chance to regrow.

This article will answer your questions about taking Finasteride. From “how much Finasteride should I take?” to “how long should I take the Finasteride standard dose?”. We address your queries about this medication that can prevent and treat hair loss.

How much Finasteride should I take for hair loss?

When it comes to treating male androgenetic alopecia, the typical recommended dosage of Finasteride for hair loss is 1 mg per day. This is the best Finasteride dosage, shown to be effective in treating hair loss.

Many men wonder how to take Finasteride: Finasteride is usually taken orally, with or without food, at any time of the day.

What happens if you stop taking Finasteride?

Skipping a dose by accident is okay, but try not to make it a habit.

Can I take Finasteride every other day?

No, it is designed to lower hormonal levels in the scalp.

If you miss one dose of Finasteride, take it as soon as you remember as long as it is within 6 hours of the missed dose. If it is longer, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses to make up for a forgotten dose.

Stopping Finasteride can lead to the resumption of hair loss within a few months, as the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your scalp will begin to rise again.

What is the Finasteride dose for hair loss?

Can I take 10 mg Finasteride instead of the recommended 1 mg daily dose?

No, the Finasteride dosage for hair loss is 1mg. A higher dose will not increase its effectiveness and can increase the risk of side effects.

If you accidentally take too much Finasteride, seek medical advice immediately. Symptoms of overdose are rare but may include dizziness, fainting, or unusual side effects not previously experienced.

How Finasteride doses for hair loss work

Before searching for the best Finasteride dose for your issue, you want to make sure you fully understand the cause of hair loss.

Finasteride works by targeting the root cause of male pattern baldness, the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a broken-down part of testosterone that binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

By blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, Finasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to DHT, reducing its levels in the scalp. This helps stop hair loss and can even stimulate new hair growth for some people.

Male pattern baldness (MPB), or androgenetic alopecia, is the specific type of hair loss that Finasteride is designed to treat. MPB presents as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown of the head.

If your hair loss is linked to another condition, like stress-related, Finasteride is not the right choice. Finasteride is also not the right treatment for Telogen Effluvium. 2

Finasteride is also used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland becomes enlarged. The dose for BPH is usually 5 mg per day. The bottom line: A low dose of finasteride targets hair loss, while a high dose targets prostate health.

We do not supply Finasteride for treating BPH. See your GP instead.

The best time to take Finasteride

When to take Finasteride is a frequent question. It is important to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain steady levels of the drug in your system. In other words, the best time of day to take Finasteride is based on your routine.

Finasteride can be taken at any time of the day that best fits your schedule, as long as you take it consistently at the same time every day.

Finasteride can be taken with or without food.

Taking it around the same time every day is important because this maintains steady levels of the medication in your system. Irregular intake can lead to fluctuations in these levels, which may reduce the effectiveness of the treatment.

If you are also taking other medications, it’s a good idea to discuss with your healthcare provider the best time to take Finasteride.

Side effects of taking Finasteride

While Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, it is important to be aware of potential side effects.

Side effects (may affect up to 1 in every 100 people who take Finasteride)

These can include:

• Decreased libido (sex drive)
• Erectile dysfunction (unable to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex)
• Ejaculation disorders such as delayed ejaculation or reduced volume of semen

These side effects are usually temporary and may go away as your body adjusts to the medication.

If they get worse, don’t go away or cause significant discomfort, stop taking Finasteride and speak to us or your GP as soon as you can.

You also need to be aware of the possible, rare, long-term side effects of taking Finasteride or Dutasteride - see our specific article on post-finasteride syndrome for more information.

Severe allergic reactions

Symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face, or hives require urgent medical care. Dial 999.

Pregnancy and Finasteride

Finasteride may pose a significant risk to a developing male baby (foetus) even when the mother is not the one taking the tablets.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken Finasteride tablets, as the medicine may be absorbed through the skin and could potentially cause birth defects.

We also recommend that a male partner using Finasteride use a condom when having sex with a pregnant woman.

If you have any questions about the best Finasteride dosage for hair loss, reach out to our team.

FAQ - Should I take Finasteride?

What are the dangers of Finasteride?

Finasteride is generally well-tolerated by men, but like all medicines, it can have potential side effects. Some men may experience sexual side effects, such as decreased sex drive (libido), erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation disorders.

There is a risk of rare effects like breast tenderness, a rash, or swelling. It is important to consult a healthcare provider if any side effects occur, as they can provide guidance on managing them and assess whether continuing the medication is advisable.

Finasteride is for men only. The recommended Finasteride dosage for female hair loss is zero as it’s not recommended to treat baldness symptoms in women. 3 There aren’t currently enough studies on female Finasteride dosage hair loss.

Does Finasteride ruin testosterone?

Taking manual Finasteride does not ruin testosterone. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. This mechanism helps reduce hair thinning and loss but should not significantly impact the overall levels of testosterone in the body.

Most men do not experience changes in their testosterone levels, although a small percentage may notice some hormonal adjustments. Consulting a doctor before starting your first dose of Finasteride can provide reassurance and monitoring.

Do you need to take Finasteride forever?

It is generally recommended that you continue taking finasteride indefinitely to maintain the benefits of a daily dose for hair loss. Can you stop taking Finasteride suddenly? Experts advise that discontinuing the medication typically results in the resumption of hair loss within 6 to 12 months, as DHT levels rise again.

Will I lose hair with Finasteride?

Finasteride is designed to prevent further hair loss and, in some cases, promote regrowth of thinning hair. However, its effectiveness can vary from person to person. While many men see significant improvement in hair retention and sometimes regrowth, others may experience slower or less noticeable results.

It is important to manage expectations and understand that Finasteride is most effective when used consistently over a long period. You shouldn’t try to take a Finasteride higher dose without seeking medical advice first.

References

1. Asfour L, Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia [Internet]. MDText.com, Inc.; 2023 [cited 2023 Nov 5].
2. Perera E, Sinclair R. Treatment of chronic telogen effluvium with oral minoxidil: A retrospective study. F1000Res [Internet]. 2017 Sep 6 [cited 2024 Aug 1]
3. Iamsumang W, Leerunyakul K, Suchonwanit P. Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: Evidence to date. Drug Des Devel Ther [Internet]. 2020 Mar 2 [cited 2024 Aug 1]