Finasteride is a medication for managing male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It prevents further hair thinning and can stimulate new growth. A common question is what happens to hair if finasteride is discontinued.
Understanding How Finasteride Works
Finasteride works by targeting a specific biological process within the body. It functions as an inhibitor of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is present in hair follicles and plays a crucial role in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a potent androgen contributing to male pattern baldness. DHT binds to receptors on hair follicles, causing them to shrink and miniaturize. This miniaturization leads to thinner, shorter, and more brittle hair, eventually resulting in characteristic thinning and baldness. By inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, finasteride effectively lowers DHT levels in the scalp, protecting hair follicles from its damaging effects and slowing or reversing hair loss.
The Reversal of Finasteride’s Effects
When finasteride is stopped, its protective action on hair follicles ceases. The medication has a relatively short half-life, meaning it is cleared from the body within about two weeks after the last dose. Without the consistent presence of finasteride, the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme is no longer inhibited.
The body begins converting testosterone into DHT at its previous rates, causing DHT levels in the scalp to gradually rise back to pre-treatment concentrations. This increase in DHT reactivates the underlying process of androgenetic alopecia. Any hair that was maintained or regrown due to the medication’s effect will likely begin to thin and fall out, as the hair follicles once again become susceptible to DHT-induced miniaturization.
Predicting Your Hair’s Future Without Finasteride
The reversal of finasteride’s benefits begins within a few weeks to months after stopping the medication. While DHT levels can return to baseline within approximately 14 days of cessation, the visible impact on hair might take longer to manifest. Many individuals observe noticeable hair loss within 6 to 12 months after discontinuing treatment.
The hair loss experienced will mirror the progression that would have occurred had finasteride never been started. This means that the hair density and scalp coverage achieved or maintained with the medication will gradually revert to the state expected given one’s genetic predisposition to male pattern baldness. Individual experiences can vary, influenced by factors such as age, genetics, and the severity of hair loss before treatment began.