Finasteride timeline of before and after

Finasteride is a hair loss treatment for those who are facing androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness. However, when you start your journey towards healthy hair growth, you might be curious about the Finasteride timeline of possible results.

If you're consistent with your treatment with Finasteride and take the pill on a daily basis, you might be able to see some initial reduction in hair loss as soon as 3-6 months after starting the treatment. However, it's around the 6-month to 1-year mark when you could see some noticeable improvements.

Here's all you need to know about the important milestones of noticing an increase in hair growth with Finasteride.

How long will it take to see Finasteride results?

Clinical research shows that after an initial shedding period, a three-to-six-month mark is typically when initial signs of decreased hair loss and regrowth may start to appear for users of Finasteride or Propecia tablets (branded Finasteride). However, it usually takes approximately one year (or a 12-month period) of consistent daily dosage and treatment with oral Finasteride tablets before the full effects of the medication reach optimal levels.

During that first year, the medication blocks the hormone responsible for hair loss and supports healthier strands, often marked by a slower rate of shedding and thinning.

Over time, users may notice a definite increase in existing hair thickness and volume as dormant follicles reactivate. 

Finasteride is very effective in stopping further hair loss; around 90% of men who take it for a year see hair loss slowing down. However, there is no guarantee that it will cause your hair to regrow in balding areas, although some men (around 66%) do experience hair regrowth.

At the one-year mark, if no visible results are apparent, a medical professional may recommend exploring alternative solutions or treatments in conjunction with Finasteride, such as minoxidil foam or microneedling. Have realistic expectations, as the treatment controls hair loss rather than restoring a completely full head of hair. Consult a doctor for guidance on reasonable timelines and goals.

Finasteride results timeline

Although every person is different, in general, patients will see the following timeline of results when taking Finasteride:

1 to 3 Months: Finasteride starts working

When you start taking Finasteride tablets, the drug works to reduce levels of the hormone responsible for hair loss (dihydrotestosterone or DHT) in your bloodstream and blood circulation. During this initial period and dosage, the hair follicles affected by DHT will start to regain their normal size and function.

Before beginning Finasteride treatment, try to photograph your areas of baldness, receding hairline or pattern hair loss in good light. You might not want to look at it now, but you will be able to compare your results further down the line.

Although you are unlikely to see visually noticeable hair regrowth at this point, don't lose hope. It's likely that, unseen to you, your follicles are becoming healthier and just need a little time to produce stronger, thicker strands of hair. If highly observant during this period, some users may notice a definite slow-down in the rate of hair loss and thinning. However, the full effects and optimal efficacy of Finasteride for treating baldness can take up to a 12-month timeframe for many patients.

3 to 6 Months: Initial signs of improvement with Finasteride

This is when some people will start to see visible results. You may notice that your hairline has stopped receding – or is even growing back a little, that hair on your hairline or thinning spots looks a little thicker and healthier, or that hair loss has stopped.

Once they hit the six-month mark, most men will be able to see a difference, but if you don’t, remember that hair growth is a slow process. So unless your medical adviser recommends that you stop taking Finasteride, persevere for a few more months.

6 Months to 1 year: Noticeable Finasteride results

By the 6-month mark, you should be able to see some real results. Your hair follicles will be stronger and produce thicker hair. 

So, at this mid-point stage of the Finasteride regimen, patients' before and after photographs should reveal visible thicker hair, decreased shedding, and impressive hair retention results. Although not overnight, given the 3-6 months for the drug to reach optimal efficacy makes Finasteride an effective long-term solution for improving hair counts.

1 Year and Beyond: Long-term effects of Finasteride

Depending on the thickness and condition of your hair, your hair growth cycle can last for years. It can take a long time for all of your older, thinner hair to fall out and be replaced by thicker hair produced by follicles that are not affected by the hormone DHT, thanks to Finasteride.

Unless you get different medical advice from your prescriber, it is wise to continue to take Finasteride as for as long as you want to maintain positive results. Consistently blocking that hormone and supporting the four-phase hair regrowth cycle leads to lasting increases in hair count and improved volume and texture over an extended period of treatment.

After the one-year mark showing the medication's peak efficacy, annual check-ins with a doctor can ensure the dosage continues, providing desirable benefits like noticeable regrowth and retention of strands. As an affordable hair loss solution, Finasteride offers lasting value - not instant results - so staying the course maintains hard-earned hair gains.

Finasteride before and after

All drugs will affect people slightly differently, but as you can see from the before and after images below, most people see significant changes in their hair loss after taking Finasteride.

Is Finasteride the right Hair Loss solution?

For most men suffering from pattern hair loss, taking oral Finasteride is an effective solution. The drug works by reducing the levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which plays a major role in causing hair loss. DHT causes hair loss by weakening the hair follicles. The hair produced by these follicles becomes increasingly thin until, eventually, the follicle stops producing hair altogether.

What happens if you stop taking Finasteride?

If you stop taking Finasteride, DHT production will gradually increase, your hair follicles will weaken, and your hair will gradually begin to thin and fall out again. 

If you are considering discontinuing the affordable hair loss tablets after experiencing regrowth, it is wise to first consult a knowledgeable medical professional about the consequences. They can provide specifics on reversing progress made and offer alternative solutions or supplemental treatments to use. Discussion with a pharmacist ahead of changes can ensure users make informed choices regarding their hair's health and this effective pattern baldness medication.

If you have concerns about taking Finasteride or questions about Finasteride costs, prescriptions or dosage, ask your doctor or pharmacist. They will be happy to provide you with any information that you might need.

Take the next step with Oxford Online Pharmacy

Oxford Online Pharmacy is a fully registered UK pharmacy committed to exceptional patient safety and customer service standards. For individuals interested in exploring hair health treatments to reduce shedding or stimulate growth, we make the process straightforward.

First, visit the Oxford Online Pharmacy website and complete our online consultation detailing your health profile and hair condition goals. Our team of licensed pharmacists and medical professionals will then review your information and issue a prescription if appropriate.

We emphasise crafting a personalised regimen catered to each patient's unique needs and lifestyle. After assessing factors like age, family history, and current medications, we offer an effective hair wellness strategy combining proven treatments like Finasteride and expert medical advice.

Feel free to contact our team with any additional queries before getting started. We look forward to assisting you on your informed journey towards renewed hair confidence! Following these simple steps will lead to custom care for your hair loss from our experienced staff.

FAQs

How long does it take for DHT to return after Finasteride?

If Finasteride treatment is halted, blood levels of the hormone DHT will gradually increase over the next 4-6 months. When you stop taking the medication, the levels of a hair loss-related hormone (androgen) will increase again. This can gradually weaken the hair follicles, undoing the benefits of the medication.

Is it normal to shed after 2 weeks of Finasteride?

Yes, some minor shedding around the two-week mark can be normal as thinner, damaged hairs are pushed out to make room for new, stronger strands. Stick with the daily regimen for at least three months for the full effects.

How many years of balding can Finasteride reverse?

Clinical studies found approximately 66% of men using Finasteride for one year experienced visible regrowth. With long-term use, the medication can revive hair growth in hair follicles that have been inactive for as long as 5 years, as long as they haven't permanently stopped working.

References

• The effects of Finasteride on scalp skin and serum androgen levels in men with androgenetic alopecia - PubMed (nih.gov)
• Stages of Hair Growth Plus How to Maintain Hair Health in Every Stage (healthline.com)
• The Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Combined with Topical Minoxidil for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis - PubMed (nih.gov)
• Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with Finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia - PubMed (nih.gov)