Finasteride 101: Everything You Need to Know About Generic Propecia®

While some people still think of hair loss as an old-person’s problem, the reality is quite different. In fact, 25% of men with male pattern baldness start losing their hair before the age of 21. That’s why it’s so important to start addressing your hair loss as soon as possible.

One of the most common ways to treat early-stage hair loss is by taking the FDA approved prescription medication Finasteride, also known by its brand name, Propecia. If you’re interested in learning more about this commonly used hair loss treatment option, just keep reading.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a highly effective oral medication that’s used to treat male pattern baldness (not approved for female use) and has been shown to slow down and in some cases reverse hair loss.

Finasteride works by preventing testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and causes them to be unable to support hair. By reducing the level of DHT in your body, Finasteride can help slow down reverse the balding process and prevent future hair loss.

And don’t worry – Finasteride only affects hair growth on your head.

Does Finasteride Work?

While results can vary from person to person, studies have shown that Finasteride is one of the most effective treatments for male pattern baldness, even at just 1 mg a day (the recommended and prescribed dosage). In a clinical study of 1,500 men over 2 years, nearly 90% of all participants saw slowed and reversed balding.

And that’s not just in the short-term. Long-term effectiveness of Finasteride has shown equally positive results, as long as you continue taking the medication.

How Long Does It Take to See Results?

Finasteride isn’t an overnight cure. It can usually take anywhere from 3 to 6 months for it to take full effect – so, don’t get upset if you aren’t seeing results right away. And the reality is that if you stop taking Finasteride, your DHT can rise again and reverse the effects within 9 months to a year. So, keep at it. You’ll be glad you did.

Is Finasteride Safe?

Although Finasteride has been proven safe for long-term use , there are some potential side-effects that you should be aware of, including lowered sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and tenderness or swelling of the breasts. If any of these side effects occur and get worse over time, make sure to let your doctor know as soon as possible. And as with any treatment, it’s important to let your doctor know if you’re taking any other medications or supplements that might affect the efficacy of Finasteride.

Can Women Take Finasteride?

Unfortunately, studies have shown that Finasteride isn’t effective at treating hair loss in women. There are, however, other non-surgical options for women looking to address early hair loss, including Low-Level Laser Therapy and Minoxidil, the only FDA-approved drug to fight hair loss in women.

How to Get Finasteride

While you do need a doctor’s prescription to get Finasteride, BosleyRx® now makes the process easier than ever. After completing a short online questionnaire, a physician will review your application and, if approved, we’ll ship your medication out in a few days. It’s that easy. And you get the benefit of knowing that you’re getting the guidance and expertise of Bosley, the trusted name in hair restoration for more than 45 years.

Click HERE to learn how to get a free first month of BosleyRx® (free shipping too)!

Can Finasteride Regrow Hair?

The truth is that, while Finasteride is a great tool for slowing and reversing hair loss, it can’t actually help you regrow hair in areas where the follicle has already died. If you already have significant hair loss, the only permanent solution to getting your hair back is hair transplantation, a technique in which healthy hair is taken from the donor area and implanted where you need it most. If you’re interested in learning more about your hair transplant options, the best thing to do is to schedule a consultation with a Bosley specialist.

¹BosleyRx® – https://www.bosley.com/non-surgical/bosleyrx/
²Evaluation of efficacy and safety of finasteride 1 mg in 3177 Japanese men with androgenetic alopecia – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21980923/
³Finasteride Safe, Long-Term Results Show- https://www.swog.org/news-events/news/2018/05/19/finasteride-safe-long-term-results-show