What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription-only tablet used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It works on the hormone pathway that contributes to hair thinning on the scalp in genetically predisposed men.

Male pattern hair loss typically causes:

• Receding hairline
• Thinning on the crown and top of the head
• Gradual, long-term hair loss pattern

Finasteride 1 mg tablets are licensed for use in adult men with male pattern hair loss to increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss.

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This means it:

• Blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Lowers DHT levels in the scalp and blood
• Helps reduce miniaturisation (shrinking) of hair follicles in male pattern hair loss

Over time, this can:

• Slow or prevent further hair loss
• Increase hair growth and hair count in many men
• Improve hair thickness and coverage on the scalp

Finasteride does not cure baldness and does not work for everyone. Any benefit is usually gradual and depends on continued daily use.

What is Finasteride used for on this page?

On this product page, finasteride 1 mg is used specifically for:

• Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men

It is not used here for prostate problems (which require a different 5 mg dose). Other uses are outside the scope of this hair-loss service.

Who is this treatment suitable for?

Finasteride 1 mg tablets may be suitable for you if:

• You are an adult man with male pattern hair loss
• Your hair loss pattern is consistent with androgenetic alopecia (for example, receding hairline, thinning at the crown)
• You want to slow hair loss and possibly improve regrowth
• You are happy to take a tablet every day and understand it may take several months to see results

Your prescriber will consider:

• Your pattern and extent of hair loss
• Your medical history and current medicines
• Any history of depression, low mood, sexual problems or fertility concerns before deciding whether finasteride is suitable.

Who should not take Finasteride?

Finasteride 1 mg for this service must NOT be used by:

• Women (especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant)
• Children and adolescents under 18 or men over 65
• Anyone allergic to finasteride or any of the tablet ingredients

It may not be suitable or may need extra caution if you:

• Have liver disease or severe liver problems
• Have significant depression, history of suicidal thoughts, or other mental health conditions
• Have existing sexual dysfunction (e.g. erectile dysfunction, low libido)
• Are taking other medicines that affect hormones or the prostate

Recent safety reviews highlight that finasteride can be associated with depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual dysfunction, which may persist after stopping treatment in some cases.

Your prescriber will discuss these risks with you and may decide finasteride is not appropriate in some situations.

How do I take Finasteride for male pattern hair loss?

Your prescriber will confirm your exact directions, but the usual dose for hair loss is:

• Finasteride 1 mg once daily

Key points:

• Take one 1 mg tablet every day, at roughly the same time each day.
• Swallow the tablet whole with water – do not crush or break the tablets (especially important to avoid exposure in women who are or may become pregnant).

How long does Finasteride take to work?

• Continuous use for 3–6 months is usually needed before any benefit is seen.
• Maximum benefit is often seen at around 1–2 years of daily use.
• If treatment is stopped, any gains typically reverse over 6–12 months, and hair loss may gradually return to its previous pattern.
• Your prescriber will usually review your treatment after several months to decide whether it is worth continuing.

General advice for taking Finasteride

• Take exactly as prescribed – do not change the dose yourself.
• You can take finasteride with or without food.
• If someone who is pregnant or may become pregnant handles finasteride tablets, they should not handle broken or crushed tablets as the active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin.
• Keep taking the tablets each day, even if you do not see immediate changes – benefits are gradual.

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