Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat hair loss or promote hair growth. Explore the finasteride results the before and after.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription medication commonly used for hair loss treatment. It is part of a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. They work by blocking the conversion from testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness.
It can be obtained in both topical and oral forms. Both oral and topical versions of finasteride have shown their efficacy in treating hair loss in men. However noticeable results typically take several months to a year to become apparent.
What is Hair loss?
It is normal to shed around 50-100 hair strands daily and they usually grow back. However when they do not regrow it is classified as hair loss. It can affect the scalp and body, and may be caused by genetics, health issues and aging.
Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is common in males. It is a type of thinning of hair and balding, usually in the form of receding hairline and hair shedding. It affects 50% of males by the age of 50 and up to 80% by the age of 70 years.
Finasteride to stimulate hair growth
Oral finasteride comes in a tablet form in 1mg tablets. As it operates systemically it affects the whole body as the treatment is long term, the effects last as long as the medication is taken. The tablets are effective for male pattern baldness however systemic absorption can lead to side effects.
The topical finasteride is designed for direct application to the scalp which can help minimise the potential side effects. Outcomes can vary due to individual hair characteristics. It’s important to note that clinical trials have shown that approximately 65% of men undergoing this treatment experience some level of hair regrowth.
Finasteride results
The hair growth cycle starts from each hair growing from a root in the bottom of the hair follicle. And as this grows its pushed through the skin making it visible. When finasteride enters the bloodstream it starts to slowly lower DHT levels. Since new hairs take time to grow the effects of finasteride are not immediately effective. Some improvement will be noticed gradually.
The body metabolizes it this way to limit the harmful effects of DHT to the hair for a few hours after ingestion. A regular finasteride dose reduces the amount of DHT by 70% percent. This is usually enough to slow down, stop hair loss or may even reverse it.
The beginning
In the first few months of starting finasteride the hairline, crown and general level of hair will not have had significant improvement. This is due to the long process of hair growth. And though no results would be visible it doesn’t mean finasteride isn’t working. It is important to continue using it at the recommended dose. Even though it’s too early for its effects on hair to be noticeable.
The initial results
After 3-6 months of continuous use the early results of finasteride begin to become visible. Around this time individuals may notice that hair loss has slowed or stopped with no more thinning. There may be improvements in the hair around the hairline and crown.
Studies published in the European Journal of dermatology, have shown that men with male pattern hair loss had a significant improvement after using finasteride for 3 months. Evidently hair takes time to grow, so the results obtained in 3-6 months will not be the final result. Individuals can continue taking the medication for further improvement.
Noticeable results
Upon taking finasteride consistently for 12 months, individuals should see favorable results in the hair compared to the initial progress. Studies show significant stimulated hair regrowth via increases in hair count and hair thickness. It also increase hair count and reduces the hair loss process.
Although every individual has different hair and no results are guaranteed, clinical trials have found that 65% of men treated with finasteride have some degree of hair growth after 12 months. However in some cases, taking the medication for 12 months may not yield positive results. It may not improve hair growth or hair thickness but may prevent worsening of hair loss.
It is important to evaluate the effect at this stage and if no improvements can be noticed or hair loss hasn’t slowed it is best to speak to a healthcare provider.
Long term results
Finasteride may keep working after the 12 month mark with research showing that even after two years of treatment there is a 16% chance of improvement. Other studies have looked at effects for longer periods and have concluded that long term effects of finasteride appear to be the same as those that occur in the short term.
How to stop hair loss?
Individuals can combine finasteride with other ways to stop hair loss. Incorporating a healthy nutrition filled diet with an active lifestyle can impact hair quality. Individuals can also get scalp massages, and use essential oils to promote hair growth. There are certain vitamins and minerals which have been demonstrated to improve hair.
Consult a doctor
Individuals with concerns to their hair quality, hair loss or inefficient hair growth should consult a doctor. A health professional can conduct proper assessment and determine if there is any underlying conditions comprising hair health and the treatment of it, if necessary. To begin the hair health journey, a thorough consultation about your hair needs is essential.
