Weighing the Benefits and Side Effects of Finasteride

Hair loss is a common issue that affects the majority of people during their life. The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women is a hereditary condition known as androgenetic alopecia.

In men, the condition usually begins with hair loss above both temples, leading to a receding hairline accompanied by thinning on the top of the head and eventually leading to partial or total baldness. Women typically don't experience a receding hairline or complete baldness, but the hair becomes visibly thinner all over the head.

Thinning hair and hair loss can be challenging to diagnose and treat, but there are proven effective treatment options available, including the prescription drug finasteride, commonly known as Propecia.

What Is Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription drug that is in a class of medications known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The drug comes in tablet form, taken orally, and is available in brand-name and generic versions. Finasteride is prescribed to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as enlarged prostate, and is also an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, also known as female or male pattern hair loss.

The FDA approved drug finasteride has been shown to increase the number of hairs on the scalp without affecting hair growth in other body areas. The medication is often prescribed alone but may also be used with other therapies as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, improving overall results.

Benefits of Finasteride

Finasteride works by blocking the action of the enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase. The 5-alpha reductase enzyme changes the hormone testosterone into a hormone called DHT, which has been shown to cause hair loss. By inhibiting DHT production, finasteride increases testosterone levels in the body, slowing hair loss and improving hair growth on the scalp.

DHT has been shown to damage the follicles, causing them to grow weaker strands of hair and eventually lose the ability to produce hair. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride can inhibit and reverse damage to the hair follicle and increase the number of hairs that are in the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.

Side Effects of Finasteride

Like many prescription medications, finasteride may cause some unwanted side effects in a small percentage of people. Some of the drug's most common side effects include chills, cold sweats, confusion, or dizziness.
Finasteride has also been associated with sexual dysfunctions that may continue after stopping treatment in a small number of patients. While the FDA has acknowledged side effects such as erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, they also note that these side effects are extremely rare, with only a small percentage of patients taking finasteride experiencing a sexual side effect.

Finasteride is a long-term treatment option that provides a significant reduction in hair loss when taken as prescribed. After taking the medication continuously for a few months, most people begin to see significant results, with effectiveness persisting as long as the treatment continues. The effects of finasteride only last as long as the medicine is taken, and when it is stopped, the hair you have regrown will begin to fall out, and the hair loss will resume.

Consult The Professionals At Mane Image

If you are noticing thinning hair or increased hair loss, the first step to solving the issue is determining the cause. Various factors cause hair loss, and finding the cause, and any contributing factors will determine the most effective treatment plan for you and your hair loss.

At Mane Image, our staff of highly trained professionals utilizes the latest technology and medical advances to treat hair loss. We can help determine the cause of your hair loss and help to create a custom treatment plan that meets your needs and budget. To learn more about finasteride and other treatment options, contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation.