Finasteride is a popular medication used to treat male pattern baldness otherwise known as alopecia. You may notice an increase in hair loss when you first begin taking finasteride which is called ‘finasteride shedding’ and is a normal cycle to achieve hair growth.
What is finasteride shedding?
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.
Why does Finasteride cause shedding?
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 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 to make room for new thicker hair. This is when shedding may occur and is actually a positive sign of the treatment process.
How long does Finasteride shedding last?
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.
How much Finasteride shedding is normal?
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 lost 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.
Managing Shedding
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 to be not enough, you can always combine the finasteride with other hair loss medications or treatments.
It has been published in the European Journal of Dermatology hat men who used finasteride started to see improvements in hair density after six months of use and majority could see noticeable change after 12 months.
Consulting a doctor
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 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.