As unbelievable as this sounds, 90% of hair loss cases now have an effective treatment – Finasteride. This oral-based drug also combats symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate. This guide contains comprehensive information on Finasteride, uses, side effects, dose, and many more. Let’s dive in to learn more.

What Is Finasteride?

When it comes to hair loss remedy, Finasteride occupies the throne as the top-prescribed hair loss treatment in the world. In fact, this medication has almost 10 million prescriptions in 2017, which made it the 86th highly prescribed drug in the United States. Finasteride is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia, which makes it safe to use.

How Does It Work?

Finasteride belongs to a group of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Prostate enlargement and hair loss occur as a result of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) secretion and activity in the body system. It is worth noting that the 4-alpha reductase enzyme converts testosterone to DHT. Hence, Finasteride stops the production of this enzyme, which makes it impossible to convert testosterone to DHT.

Another factor to break down is the concentration area of DHT. DHT activities are local; this implies that they can only operate at a single spot. Therefore, a high concentration of DHT in the scalp does not indicate its presence or activity in the prostate gland, and vice-versa.

Who Can Use Finasteride?

Men with mild or moderate male-pattern baldness can use Finasteride. However, it is ineffective on those with complete alopecia (total hair loss). If you notice your hairline beginning to recede or thin out gradually, you may be experiencing symptoms of androgenic alopecia and should contact your doctor immediately.

Finasteride is not prescribed for women. However, there are cases of some women above 50 being successful with their hair loss treatment using Finasteride. As a woman, discuss this option with your doctor before taking Finasteride.

Finasteride Dosages

Finasteride comes in 1 mg and 5 mg tablets with different doses, forms, and schedule, depending on factors, including:

•  Age
• medical condition
• the severity of the condition
• Other health problems
• Reaction to your first dose

For androgenic alopecia, dosage includes 1 mg of Finasteride oral tablet daily for at least 3 months – this is also applicable to the brand-name version: Propecia. To treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, take 5 mg of Finasteride or Proscar (brand-name version) per day, with or without food, for a period of 12 months. You can use this drug in combined therapy, adding other drugs like Cardura (doxazosin). You can get Finasteride tablets at Numan.

Side Effects Of Finasteride Intake

Finasteride comes with some side effects, some mild and others severe. However, not everyone experiences this outcome. Nevertheless, it is important to highlight the potential effects you may encounter using this drug, including the following:

• Decrease interest or desire in sexual activities
• Erectile dysfunction
• Testicular pains
• Ejaculatory dysfunction

Severe effects may include rash, depression, hives, itching, swollen lips and face, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and breast tissue growth/tenderness. In the case of severe side effects, seek medical assistance and advice immediately.

Clinic for Him is one of the most trusted clinics when it comes to Men’s Health. They offer a variety of services including but not limited to Andrology, Cardiology, Endocrinology, Urology, and more. Clinic for Him also offers treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED).