A receding hairline is a common concern for many men, often signaling the onset of male pattern hair loss, medically known as androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride is a prescription medication frequently used to address this type of hair loss, promoting hair growth and increasing hair count for men with androgenetic alopecia. It is available in tablet form and taken orally.
How Finasteride Works
Finasteride functions by targeting a specific biological process involved in male pattern hair loss. It belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. This medication works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a potent androgen hormone that plays a significant role in the miniaturization of hair follicles in genetically susceptible individuals, leading to hair thinning and eventual loss.
By reducing DHT in the scalp and serum, finasteride counteracts its harmful effects on hair follicles. Lowering DHT levels can maintain or increase the number of terminal hairs in the anagen (growing) phase, inhibiting and sometimes reversing the miniaturization process. Finasteride typically decreases DHT concentrations in the serum by about 70% and in the scalp by approximately 60%.
Addressing a Receding Hairline
Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss, which includes issues like a receding hairline. While studies show finasteride is often more effective for hair loss on the crown (vertex), it can still provide benefits for hair loss in other areas of the scalp, including the frontal scalp and temples. Clinical trials have demonstrated that finasteride can prevent further hair loss and promote new hair growth in men with mild to moderate male pattern hair loss.
In these studies, a significant percentage of men treated with finasteride either maintained their hair count or experienced an increase. For instance, 86% of men showed maintenance or an increase in hair after 12 months of treatment, compared to 58% of those on placebo who experienced further hair loss. Continued daily use of finasteride has been shown to halt hair loss or regrow hair in a large majority of men over the long term. Although efficacy for the hairline can vary, DHT reduction contributes to overall hair preservation and potential regrowth across the scalp.
What to Expect from Treatment
Individuals beginning finasteride treatment should understand that results are not immediate and require consistent use. It typically takes at least three months of daily use before any noticeable improvement can be observed. More significant improvements, such as substantial hair regrowth, may take up to 12 months to become apparent. The effectiveness of the treatment can vary, and patience is important during the initial phases.
Continued use of finasteride is necessary to maintain the benefits achieved. If the medication is stopped, any positive effects on hair growth and hair count will gradually reverse within 12 months. Therefore, finasteride therapy for hair loss is generally a long-term commitment to sustain results.
Important Considerations
Before starting finasteride, consult a healthcare professional to discuss suitability and potential risks. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine, approved for use in men. It is not recommended for women, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, due to the risk of causing birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid handling broken or crushed finasteride tablets.
Like all medications, finasteride can have side effects, though not everyone experiences them. Common side effects include decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Less common but serious side effects can involve mood changes, such as depression and suicidal thoughts. Patients should inform their doctor about existing medical conditions or other medications they are taking, as finasteride can interact with certain tests, such as PSA tests for prostate cancer screening.