> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Finasteride treatment guide

> How to take daily finasteride for hair loss, what shedding at 3-6 months means, and the timeline to visible regrowth.

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.

<Note>
  Treatment is long-term. If you stop taking it, hair loss will return within 6–12 months.
</Note>

## How to use

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

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Take once daily" icon="pill">
    Take one tablet at the same time each day, with or without food. Oral finasteride is available as 1 mg tablets for hair loss. If you are taking topical finasteride, apply it to the scalp as directed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Consistency is key" icon="calendar-check">
    Hair growth treatments take time. Take your medication every day without skipping. Set a daily reminder if needed.
  </Card>

  <Card title="If you miss a dose" icon="clock-rotate-left">
    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.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Dose schedule

<Info>
  **Daily dose** 1 mg oral finasteride — the standard dose for hair loss. Results are not immediate; this is a long-term treatment.
</Info>

The dose stays where it is. What changes is what you notice, and it arrives in
this order.

<Steps>
  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="6–12 months">
    Hair stabilisation and visible regrowth becomes noticeable for many patients.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What has been reported

| Effect                                                           | Notes                                                                                                             |
| ---------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculate volume | Less common. Usually resolve when treatment is stopped — discuss with your doctor if you experience any of these. |
| Scalp irritation, dryness or itching                             | With topical finasteride. Mild, and usually improves with continued use.                                          |

## 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

## 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.

## 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.

## Related guides

For other hair-growth options, see the [minoxidil treatment guide](/library/guides/hair-growth-minoxidil), the [female hair loss treatment guide](/library/guides/hair-growth-female), and the [oral dutasteride + minoxidil guide](/library/guides/oral-dutasteride-minoxidil).

## How Hi-Doctor handles it

A licensed EU doctor reviews your case in under 24 hours. See [androgenetic alopecia](/library/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia) for the condition this treats, and [pricing](/essentials/pricing) for the fee.

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Hair-growth consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/hair-growth/1">
  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](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  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.
</Warning>