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Finasteride is a common medication to treat male pattern hair loss called androgenetic alopecia and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. However, using finasteride can also cause some side effects. Nearly 2%–4% of men experience changes in libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced ejaculate volume. Some people also notice mood changes, breast tenderness or mild physical discomfort. There have been rare cases where men have experienced persistent symptoms. However, some studies reveal the possibility of cancer due to overdose, leading to pain or swelling in the chest area, lump formation or discharge from the nipples. In certain cases, throat tightening, difficulty swallowing, lips or tongue turning pale or blue, and feeling confused, drowsy, or dizzy could be signs of a serious reaction. Finasteride side effects for women, particularly breastfeeding women, are even more serious, due to the high risk to the fetus.
If you've been researching hair loss treatments, finasteride has probably come up more than once. It's one of the most prescribed options for male pattern baldness and prostate treatment. So, let's take a quick overview of finasteride's effects, potential side effects, and how to make an informed decision about its daily use.
What is finasteride, and why is it used for hair loss?
Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It helps treat BPH by blocking certain male hormones, such as DHT, which cause an enlarged prostate and male pattern hair loss, by inhibiting hormone secretion in the scalp. Over time, with reduced DHT, hair loss slows, and in most cases, hair follicles begin to regrow hair. If diagnoses and treatment start in the early stage of hair thinning, the chance of regrowth increases exponentially. Finasteride is available only by prescription and in tablet form.
How finasteride works in the body
Finasteride inhibits the secretion of the 5-alpha reductase enzymes (types II and III), which convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Because DHT is the primary trigger for hereditary hair loss, blocking this conversion can significantly reduce DHT levels by up to 70%. This further prevents hair follicle shrinkage and, in BPH, reduces prostate size.
Common finasteride side effects you should know
The most commonly reported finasteride side effects in men include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction and a decrease in semen volume. Some men also notice mild breast tenderness, mood swings, skin rashes, and lips and tongue turning pale or blue. It is also accompanied by confusion, drowsiness and difficulty in swallowing. These side effects can be fatal if left untreated.
Some studies have revealed that these side effects don’t last long and often subside once you stop the medication. Nearly 2% to 4% men experience severe side effects of finasteride.
It is not recommended for women and children, especially breastfeeding women, considering the greater risk to the fetus.
Understanding post-finasteride syndrome
Post-Finasteride Syndrome (or PFS) refers to continuous and often irreversible mental, physical and sexual dysfunction that persists even after stopping the medication.
Physical side effects include extreme fatigue, muscle weakness, dry skin, insomnia and swollen male breast tissue called gynecomastia.
Mental or neurological side effects of finasteride cause anxiety, brain fog, mild to severe depression, and, in several cases, increased suicidal tendency.
Does topical finasteride have side effects?
Topical finasteride applications can cause certain side effects such as scalp irritation, moderate itching, dryness and redness at the application site. If absorbed, certain systemic side effects could include sexual dysfunction and severe brain fog.
How to reduce the side effects of finasteride?
There are several things you can do if you experience side effects from finasteride. Firstly, you must not exceed your prescribed dosage, as this will increase the risk of side effects. Secondly, don’t overdose or take more finasteride pills to speed up your hair regrowth. It would be healthy to inform your doctors of any medical history that might predispose you to finasteride use, whether in pill or topical form. Moreover, if you are already taking alpha blockers, you may need to adjust your dosage, as side effects are likely to increase when finasteride is combined with them.
Are finasteride side effects permanent?
Most side effects are not permanent. But you can experience some if you use finasteride for a long time. It is important to note that the time it takes for side effects to subside depends on factors such as your age and the dosage you take, but with time, you can easily recover. If your daily usage exceeds 27 months, then you may experience long-term side effects for up to 4 to 5 years.
Is finasteride the best option, or are there better alternatives?
Finasteride works differently from minoxidil. While finasteride addresses the hormonal driver of hair loss, the latter acts directly on the follicle and improves scalp circulation. Even when used together, the combination can be quite effective.
When combined, the side effects of minoxidil and finasteride topical solution are milder than those of oral finasteride. Other treatments, such as microneedling and supplements, can be effective and have shown good results when combined with finasteride.
Is finasteride safe for hair loss treatment?
For most men dealing with hereditary hair loss, finasteride is an effective option with an acceptable profile. The side effects are there, but don’t last permanently unless you overdose.
Moreover, lower concentrations of finasteride, such as 0.005%, can significantly reduce hair loss in 6 months. A 1% topical solution can result in hair regrowth within 4 months when applied twice daily. You can check out Traya's ultimate hair supplement combo, along with finasteride and start your hair regrowth journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is finasteride safe for long-term usage?
Usually, finasteride is safe in the long term, provided it is taken as prescribed by the doctor. Overdose or mixing with alpha blockers can lead to long-term side effects.
2. Is finasteride safe for women and children?
No, it is not recommended for women, especially breastfeeding mothers.
3. Can finasteride affect fertility?
In rare cases, side effects have caused lower sperm volume, but it is uncommon when you consume a regulated dosage.
4. Can I take finasteride with other supplements?
Yes, it can be combined with other hair loss supplements. A safe combination to try is minoxidil and finasteride topical solution.
5. What happens if I miss the dose?
There are no side effects from missing a dose or two. To see visible hair regrowth, it is recommended to follow the doctor's prescription.
6. How long do finasteride side effects last?
Most side effects that do occur resolve within weeks to a few months of stopping. You should discuss your symptoms with your doctor if they persist.
7. Can finasteride cause hair shedding like minoxidil?
You may experience temporary shedding during the initial phase of use.
8. Does everyone experience sexual side effects?
No. The majority of men don't experience significant sexual side effects. Data from clinical studies only show 2% to 4% of men who exhibit sexual side effects.
9. Can you reverse the side effects?
Side effects can be resolved if you stop the medication the moment symptoms start to appear. In rare cases, some symptoms persist, which is something to discuss with a medical professional.
References:
- https://hairscience.org/news/reducing-finasteride-side-effects/
- https://hairscience.org/news/are-finasteride-side-effects-permanent/
- https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html
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