Finasteride Explained! | Should you use it?

Summary

Amir shares his five-year experience with finasteride for treating androgenic alopecia, explaining its benefits and potential side effects. Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug that can stop hair loss and promote regrowth, especially when used consistently for several months. Amir highlights its effectiveness in stabilizing hair loss, but cautions about possible side effects like reduced libido and anxiety. He emphasizes the importance of using finasteride alongside other treatments for optimal results and advises against using it if planning to conceive within six months. Overall, finasteride offers a convenient and generally well-tolerated solution for hair loss.

Takeaways

• 😀 Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug used to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) by blocking DHT, which slows down hair loss and promotes hair regrowth.
• 😀 The drug can improve hair density and prevent further hair loss, with up to 10% regrowth in some cases, especially when taken consistently over 6 to 12 months.
• 😀 Finasteride is generally well-tolerated, but some side effects can occur, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, anxiety, depression, and brain fog. These effects are usually reversible upon discontinuation.
• 😀 The treatment requires consistent use to maintain results; discontinuing it may result in a reversal of hair benefits over time.
• 😀 Finasteride is effective in stabilizing hair loss and preventing further progression, but it is not a cure for baldness. It needs to be taken long-term for continued effectiveness.
• 😀 Side effects of finasteride are relatively rare, and many users do not experience any negative reactions. However, if side effects occur, they tend to be temporary or go away with continued use.
• 😀 The effectiveness of finasteride can be enhanced when combined with other treatments like minoxidil, derma rolling, or laser therapy, which work to promote local hair growth and improve scalp circulation.
• 😀 Finasteride works best when taken in combination with other hair growth treatments, as it addresses the root cause of hair loss (DHT) while local treatments improve blood circulation and follicle activity.
• 😀 For people trying to conceive, it is important to stop using finasteride for at least six months prior to trying for a baby due to potential impacts on sperm count and fertility.
• 😀 The results from finasteride are cumulative, meaning hair density and growth continue to improve over the first two years of treatment, with results plateauing thereafter.
• 😀 It is important to confirm that hair loss is due to androgenic alopecia before starting finasteride, as other conditions like stress or vitamin deficiencies may cause hair loss and require different treatments.

Q & A

What is finasteride and what does it treat?

Finasteride is an FDA-approved drug used to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It works by stopping the progression of hair loss and can help regrow hair in some cases.

How effective is finasteride for treating hair loss?

Finasteride can stop the progression of androgenic alopecia by 80-90% over two years and potentially lead to a 10% increase in hair regrowth in the balding areas.

What are the possible side effects of finasteride?

The possible side effects of finasteride include reduced libido, temporary reduction in sperm count, anxiety, depression, and brain fog. However, the side effects are generally rare and mild.

How long does it take to see results from finasteride?

It typically takes 4-6 months of consistent use to start seeing results, such as stopping hair loss and improving hair density. Full effects can be seen within 1-2 years.

What is the importance of combining finasteride with other treatments?

While finasteride is effective, combining it with treatments like minoxidil, derma rolling, or low-level laser therapy can enhance results by stimulating local hair growth and improving blood circulation to the scalp.

What should you consider before taking finasteride?

Before taking finasteride, make sure your hair loss is due to androgenic alopecia, ensure you're in good mental health, and plan to avoid trying to conceive for at least six months due to its impact on sperm count and libido.

Can finasteride work for everyone?

Not everyone responds to finasteride in the same way. Results depend on factors like genetics, the severity of hair loss, and individual response to the drug.

How does finasteride work at the biological level?

Finasteride works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the primary hormone responsible for hair loss in androgenic alopecia.

What are the pros of taking finasteride?

The main advantages of finasteride are its effectiveness in stopping hair loss and promoting regrowth, its ease of use (just one pill daily), and the fact that it is generally well tolerated with minimal side effects.

What are the cons of taking finasteride?

The cons of finasteride include the risk of side effects (e.g., sexual dysfunction, anxiety, brain fog), the need for continuous use to maintain results, and the possibility of diminishing returns after several years of use.