There exists a wide range of medications and hair loss treatments available to men and women. While the only truly permanent solution is a hair transplant, men who desire a non-surgical alternative may find success with Finasteride as a tool to treat hair loss. While Finasteride is not a cure for hair loss, it can cause new scalp hair to grow. However, any benefits that may be experienced from using the medication will persist only as long as regular treatment is continued.
What Is Finasteride?
Finasteride – sold under the brand names Propecia or Proscar – is a prescription-only medication. Originally used for treating an enlarged prostate, it is now also commonly used in men suffering from scalp hair loss. Finasteride works by reducing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT are one of the leading causes of hair loss in men, typically resulting in male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
Does Finasteride help with hair growth?
Finasteride does help men suffering from scalp hair loss (it does not promote the growth of body hair). Finasteride works by blocking an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase which breaks down testosterone and converts it into DHT. However, any effects of Finasteride last only as long as the medication is regularly taken. Suitable patients taking Finasteride are likely to see an increase in the number of healthy, productive hair follicles.
Men taking Finasteride have been shown to experience up to a 30% increase in scalp hair growth over 6 months.
How Do I Use It?
Finasteride is a prescription-only medication, therefore, it is necessary to seek professional medical advice before starting it. Your doctor will perform a routine blood test to determine whether or not you will see any benefits from the medication.
The medication is a once-daily tablet that should be taken once daily. Typically, results will appear within 3-6 months, Your doctor will require semi-regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure that you are not experiencing any adverse reactions.
Does Finasteride Have Any Side Effects?
As one of only two FDA-approved medications for treating hair loss, Finasteride has been in use in the United States since 1992 and is generally regarded as safe. However, there are certain rare side effects in men which may include: impotence, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and ejaculation disorder. Women who are pregnant, or may become pregnant, should not take or handle Finasteride as it may cause birth defects in male babies. Finasteride is not approved for use in children.
In extremely rare cases, a very small number of patients may experience an allergic reaction to Finasteride. Symptoms of Finasteride allergies include rash, itching & swelling of the face/tongue, dizziness, and/or shortness of breath. If you experience any of these, stop taking Finasteride and immediately contact your doctor.
Please talk to your doctor and ask for a patient information leaflet to help you better understand the risks and benefits of using Finasteride.
Can I use Finasteride After A Hair Transplant?
Yes. Finasteride is safe for use following a hair transplant. Typically, this medication is effective at promoting the healthy growth of newly transplanted hair and minimising “shock hair loss” following a hair transplant.
Along with Minoxidil, Finasteride has been shown to improve the results of a hair transplant. While hair transplants do offer permanent solutions to hair loss, the addition of medications is likely to have a positive impact over the next several months following the procedure.
Hair Transplants With Dr Serkan Aygin
While Finasteride may help many men, it is not suited for every patient, nor does it offer a permanent solution to hair loss. A hair transplant at the Dr Serkan Aygin Clinic in Istanbul provides a lifelong solution. A hair transplant uses a patient’s own, healthy hair to fill in the areas left behind by pattern baldness.
Named “Best Medical Tourism Facility” in 2019 by La Razon, our clinic is located in one of Turkey’s most prestigious hospitals and uses only the most modern techniques and equipment.
We specialise in both Sapphire FUE and DHI hair transplants, both of which provide permanent, lifelong hair growth. Dr Aygin is a trusted pioneer in the field of hair restoration and has assisted over 15,000 patients in his 25-year career with a hair regrowth rate of 98%. Contact us today to schedule your full, free consultation.
