Finasteride for hair loss: uses and safety

Finasteride is an oral prescription medicine that is FDA-approved to treat male pattern hair loss (the 1 mg dose) and, at a higher dose, an enlarged prostate. It belongs to a class called Type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. For hair loss it is taken as one small tablet a day. It is a standard, FDA-approved medication, not a compounded one. For independent background, see MedlinePlus — Finasteride.

Male pattern hair loss is driven in part by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles in people who are genetically prone to it. Finasteride blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, which lowers DHT levels in the scalp. With less DHT reaching the follicles, loss slows and some regrowth is possible. It does not work by stimulating the scalp directly, which is why it is often used alongside a topical treatment.

Hair treatment is slow. It usually takes about three to six months of daily use before you can judge whether it is helping, and some people notice temporary increased shedding early on. The benefit generally continues only while you keep taking it, and stopping typically reverses the gains over the following months. Finasteride maintains hair and can partially restore it; it is not a cure, and results vary from person to person.

Finasteride is generally well tolerated. A minority of men report sexual side effects such as reduced sex drive, difficulty with erections, or changes in ejaculation. These usually resolve after stopping the medication, though effects that persist after stopping have been reported. Some people report changes in mood, including depression. Breast tenderness or enlargement can occur; tell your provider promptly about any breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge, as these are rarely a sign of something more serious. This is not a complete list, and you should tell your provider about anything you notice.

• Pregnancy. Finasteride can cause birth defects in a male baby. People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take it or handle broken or crushed tablets.
• Prostate screening. Finasteride lowers PSA, a blood marker used in prostate cancer screening. Tell any provider ordering a PSA test that you take it, so your result is read correctly.
• Mood changes. If you notice depression or changes in mood, tell your provider.
• Not for women or children. Finasteride for hair loss is prescribed for adult men.

Eligibility is a medical decision made by a licensed provider, not by a questionnaire alone. The provider considers the pattern and cause of your hair loss, your health history, and your goals. Finasteride is not appropriate for everyone, and it is prescribed for adult men. The only way to know is a provider evaluation.

Finasteride on Panterra is priced per refill, all-in, with no membership required to be a patient. The price includes the medication, the provider, follow-ups, and shipping, and the provider consultation fee is part of that price, itemized before you pay. The treatment page lists the current price.

See the treatment page: Hair-loss care (Kalos), and the broader guide to hair loss treatment.

1. You complete a health intake online.
2. A licensed U.S. provider reviews your information.
3. If finasteride is appropriate for you, the provider issues a prescription.
4. Your medication ships to you, and follow-ups are included in the price.

If it is not appropriate, the provider will tell you and may suggest other options. A prescription is never guaranteed.

Prescription required. Finasteride is available only with a prescription from a licensed provider after an evaluation.

Pregnancy warning. Finasteride can harm a developing baby. Do not take or handle it if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.

This is education, not medical advice. It does not replace a conversation with your provider. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Authoritative background: MedlinePlus — Finasteride.