Who can take Finasteride (and who cannot)

Monday, February 12, 2024

Finasteride (also available as Propecia) is a medication often prescribed to men to treat hair loss and enlarged prostates. It works by lowering levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lowering DHT helps treat these conditions because having too much DHT can cause hair follicles to shrink, leading to balding. It can also cause the prostate gland to grow bigger. Oxford Online Pharmacy does not prescribe Finasteride for prostate treatment.

But can women take Finasteride?

Finasteride is generally not recommended for women, especially those who may become pregnant. We recognise the desire for hair regrowth, but it's important to carefully consider the substantial risks, such as birth defects and hormonal imbalances, that Finasteride can pose for women. Any woman considering using Finasteride should talk to their doctor first. Oxford Online Pharmacy does not prescribe Finasteride for women.

In this guide, we’ll explore who can take Finasteride and who should be more careful.

Key findings:

Finasteride treats hair loss and prostate enlargement effectively in men but has not been proven safe or effective for most women due to a lack of evidence and pregnancy risks.
While some hair regrowth is possible in a small percentage of women, potential side effects like menstrual irregularities, fertility issues and birth defects in a male foetus outweigh hair benefits.
Women experiencing female pattern baldness should discuss treatment options thoroughly with doctors based on their unique health profile, including alternatives like Minoxidil that may have fewer risks.
Coping with the emotional toll of women’s hair loss involves self-compassion, supportive communities to feel understood, stress management, and avoiding negative social media triggering self-image issues.

Who can take Finasteride

Those who can take Finasteride include:

Men with male pattern baldness often benefit from taking Finasteride. This common form of hair loss happens when testosterone is converted to DHT, which makes hair follicles shrink. Finasteride stops this conversion, helping regrow hair.
Patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can also use Finasteride effectively. BPH causes frequent and urgent urination. Finasteride treats this enlarged prostate condition by lowering DHT and reducing prostate size.
As long as they have no liver problems or Finasteride allergies, most men can take this drug under a doctor’s supervision. Following the prescribed dosage and getting regular check-ups helps ensure optimal hair regrowth and prostate benefits.

Who might not be able to take Finasteride

While Finasteride is generally well tolerated for most people and can be an effective treatment for hair loss and enlarged prostate, there are groups of patients who need to be careful:

Women, especially those who could become pregnant, should usually avoid taking Finasteride. It's heartbreaking but crucial to know that if taken during pregnancy, Finasteride could pose serious risks to a baby's health. We strongly advise against its use in this sensitive and important time. It may also lead to hormonal issues in women, like irregular periods. The risks tend to be too high compared to any small hair regrowth benefit.
People with liver problems need to use caution with Finasteride. The liver helps to remove this drug from the body. If someone's liver is not working well, the drug could build up in the body and increase the risk of side effects. Patients should talk to their doctor, who may adjust the dosage or recommend alternative treatments.
Anyone with a Finasteride allergy should not take this medication because it could trigger a severe allergic reaction. Healthcare providers can suggest alternative suitable hair loss or prostate medications tailored to each patient’s medical history and health status.

Can women take Finasteride?

Research studies on using Finasteride for female pattern hair loss have had mixed results. While some premenopausal women in studies showed stabilisation of hair loss or moderate improvement, most experts say there is a lack of strong evidence that Finasteride effectively treats baldness in women.

The dosage of Finasteride studied in women is lower than what is prescribed to men, around 1 milligram daily compared to 5 milligrams. Men usually take a 5 mg dose of Finasteride to treat an enlarged prostate but might use lower doses for hair loss. But, side effects are still possible even at low doses. A significant worry is that if a woman taking Finasteride gets pregnant, the medication could cause birth defects in her baby. Other potential risks of Finasteride for female patients include impacts on menstrual cycles, testosterone levels, and increased body hair growth.

So, while the data is limited, most dermatologists advise against prescribing oral Finasteride for female pattern baldness, especially for women of childbearing age. More research on the safety and effectiveness of Finasteride, specifically in women, is still needed. Topical Finasteride solutions may hold some promise for minimising side effects. However, female patients considering Finasteride should discuss options thoroughly with their doctors based on their medical histories.

Can I use Finasteride if I’m pregnant?

Finasteride should be avoided during pregnancy due to potentially serious risks for the developing baby. Research strongly suggests Finasteride can cause birth defects if a foetus is exposed to this drug.

Specifically, studies show Finasteride can lead to abnormal development of the male reproductive organs if taken while pregnant with a baby boy.

Given the dangers, pregnant women should speak to their doctor about alternative and safer treatment options for hair loss in women.

Alternatives to Finasteride

Other medical treatments

For hair loss issues, topical medications like topical minoxidil (also available as Regaine for Women) can promote hair regrowth without lowering hormone levels. As a topical treatment applied directly onto the scalp skin, minoxidil boosts circulation and nutrient flow to strengthen shrunken hair follicles, countering the miniaturisation process of pattern baldness.

Clinical studies demonstrate that regular use for at least 4 months of treatment leads to moderate regrowth for some patients. However, consistent long-term application is key.

Hormonal birth control pills containing oestrogen and progestin may also benefit some women with thinning hair resulting from androgenetic alopecia or other medical conditions exacerbated by DHT. These oral contraceptive pills can suppress male hormones at the hair root, which contribute to the shortening of growth phases.

However, given the potential safety concerns, we believe in a nurturing approach where doctors closely guide and support patients through the use of these treatments.

Non-medical approaches

Patients opting to forgo or complement medical therapies have additional options to attempt managing hair fall involving adjustments of health habits and lifestyle factors tied to hair growth.

Using gentle hair care techniques without overwashing or heat appliances reduces unnecessary shedding aggravated by damage while enabling follicles to focus energies on regeneration.

Consuming nutritious whole foods provides essential building blocks to construct keratin and collagen proteins within each hair shaft. Vitamins like iron, zinc, and biotin are particularly important for robust follicles and quick turnover.

Finally, developing stress-coping outlets can limit the exacerbating effects of cortisol-related inflammation on the hair growth cycle in those prone to anxiety or depression. Tracking diet, hair-cutting practices, and mood changes in a journal helps personalise an optimal combination of supportive techniques.

How to cope with female Hair Loss

Hair loss can deeply impact a woman’s self-image and emotional well-being. Support networks can provide empathy and understanding and share stories of how others manage their journey. Seeking advice from mental health professionals can also help build resilience against the psychological effects.

Staying focused day-to-day requires proactively avoiding triggers that exacerbate negative thought patterns. Finding motivating solutions-oriented content and hiding upsetting social media posts helps redirect attention towards what can be controlled. Therapeutic techniques like meditation, yoga, and journaling allow for introspection into the connection between stress and hair fall.

While medical treatments aim to stop physiological hair follicle miniaturisation, surrounding oneself with positive nurturing relationships and activities enables the mental space to process complex feelings. Patience, self-compassion and inner confidence shield against external perceptions. Reframing self-talk to appreciate one’s uniqueness and remain anchored in one’s worth unrelated to appearance assists in not internalising society’s beauty standards.

Making an informed decision

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

Determining if Finasteride is appropriate requires an in-depth medical consultation weighing potential benefits against possible adverse effects, given one’s unique health profile and lifestyle factors. Doctors can explain how the drug may interact with other medications or conditions and provide oversight if pursuing treatment. Being fully transparent about medical history and voicing concerns allows customised recommendations for optimal hair regrowth while safeguarding well-being.

It’s advised to keep providers continually updated on changes related to reproductive status, new medications or symptoms to quickly adjust course if necessary. Consistent testing and progress checks under a practitioner’s care can catch adverse reactions early before they become serious. Establishing an open channel facilitates evidence-based decisions from a place of knowledge rather than uncertainty.

Personal considerations and responsibilities

Every patient deserves individualised, unrushed explorations of what feels most aligned for their body and stage of life before committing to pharmaceutical interventions. Seeking multiple professional opinions paints a fuller picture. Formulating thoughtful queries in advance empowers one to deeply understand holistic facets should factors shift. Being ready to adapt if discomfort arises prevents further issues. While hope can be a powerful motivator, we gently remind you to balance it with a grounded understanding of the realities and risks, ensuring your expectations are met with care and understanding. Since lifestyle behaviours influence success, taking charge to optimise conditions allows feeling in control.

Start your journey with Oxford Online Pharmacy

Coping with hair thinning can feel disheartening, but effective treatment options may be within reach with trusted support. At Oxford Online Pharmacy, every woman’s health story related to common hair loss conditions like female pattern baldness is unique and meaningful.

Every recommendation is made with a heartfelt understanding that you are more than your symptoms. We see and treat the whole person, recognizing the impact of alopecia or thinning on your life. Conversations cultivate understanding across intersections of identity, affecting social perceptions of beauty and empowering inner confidence. With convenient access to confidential advice from the comfort of your home, take the first step toward stabilising hair health and revitalising self-care rituals.

Get in touch with our team to find your hair loss treatment today.

FAQs

What happens if a woman accidentally takes Finasteride?

She should immediately consult her doctor for guidance. They may recommend stopping the medication right away and using contraception for some time to avoid chances of fetal harm if she becomes pregnant. Testing hormone levels might also provide clues to any impacts.

Supportive mental health counselling helps process feelings of anxiety or distress in such an unexpected situation.

Does Finasteride thicken hair for women?

According to available research in women with female pattern hair loss, using low-dose Finasteride results in the thickening of hair diameter. One study found approximately 81% experienced an improvement. However, this study involved only 86 patients, so there is still space for more research to make sure the hair loss treatment is truly safe and beneficial for women to use.

Why is Finasteride not used in females?

There are concerns about potential side effects involving hormones, menstrual cycle changes and foetal development issues if a woman becomes pregnant while using this medication. More studies, specifically on women, are required to establish both the safety and efficacy of Finasteride.