Finasteride treatment guide
Everything you need to know about finasteride for hair growth: how to take it, what to expect, managing side effects, and when to contact your doctor.
Finasteride treatment guide
Everything you need to know about finasteride for hair growth: how to take it, what to expect, managing side effects, and when to contact your doctor.
- READ TIME
- 2 min read
- PATHWAY
- Oral Finasteride
- DOSE RANGE
- 1 mg → Continue 1 mg daily
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How to use
- Take once daily
Take one tablet at the same time each day, with or without food. Oral finasteride is available as 1 mg tablets for hair loss. If you are taking topical finasteride, apply it to the scalp as directed.
- Consistency is key
Hair growth treatments take time. Take your medication every day without skipping. Set a daily reminder if needed.
- If you miss a dose
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once.
First 3 months. Take a monthly photo of your scalp in the same light and angle: it is the most reliable way to judge change. A temporary increase in shedding in the first 4 to 8 weeks is expected with minoxidil and usually signals follicle turnover, not failure.
Ongoing. Report any mood change, breast tenderness or sexual side effects (finasteride): most resolve on stopping, and your doctor can adjust the plan. Report scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair growth, dizziness or palpitations (minoxidil). Results reverse within months of stopping: treatment is long-term maintenance, so review the plan with your doctor at least yearly.
Treatment pathway
- 1 mgDaily
- Continue 1 mg daily3-6 months
- Continue 1 mg daily6-12 months
Report mood changes or sexual side effects: your doctor can adjust the plan.
See the full decision pathway
Your finasteride pathway
Months 1-3
One 1 mg tablet daily
Same time every day, with or without food. DHT suppression starts within days; visible change takes months.
At 6 months, do your photos show less shedding, stabilisation or regrowth?
Yes
Continue daily
Full effect is judged at 12 months; benefits persist only while treatment continues.
No
Doctor review
Your doctor may add topical minoxidil or reassess the diagnosis.
Months 1-3Optimising results
Keep it simple
Finasteride alone
Effective for most men at the crown and mid-scalp.
Best results
Add topical minoxidil
The combination outperforms either treatment alone in clinical studies.
Report mood changes or sexual side effects: your doctor can adjust the plan.
Dose schedule
| Dose | When | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 1 mg | Daily | Standard dose for hair loss. Long-term treatment. |
| Continue 1 mg daily | 3-6 months | Initial shedding may occur; this is normal. |
| Continue 1 mg daily | 6-12 months | Visible regrowth for many patients. |
How it compares
| Hair-loss treatments compared | How it works | Best suited for | Dosing | First visible results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1 mg | Blocks conversion of testosterone to DHT (5-alpha-reductase inhibitor) | Men with pattern hair loss at the crown and mid-scalp | One tablet daily | 3 to 6 months |
| Minoxidil (topical) | Stimulates follicles and prolongs the growth phase | Men and women; works on most pattern-loss areas | Applied to dry scalp twice daily | 8 to 16 weeks |
| Female combination plan | Topical stimulation, with anti-androgen options a doctor may add | Women with pattern thinning or a widening part | As prescribed in your plan | 12 to 24 weeks |
Combining a DHT blocker with topical minoxidil outperforms either alone in men; your doctor will advise the right combination.
Side effects
Less common side effects
Some patients may experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced ejaculate volume. These are uncommon and usually resolve when treatment is stopped. If you experience any of these, discuss with your doctor.
Scalp irritation (topical)
If using topical finasteride, you may experience mild scalp irritation, dryness, or itching. This usually improves with continued use.
Do not use if
- Women: finasteride 1 mg is for men only; women who are or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets
- Under 18 years old
- Allergy to finasteride or any tablet ingredient
- Severe liver disease
- Already taking finasteride or dutasteride for prostate enlargement
Tell your doctor before any prostate (PSA) blood test: finasteride roughly halves PSA values and the lab must correct for it.
When to contact your doctor
- Persistent side effects that concern you (sexual, mood changes, breast tenderness or enlargement)
- Any scalp reaction that does not improve (topical form)
- No visible improvement after 12 months of consistent use
Storage
Store at room temperature below 25°C. Keep in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture. Do not use after the expiry date on the carton.
What to expect
Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss in men. It stops further hair loss in most patients and can promote regrowth. Results take time: consistent daily use for 6-12 months is needed before judging effectiveness. Treatment is long-term; if you stop taking it, hair loss will return within 6-12 months.
Sources
Questions while you're on treatment?
Message your doctor in your private chat about side effects, doses or anything that worries you. Replies in under 2 hours on average.
- Follow up on your hair treatment in the chat
- Download your e-prescription
- Renewals reviewed by your doctor
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