Finasteride Shedding: Why it Happens

Finasteride is a medication used as a hair loss treatment. It can be used to treat androgenetic alopecia. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This hormone can shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss. Finasteride shedding is the increased hair shedding that occurs after beginning treatment with the medication and is a side effect of taking the medication.

Individuals taking the medication can sometimes feel disheartened as they are using the medication to prevent hair loss, and they see more hair falling out.

The hair growth cycle includes three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting). In the resting phase, old hairs are shed for new hair growth. Finasteride disturbs the cycle and causes the follicles to be pushed out of the resting phase and into the growth phase more quickly, causing hair to fall out to make room for new growth to occur.

Finasteride works by strengthening hair follicles that were previously weak due to DHT levels. As the medication begins to work, some of the weak hair will fall out to make room for new, thicker hair. This is when shedding may occur and is a positive sign of the treatment process.

It is often a temporary phase and often means the medication is starting to work. Finasteride shedding usually occurs within the first 3-6 months of starting the medication, although the duration can vary. As the body adjusts to medication, hair growth begins, and individuals can notice improvements in hair density and thickness.

Individuals will experience different volumes of hair shed during this time, but it can be said that it's normal to shed double the normal amount of hair in a day. We usually lose about 50 to 100 hairs per day. This is the normal hair cycle and is not considered significant as it's not noticeable.

The hair shed may be more if you are using combinational products such as minoxidil. This medication is believed to increase temporary hair loss for the first few weeks because it improves blood circulation to the scalp and encourages hair to enter the anagen phase more quickly.

Individuals should be patient when they use finasteride to treat hair loss. If you notice shedding after you start using finasteride, stay focused on the long-term goal and do not panic if hair loss is occurring in the beginning.

It takes time for hair to grow. Consistent daily use of medication is important for hair regrowth. If we stop and restart every so often, it can disrupt the hair cycle. If one medication seems not to be enough, you can always combine the finasteride with other hair loss medications or treatments.

It has been published in the European Journal of Dermatology that men who used finasteride started to see improvements in hair density after six months of use, and the majority could see noticeable change after 12 months.

Individuals with concerns about their hair quality, hair loss, hair growth, or those on treatment concerned about hair health, should consult a doctor. A health professional can conduct a proper assessment and determine if there are any underlying conditions affecting hair health and its treatment, if necessary. To begin the hair health journey, a thorough consultation about your hair needs is essential.