Hair loss may seem like a lonely battle but in reality it is a very common condition that affects millions of people around the world. In the quest to conquer this problem, a medication called Finasteride emerges as a beacon of hope. This medication is not just another bottle on the shelf but has proven to be a game-changer for many people battling hair loss or hair thinning. In this guide, our aim is to journey through the ins and outs of Finasteride, provide valuable information about its mechanism of action, its effectiveness, and its potential side effects.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a UK prescription-only medication used to tackle hair loss and male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. In addition to being used for hair loss, it is also used to treat enlarged prostate condition called Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH). Primary uses of Finasteride include:
- Male pattern baldness
- Hair thinning
- Receding hairline
- Enlarged prostate, or BPH
How does it Work?
Finasteride works essentially by targeting the root cause of male pattern baldness, i.e. The hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). What is DHT, you might ask? DHT is a hormone derived from testosterone and contributes to male pattern baldness by causing individual hair follicles to shrink over time, thus making them thinner and fall out. DHT also shortens the growth phase of hair follicles, accelerating their aging process. This is where the medication Finasteride steps in. Finasteride acts by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone to its active form DHT. This process slows down hair loss, and in some cases, may even reverse it. Beyond hair loss, Finasteride helps address urinary symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia, thus reducing the need for surgery significantly.
What Does the Evidence say about Finasteride?
Studies conducted on effects of Finasteride have shown it to significantly slow down hair loss, also a majority of men taking finasteride experienced a halt in hair loss progression. Evidence from trials has shown that about two-thirds of men taking finasteride for hair loss noted an improvement, such as increased hair count or hair regrowth, particularly in the vertex and mid-scalp area. Finally, results from a two-year clinical trial suggested that 66% of men treated with finasteride experienced visible hair regrowth, while 83% maintained their existing hair (i.e., no further hair loss.
So there you have it, the evidence says it all. Not only is Finasteride effective in combating hair loss but it is also affordable for every day use.
Finasteride to Combat Hair Loss
The most important thing to remember during the course of treatment is to be patient .Hair loss doesn’t happen in a day, so it makes sense that results will typically be visible in 3 to 6 months after starting treatment.
Finasteride for Hair Growth
Finasteride also helps with hair regrowth, making hair grow back stronger and thicker.
Finasteride for Enlarged Prostate
As previously discussed, Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, and due to this, it can also be used to treat prostate conditions like Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. It is important to keep in mind that the dosage for treating hair loss is much less than the recommended doses for treating prostate enlargement. Does that mean taking a higher dose for hair loss will ensure better results? In this case, the answer is no. A higher dose of Finasteride has not been proven to be more effective for hair growth but does make side effects more likely to occur. Speaking of side effects, lets delve into some common ones that one might come across:
Common Side Effects of Finasteride
For most people, Finasteride is well-tolerated. Some common side effects reported, especially in the early stages of treatment, are:
Sexual Dysfunction
- Decrease in libido
- Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection.
- Ejaculation problems
Mood Changes
Some patients reported feeling anxiety or depression and mood changes during treatment. Although these are less common, it is important to let your provider know if you are experiencing any of these symptom.
Some rare but serious side effects include:
- Allergic reactions
- Breast changes
- Changes in PSA levels
The side effects mentioned above are temporary and mostly reversible which means discontinuing the medication if they do arise addresses the issue.
Final Verdict
Finasteride provides us with a valuable solution to deal with hair loss and male pattern baldness. However, the decision to start this medication should be done after consulting your healthcare provider. If you are wondering weather Finasteride is the right fit for you ,it is important to consider your health tapestry ,the potential benefits and side effects and discuss them with a professional. Once treatment starts, it is also important to monitor and communicate openly with your provider to navigate the treatment successfully.
Does that sound like a plan? Are you ready to take the next step? Well great news!. We at Bolt pharmacy are here for you. We not only offer Online consultations to give personalized advice and answer all your medication related questions, we also dispense and deliver the medication right to your doorstep.
