Finasteride
Summary
Effectiveness
Its effectiveness in curbing male androgenetic alopecia is well established, with possible regrowth. Preserving existing hair is already an important result; response and tolerance remain individual.
Accessibility
Daily dosing is quick, but assessment, follow-up and continuing costs need to be considered. Prescribing, dispensing and insurance arrangements vary by country.
Finasteride is a medication that helps curb male pattern baldness by decreasing dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a hormone involved in the miniaturization of sensitive follicles. Its main interest is to preserve the hair still present; an improvement in density is also possible. The results are judged over several months and are maintained through continuation of the treatment, with no guarantee of regaining hair that is already very thinning.
The 1 mg oral form is taken by prescription after confirmation of androgenetic alopecia. The decision deserves a discussion on the possible sexual and psychological effects, some of which may persist after stopping. If you experience changes in mood or depressive symptoms while taking finasteride 1 mg, stop treatment and contact a doctor promptly. The effectiveness rating concerns its action on hair: it does not mean that the medication is suitable for everyone.
Sources
- base-donnees-publique.medicaments.gouv.fr · extrait (new tab)
- Long-term (5-year) multinational experience with finasteride 1 mg in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia (new tab)
- Finasteride- and dutasteride-containing medicinal products - referral | European Medicines Agency (EMA) (new tab)
- Actualité - Finastéride 1 mg : une attestation d’information partagée bientôt nécessaire pour toute dispensation - ANSM (new tab)
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