If you’re trying to stop hair shedding from finasteride, you’re not alone. This popular hair loss treatment is a long-term solution for men who want to prevent baldness and regrow hair. However, you might be wondering if this method is effective for other types of hair loss. Let’s discuss why finasteride is effective for male pattern baldness and whether it’s a good treatment for hair loss.
Treatment of male pattern baldness with finasteride
A study published in 2009 found that treatment with finasteride significantly improved hair count in men with male pattern baldness. The study found that finasteride boosted hair counts by 10% during the first year of treatment, but hair loss decreased at a slower pace thereafter. The results of the study showed that men with this condition would lose an average of 26% of terminal, thick scalp hairs after five years without treatment.
Fortunately, the majority of male pattern baldness is curable and there are treatments that can help reverse the process. Treatment with finasteride, an FDA-approved medication, blocks the powerful androgen DHT from attacking the hair follicles. DHT leads to thinner hairs and shrinking follicles. Finasteride is an oral medication, so results are typically temporary. However, patients should keep in mind that finasteride takes up to three months to produce noticeable results.
It causes transient hair shedding
While taking Finasteride, hair loss sufferers should expect some shedding as it is a side effect. The hair that was previously in a’resting’ state begins to shed faster than normal. Although this hair loss is temporary, it does show that Finasteride is working. The hair should return to normal growth within a couple of months. Afterward, however, shedding should cease.
In addition to hair regrowth, Finasteride also causes shedding of fine hair. Although this is a side effect, it is temporary and can be reversed when you stop taking the medication. It is best for men who want to achieve hair growth but don’t want to deal with side effects. However, this medication can cause sexual side effects, so it is important to weigh the cost-benefit analysis of the side effects against the benefits.
It doesn’t work for other forms of hair loss
The use of finasteride to treat hair loss is not a quick fix for the condition. Although the medication induces the growth of hair, it takes time for the follicles to re-enter the anagen phase. After three months of treatment, you should begin to notice new hair growth. However, some people find that this treatment does not work for them and decide to stop it. Hence, if you are considering using this medication, make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
Another option for hair loss is topical hair loss foam. While not as effective as finasteride, it has been reported to induce new hair growth in a limited number of patients. Topical hair loss foams act as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to the scalp. The increased blood flow stimulates the hair follicles. However, it is important to remember that topical treatments work only when they are actively used.
It is a long-term treatment
Finasteride is an oral tablet that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The effect of this drug is gradually increased over the course of two to five years. It is not recommended for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Finasteride can cause birth defects in male babies, so women who are pregnant should not use finasteride or handle crushed tablets. But women who are not planning to become pregnant can use finasteride tablets and be eligible for financial assistance.
Conclusion
Finasteride is available only on prescription and is not available on the NHS. It is not recommended for women and is only prescribed by specialist doctors in a few rare cases. It is taken as a tablet once a day and should not be used for hair loss in women. However, finasteride gets into the semen and may harm an unborn baby. Thus, it is recommended for men to wear a condom when having sex.
