Finasteride: Does it Regrow Hair and What Are the Side Effects?
While the bald positivity movement has gained momentum, for some men, hair loss remains a painful source of distress. For those struggling with thinning or receding hairlines, treatments like finasteride can be life-changing.
Finasteride, often hailed as a 'game changer', is a prescribed medication for male pattern baldness and can help to slow down male pattern baldness and stimulate hair regrowth. Studies have shown that it can be highly effective, with around 90% of men experiencing some level of hair regrowth or stabilization of hair loss within a year of use, according to clinical data. However, it’s not without controversy – there are reported side effects, both physical and psychological, that can affect some users.
So, what’s it really like to take finasteride? As more individuals consider trying it, Men’s Health speaks to Dr Bessam Farjo, Hair Transplant Surgeon at the Farjo Hair Clinic, on potential risks to the success stories. Here’s everything you need to know about finasteride.
What Does Finasteride Do Exactly?
In the field of hair restoration, finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness and is available as a 1mg daily tablet or in a topical solution. 'It works by inhibiting an enzyme which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a key factor in hair loss, as it causes hair follicles to shrink over time, leading to thinning and eventual baldness. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps slow hair loss and, in some cases, promote regrowth. For best results, consistent use is required, as discontinuing treatment may lead to hair loss resuming over time,' explains Dr Farjo.
Does Finasteride Actually Regrow Hair?
'In some cases, yes,' Dr Farjo adds. 'It can help with rejuvenate thinning hairs, but the first objective is to help with slowing down or even stopping further hair loss. As mentioned, it does this by lowering DHT levels, finasteride slows hair loss and can, in some cases, reverse miniaturisation, allowing hair follicles to produce thicker, healthier strands. However, its effectiveness varies, and regrowth is typically limited to areas where follicles are still active. Consistent, long-term use is necessary to maintain results.'
What Are the Risks of Finasteride?
Dr Farjo exaplains that while finasteride is generally well-tolerated, a small minority of men may experience side effects. These include:
Reduced libido
Erectile dysfunction
Lower semen volume, which, in rare cases, can persist after stopping the medication.
Mood changes such as anxiety or depression.
'All of these risks, however, can be mitigated somewhat by using it under the guidance of a doctor and screening appropriate patients. We will take a full patient history and recommend if it’s a suitable treatment. If not, there are other options available we can recommend,' says Dr Farjo.
Can Doctors Prescribe Finasteride?
Doctors can prescribe finasteride, but it’s important that the prescribing doctor has a strong understanding of hair loss and experience in this area.
'Treating male pattern baldness requires nuance, as not all hair loss is caused by DHT, and misdiagnosis could lead to ineffective treatment,' warns Dr Farjo. 'A thorough patient history is essential to rule out other underlying conditions and assess potential risk factors. Additionally, because finasteride can have side effects, a knowledgeable doctor will discuss these risks, set realistic expectations, and monitor progress. For the best results, men should seek advice from a specialist in hair restoration or dermatology.'
Is Finasteride Worth the Risk?
Dr Farjo believes that for most men who are sufficiently anxious or distressed about their hair loss, finasteride is worth the risk. 'Hundreds of thousands take it without experiencing any side effects beyond the benefit of improved hair growth and restored confidence,' he explains.
'In our experience treating thousands of patients, the vast majority are extremely satisfied with their results. While some men may experience side effects such as reduced libido or mood changes, these are uncommon and usually reversible upon stopping the medication. Those who are more at risk of adverse effects will be advised against taking finasteride and offered alternative treatments. For those who are suitable candidates, finasteride remains one of the most effective solutions for male pattern baldness.'
Dr Fargo believes, however, that risks are heightenend with subscription services offering finasteride. He tells MH, 'The screening process is often inadequate for those first-time users.
'Many rely on basic tick-box exercises for mental health and medical history, which don’t always capture the nuances of an individual’s risk factors. Finasteride is a highly effective treatment, but it requires proper assessment and ongoing monitoring to ensure it’s suitable for each patient. While subscription services have made the drug more accessible, they also open the door to potential problems by not providing the same level of personalised care as an experienced doctor or hair restoration specialist. Proper medical oversight is essential.'
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