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Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone that causes hair loss in men. It stops further hair loss in most patients and can promote regrowth — but results take time.
Receptor-level mechanism. Finasteride is a selective competitive inhibitor of type 2 5α-reductase (IC₅₀ 69 nM), the isoenzyme expressed in the dermal papilla and inner root sheath of scalp hair follicles [PMID 10495374]. A double-blind RCT in 249 men with androgenetic alopecia showed that finasteride 1 mg daily showed dose-dependent suppression of scalp and serum DHT [PMID 10495374]. Lower DHT at the follicle extends the anagen phase and reverses the shortening of the hair cycle that drives miniaturisation. Finasteride has no affinity for the androgen receptor itself and no intrinsic hormonal activity [PMID 7689728]. The 1 mg dose was established in phase III trials (n=1,879) that demonstrated increased hair count versus placebo at 12 and 24 months [PMID 9486993].
Treatment is long-term. If you stop taking it, hair loss will return within 6–12 months.

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How to use

There is no sequence to follow here — these three rules apply every day, for as long as you are on treatment.

Take once daily

Take one tablet at the same time each day, with or without food. Finasteride metabolism is primarily hepatic via CYP3A4 [PMID 32276931]; the prescriber considers liver function before starting and during treatment. Oral finasteride is available as 1 mg tablets for hair loss. If you are taking topical finasteride, apply it to the scalp as directed.

Consistency is key

Hair growth treatments take time. Take your medication every day without skipping. Set a daily reminder if needed.

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at once.

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Dose schedule

Daily dose 1 mg oral finasteride — the standard dose for hair loss. Results are not immediate; this is a long-term treatment.
The dose stays where it is. What changes is what you notice, and it arrives in this order.
1

First 3–6 months

You may notice shedding in the first few months. This is normal and means the treatment is working. Continue taking it consistently.
2

6–12 months

Hair stabilisation and visible regrowth becomes noticeable for many patients.

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What has been reported

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Contact your doctor if

  • Persistent side effects that concern you (sexual, mood changes, breast tenderness or enlargement)
  • Any scalp reaction that does not improve (topical form)
  • No visible improvement after 12 months of consistent use

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Storage

Store at room temperature below 25°C. Keep in the original packaging to protect from light and moisture. Do not use after the expiry date on the carton.

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What to expect

Consistent daily use for 6–12 months is needed before judging effectiveness. This is a long-term treatment — stopping it means hair loss returns within 6–12 months. For other hair-growth options, see the minoxidil treatment guide, the female hair loss treatment guide, and the oral dutasteride + minoxidil guide.

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How Hi-Doctor handles it

A licensed EU doctor reviews your case in under 24 hours. See androgenetic alopecia for the condition this treats, and pricing for the fee.

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Start a consultation

Hair-growth consultation

Answer the hair-growth questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it. They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose — and declining is a normal outcome. See what it costs and how the review works.
This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription. Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor after reviewing your consultation.