How long does it take for finasteride to work?

Finasterid needs time. First visible results are usually shown after 3 to 6 months. The full effect can be assessed after about 12 months. Patience is important – many men break the treatment too early before it can work.

Do I have to take Finasterid forever?

To get the effect, yes. Finasteride does not treat the cause, but suppresses the harmful effect of DHT. When you put off the drug, the DHT mirror will rise again and the hair loss will resume within 12 months.

Are the sexual side effects permanent?

In most cases not. Most of the men who develop sexual side effects report that they will leave on continued intake or disappear after decommissioning. In very rare cases, persistent symptoms were reported.

Can I combine finasteride with minoxidil?

Yes, this combination is even very widespread and can be more effective than any active ingredient alone. Finasteride works from the inside, minoxidil from the outside – they have different mechanisms of action and complement each other.

Does my hair grow new or just the failure is stopped?

Both are possible. At about 90% of users, the hair loss is stopped. At about 65% there is also visible denser hair. This means that most benefit, but not everyone gets dense hair back as in young years.

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What is finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription active ingredient for the treatment of inherited hair loss (androgenic alopecia) in men. The drug was originally introduced by MSD under the brand name Propecia® and is now available as a generic by various manufacturers.

The active ingredient belongs to the group of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It specifically intervenes in the hormonal mechanism responsible for hair loss, and can stop hair loss as well as reactivate hair growth in many men.

Important to know: Finasterid is only allowed for men. For women, the drug is not suitable and can lead to severe malformations in male fetus, especially during pregnancy.

The effect does not apply immediately – first results are usually visible after 3 to 6 months, the full effect after about 12 months.

Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action

Active ingredient: Finasterid

In order to understand the effect of finasteride, one must know the mechanism of the hereditary hair loss:

The background: The male sex hormone testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT is a potent androgen that damages the hair follicles on the head in genetically predisposed men. The follicles shrink, the hair becomes thinner and finally fall out.

**The effect of Finasterid:* * Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (type II) and thereby reduces the DHT concentration in the blood and in the scalp by about 70%. With less DHT, the hair follicles are protected:

The hair loss is stopped at about 90% of users
New hair growth shows about 65% of users
The hair quality improves – existing hair becomes stronger

Language: The effect is slowly expanding. First visible results after 3-6 months, optimal effect after 12-24 months. If finasteride is removed, the hair loss returns within 12 months.

Who is it suitable for?

Finasteride is suitable for:

Men with androgenic alopecia:

Typical pattern: Secret Council corners and/or light spot at the top
Age: 18-41 years (study population), even older men can benefit
Light to medium hair loss (best results)
Even with advanced hair loss possible, expectations should be adjusted

Especially effective at:

Early intervention – the earlier treatment begins, the better
hair loss mainly on the vertex
Still existing, even thinned hair

More suitable for:

Completely stealed places (there are no more follicles to save)
Hair loss at the temples (lower effectiveness)
Women (not allowed, can cause malformations in male fetus)
scar or disease-related hair loss

Combination therapy: Finasteride is often combined with minoxidil. Both active ingredients have different mechanisms and can complement each other.

Available Dosages

For androgenic alopecia:

1 mg per day – Only allowed dose for hair loss

Other dosages (not for hair loss):

5 mg is used for treating benign prostate enlargement
This higher dose is not required for hair loss and increases the risk of side effects

Application duration:

Long-term therapy required
The intake must be carried out continuously to obtain the effect
When settling, hair loss returns within 12 months
After 5 years of application, studies continue to show good effectiveness

Pack sizes: Finasteride 1 mg is available in various pack sizes (28, 84, 98 tablets), with larger packs usually being more economical.

How to Take

Intake:

One tablet (1 mg) daily
With or without meal
Take water with a glass
Possibly at the same time of day for even active mirrors

Important notes:

Do not divide or chew the tablets
Pregnant women should not touch the tablets (active substance absorption possible via the skin)
Forgot intake: Just continue normal the next day, no double dose

Language and expectations:

3-6 months: First results may be visible, hair loss slows
12 months: Full effect assessed, visible in many men denser hair
Long term: Continuous intake needed to get results

What you can expect:

Hair loss stops at about 90% of men
Visible growth at about 65 %
The effect is best on a crown and a backhead
At the secret council corners usually lower effect

Contraindications

Absolute contraindications:

Women:

Finasterid is only allowed for men
In pregnant women it can lead to severe malformations of the genitals of male fetuses
Even skin contact with broken tablets should be avoided

Children and young people:

Not for persons under 18 years

Insensitivity:

Known allergy to finasteride or any of the other ingredients

**Relative contraindications – special care with:* *

Leberfunction disorder:

Finasteride is mined in the liver
In case of severe liver disease, excretion may be delayed

Psychical preload:

When leaning towards depression or anxiety, tight-mesh observation recommended
When mental symptoms occur inform doctor

Prostate cancer screening:

Finasteride reduces the PSA value by about 50 %
This must be taken into account in prostate cancer prevention
inform doctor about the Finasterid intake

Possible Side Effects

**Family side effects (1-10%):* *

Reduced libido (sexual desire)
Erectile dysfunction
Reduced ejaculate volume

**Other side effects (0,1-1%):* *

Depressive detunement
sensitivity or swelling of the breast
Skin rash

**Setting side effects (less than 0.1%):* *

Sensitivity reactions
Increased liver enzymes
testicular pain

Post-Finasteride Syndrome: In rare cases, men report on persistent sexual side effects even after decommissioning. This post-finasteride syndrome is scientifically controversial and is further researched. The frequency is very low.

Important notes:

Most sexual side effects disappear on continuation of therapy or after decommissioning
In case of persistent or stressful side effects, treatment should be terminated
Mental changes (depressions) should be taken seriously

Influence on laboratory tests:

PSA value decreases by about 50% – important for prostate cancer care

Interactions

Reactions: Finasteride has relatively few clinically relevant interactions:

**No known significant interactions with:* *

Blood pressure medications
cholesterol cores
Diabetes drugs
Painkillers

Theoretical interactions:

CYP3A4 inhibitor (Ketoconazole, Ritonavir): Could slow down the degradation of finasteride, but not relevant
Johanniskraut: Could accelerate degradation, meaning unclear

Special Notes:

PSA test: Finasteride reduces the PSA value by about 50%. In prostate cancer prevention, the doctor must know this to interpret the values correctly.

Blood donation: During taking and until a month after putting off, men should not give blood, as the blood could theoretically be transferred to pregnant women.

Pregnant partners: In the event of a child's request or pregnancy of the partner: Finasterid passes into the seed liquid in small amounts. The risk for the fetus is considered very low, but should be discussed with the doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Medications

Propecia

Regaine

Minoxidil

Alfatradiol

Is finasteride right for you?

A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.

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Important Notice

This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor. Read the package leaflet before use.