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Get to know Finasteride for hair loss
Finasteride is the active ingredient in Finasteride 1mg tablets, available as a prescription-only treatment for hair loss in males and those assigned male at birth. Often referred to as male pattern baldness (Androgenetic or Androgenic Alopecia), hair loss can affect up to 80% of men, often starting before the age of 21 for 1 in 4 men.
Finasteride key facts
Taking action when you notice changes in hair thickness or balding can result in more effective treatment results when using Finasteride.
- Can stop hair loss for up to 90% of men who use it
- Noticeable hair loss improvement within 3-6 months
- Around 66% of men experienced visible regrowth
Read more about Finasteride in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with the medication.
Our expert clinical team are available to chat about your hair loss treatment options. Call us on 01295 262925 or email [email protected].
The science behind how Finasteride helps combat hair loss
Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which normally converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern baldness, as it causes hair follicles to shrink over time in men who are genetically susceptible.
Focusing on the follicles
When Finasteride reduces DHT levels in the scalp (typically by about 65-70%) it helps to protect hair follicles from this shrinking process. This protection allows existing hair to grow normally and can even revive follicles that have begun to miniaturise but haven't yet completely shut down.
Good to know
The medication, taken as a daily 1mg oral pill, gets to work immediately. But you’ll need to take it consistently for at least 3-6 months before noticing decreased hair loss and up to a year before seeing any potential regrowth.
Importantly, Finasteride only works while you're taking it. Once discontinued, DHT levels rise again and hair loss typically resumes within 6-12 months.
Am I eligible for Finasteride hair loss treatment?
Finasteride is a prescription-only hair loss treatment for hereditary hair loss only (male pattern baldness). This means hair loss that isn’t related to stress, other medications, diet, other medical conditions or hormonal changes. If you’re unsure, your doctor or a hair specialist can help determine the cause of your hair loss.
It’s suitable for men and those assigned male at birth, who are over 18.
What does male pattern baldness look like?
Typically, male pattern baldness begins at the hairline (the temples) and often looks like an M shape; you will notice it receding over time.
Then, you might spot one of the following characteristics of male pattern baldness:
- Hair on the top of the head will thin, eventually to the point where it becomes bald
- Your hair will become shorter and much finer
- The sides will recede further, producing a horseshoe pattern around the head
If you have established that your hair loss is likely to be hereditary, Finasteride could be suitable for you.
Remember, our expert team will review your completed consultation to make sure Finasteride is the right hair loss treatment for you. If it isn’t, there are other treatment options available and we’ll let you know which might be suitable for you.
Finasteride 1mg tablets reviews
How to use Finasteride 1mg tablets
Finasteride film-coated tablets for hair loss are only available on prescription in a 1mg strength. They should not be used or handled by females, or children under 18 years old.
How to take Finasteride
One 1mg tablet should be taken daily each morning after breakfast. Swallow it whole with a glass of water.
It can be taken during your breakfast or just after, but it’s important to take it at this time of day to ensure consistent absorption and effectiveness throughout the day. It is best to avoid taking it before bedtime, as it can interfere with sleep for some people.
If you forget to take a daily dose, you can take it as soon as you remember, but only if it is more than 6 hours before your next tablet is due. Otherwise, wait until your next tablet is due to be taken and take the usual dose of one 1mg tablet. Do not double dose to make up for a missed tablet.
How long does it take to work?
Finasteride will start to work in your body as soon as you start taking it, however it can take 3-6 months before you’ll notice any visible results of decreased hair loss. It can take a further year before any potential regrowth is noticeable. If you stop taking Finasteride, the effects will reduce and you’ll likely notice hair loss resuming after 6-12 months.
Side effects of Finasteride 1mg tablets
Like any medicine, there is a risk of side effects, although not everyone will experience them. It is not uncommon to experience mild side effects when starting a new medicine, which usually disappear as your body gets used to it.
In rare cases, some side effects can last and you should inform your GP if this is the case. They will then suggest the next steps.
Mental health considerations
You may not notice some changes in your mood and behaviour so it’s very important to tell your friends and family that you’re taking this medicine and that it can have effects on psychological wellbeing. Others may notice changes and help you quickly identify any symptoms that you need to talk to your doctor about.
- Finasteride has been associated with depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction (including decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction)
- Before taking Finasteride, inform us if you have any personal history of depression or suicidal thoughts. This does not automatically mean we will not prescribe for you
- Stop Finasteride 1mg immediately if you develop depression or suicidal thoughts and contact your doctor as soon as possible
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
- Decreased sexual drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Problems with ejaculation, such as a decreased volume of ejaculate
- Depression or mood swings
If you experience the following, stop taking this medicine and contact your GP as soon as possible. If any of them become severe, go to A&E.
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty swallowing
- Skin rash, itching, lumps under your skin (hives)
- Breathing difficulties
- Lumps, pain, enlargement of the breast (chest) tissue or nipple discharge. These may be signs of a serious condition, such as breast cancer.
These are not all the side effects that can be associated with Finasteride as a treatment for hair loss in males. You should always read the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medication. A copy of this will also be in the medication packaging or box.
Finasteride alternatives are available if you are not getting on with this form of treatment, such as Minoxidil foam and spray or topical Finasteride spray. Contact our UK healthcare team, who will be happy to go through the most suitable options with you.
