Finasteride 0.1%

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor.

What that means:

• It blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase
• This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT
• Result: DHT levels drop by ~60–70% in the scalp and blood

Effect on hair:

• Less DHT → follicles stop shrinking
• Hair loss slows or stops
• Some miniaturised follicles can recover and thicken

Finasteride does not:

• Create new follicles
• Reverse long-dead follicles

What Results to Expect

• 3 months: Reduced shedding
• 6 months: Stabilisation of hair loss
• 9–12 months: Visible thickening/regrowth (mainly crown & mid-scalp)

Best results are seen when:

• Hair loss is early to moderate
• Used consistently
• When combined with minoxidil

Stopping finasteride → DHT returns → hair loss resumes within months.

How It’s Taken

• Standard dose: 1 mg oral tablet daily
• Also available as topical finasteride (lower systemic exposure)

Side Effects (Important)

Most men tolerate finasteride well, but possible side effects include:

• Reduced libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Reduced ejaculate volume
• Mood changes (rare)

Incidence: ~1–3% in clinical trials

Side effects usually resolve after stopping the drug.

If symptoms persist, seek medical advice.

Who It Works Best For

• ✅ Men with male-pattern hair loss
• ❌ Not effective for stress-related or autoimmune hair loss
• ❌ Not approved for women (especially during pregnancy)