Does Finasteride Actually Work?

Hair loss, a condition affecting millions worldwide, can impact self-esteem and confidence. As a result, many hair loss sufferers often seek solutions.

One popular hair loss treatment at The Family Chemist is Finasteride, commonly known by its brand name Propecia.

Many people wonder: Does Finasteride actually work? In today’s blog, we explore the effectiveness of Finasteride as a hair loss treatment, exploring its mechanisms, clinical studies, and results.

How does Finasteride stop hair loss?

By stopping the enzyme 5-alpha reductase,

Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Finasteride in promoting hair regrowth and preventing further hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). These studies have shown that finasteride treatment significantly promotes hair growth compared to placebo, especially in the scalp’s vertex (crown) area.

Furthermore, long-term studies have indicated that the benefits of Finasteride are sustained over time, with continued use leading to the maintenance of hair regrowth and prevention of further hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).

Finasteride’s mechanism of action in inhibiting DHT production represents a targeted approach to addressing the underlying cause of male pattern baldness, making it a widely recognised and effective treatment option for individuals seeking to combat hair loss.

How to take Finasteride

Finasteride is typically taken orally as a tablet. Here are some general guidelines on how to take Finasteride:

1. Follow the prescribed dosage: Take Finasteride precisely as The Family Chemist’s pharmacist prescribes. The recommended dose for treating male pattern baldness is 1 milligram (mg) daily.
2. Take with or without food: You can take Finasteride with or without food. It can be taken at any time, but it’s advisable to take it around the same time each day to help establish a routine.
3. Do not crush or chew: Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as this may increase the risk of side effects and will not improve its effectiveness.
4. Consistency is key: Take Finasteride as prescribed, even if you do not notice immediate results. It may take several months of regular use before you see significant improvement in hair growth or reduction in hair loss.
5. Do not double dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

It’s important to note that Finasteride is for use by men only and should not be used by women or children. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken finasteride tablets due to the risk of potential harm to a male fetus.

How long until I start to see results on Finasteride?

The timeline for seeing results from Finasteride can vary from person to person. Generally, it takes time for Finasteride to treat hair loss and promote hair regrowth effectively. Here’s a rough guideline of what you might expect:

1. First few months: Some users may notice reduced hair loss within the first few months of starting finasteride treatment. This could manifest as less hair shedding or a reduction in the rate of hair loss.
2. Three to six months: Many users see visible improvements in hair growth after three to six months of consistent use. This may include thicker, stronger hair and the regrowth of previously thinning areas.
3. Six to twelve months: Most users experience noticeable hair density and coverage improvements after six to twelve months of continuous treatment. However, individual responses may vary; some may see more significant results than others.
4. Long-term use: Continued use of Finasteride is typically necessary to maintain and further improve hair regrowth. Consistency is vital, as stopping treatment may lead to a reversal of benefits and a return to previous levels of hair loss.

What happens if I stop taking Finasteride?

If you stop taking Finasteride, several things may occur:

1. Reversal of benefits: One of the most significant effects of stopping Finasteride is the potential reversal of its benefits. Hair regrowth achieved during treatment may gradually diminish, and hair loss may resume at a similar rate to what was experienced before starting Finasteride.
2. Return of symptoms: If you were taking Finasteride to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or male pattern baldness, the symptoms associated with these conditions may return. This could include urinary difficulties, such as increased frequency, urgency, or difficulty starting urination for BPH.
3. Time frame: The timing of when you notice these effects can vary. Some individuals may experience a rapid return of symptoms within weeks of discontinuing Finasteride, while others may take longer to observe changes.
4. Gradual process: Hair loss and symptoms related to BPH typically return gradually rather than suddenly after stopping Finasteride. It may take several months for noticeable changes to occur.
5. Potential reversibility: In some cases, the effects of discontinuing Finasteride may be reversible, especially in the context of hair loss. If you restart treatment, you may regain some of the hair regrowth achieved during previous use.

What’s the clinical evidence behind Finasteride?

The clinical evidence behind Finasteride is robust and well-documented.

Here are some key points supported by clinical studies:

1. Efficacy in Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness): Multiple randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of Finasteride in treating male pattern baldness. These studies typically assess parameters such as hair count, patient self-assessment, investigator assessment, and standardised photograph ratings. Finasteride has consistently been shown to promote hair regrowth and slow down the progression of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia.
2. Long-term Benefits: Studies evaluating the long-term use of Finasteride have shown sustained benefits over extended treatment periods. Hair regrowth achieved during the initial phase of treatment tends to be maintained with continued use of the medication.
3. Ethnic variations: Clinical data also indicate variations in treatment response among different ethnic groups. While Finasteride is effective across various ethnicities, the magnitude of hair regrowth may vary.

Can I use Finasteride long-term?

Yes, Finasteride can be used for long-term treatment under the supervision of The Family Chemist’s pharmacist. Clinical studies have shown that the benefits of Finasteride in treating conditions such as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can be maintained over an extended period.

Studies have demonstrated that continued use of Finasteride can lead to sustained improvements in hair growth and a slowing down of hair loss over several years for male pattern baldness.

Similarly, for BPH, long-term use of Finasteride has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, such as urinary hesitancy, frequency, and urgency.

Why might Finasteride not work for you?

Finasteride may not work for everyone due to several reasons:

1. Genetic factors: The effectiveness of Finasteride in treating conditions like male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) can vary depending on individual genetic factors. Some people may also not respond to the medication due to genetic variations influencing how their bodies metabolise and react to it.
2. The severity of the condition: The severity of the underlying condition being treated, such as the extent of hair loss or the size of the prostate in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can affect how well Finasteride works. Sometimes, the condition may need to be revised for Finasteride to produce significant improvements.
3. Non-adherence to treatment: Consistent and long-term use of Finasteride is essential for optimal results. Failure to adhere to the prescribed dosage regimen or discontinuation of treatment prematurely can lead to suboptimal outcomes or lack of efficacy.
4. Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions or concurrent use of medications may interfere with the effectiveness of Finasteride. For example, individuals with hormonal imbalances or underlying health issues affecting the hair follicles may not experience the desired benefits from Finasteride.
5. Individual variability: Every individual’s response to medication can vary based on factors such as age, overall health, lifestyle factors, and other drugs being taken concurrently. Some individuals may respond differently to Finasteride compared to others.

Conclusion

Based on the extensive clinical evidence available, Finasteride has demonstrated effectiveness in the treatment of conditions such as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Clinical studies have consistently shown that Finasteride can effectively reduce hair loss, promote hair regrowth, and alleviate symptoms associated with BPH, such as urinary hesitancy and frequent urination.

Numerous studies have shown significant increases in hair count and improvements in patient self-assessment, investigator assessment, and standardised photograph ratings with finasteride treatment for male pattern baldness. These improvements have been maintained over extended periods, with the drug slowing the progression of hair loss and leading to sustained benefits over several years of treatment.