Finasteride: What It Does and How to Use It
Finasteride is a pill many men use for two main reasons: male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It blocks the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DHT, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and helps the prostate grow. That’s the simple reason it works for both conditions.
How to take finasteride and what to expect
For hair loss most doctors prescribe 1 mg once daily. For BPH the usual dose is 5 mg once daily. Take it at the same time each day with or without food. Don’t skip doses — steady use matters. Hair regrowth, if it happens, usually starts after about 3 months and becomes clearer at 6–12 months. For BPH symptoms, some men notice improvement in a few weeks but full effects can take several months.
If you stop finasteride, benefits usually fade and the condition returns to how it was within a year. So treat it like a long-term medication if it’s helping you.
Side effects, safety and monitoring
Most men tolerate finasteride well, but some side effects can occur. The common ones are decreased libido, erectile difficulty, and changes in ejaculation. A few men report mood changes or breast tenderness. These effects are usually reversible after stopping, but rare cases of persistent symptoms have been reported — talk with your doctor if you’re worried.
If you’re being screened for prostate cancer, tell your doctor you take finasteride. The drug lowers prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which can affect test results and interpretation. Doctors often get a baseline PSA before starting treatment and adjust follow-up testing accordingly.
Finasteride is not for women, especially if pregnant or trying to become pregnant — handling crushed or broken tablets is discouraged because it can harm a male fetus. Use with caution and always follow your clinician’s guidance.
There aren’t many serious drug interactions, but finasteride is sometimes combined with alpha-blockers for BPH. If you take other medicines or have liver problems, mention that to your prescriber since finasteride is processed by the liver.
Want alternatives? For hair loss you can pair or try topical minoxidil. Dutasteride is another 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that some doctors use off-label for hair; it’s stronger and has a similar side-effect profile. For BPH there are also procedures and other drug classes like alpha-blockers.
Practical tips: get a doctor’s evaluation before starting, ask about baseline PSA for men over 40, give it at least 6 months before judging hair results, and buy from licensed pharmacies only. If you notice sexual or mood changes, report them promptly — early discussion helps decide whether to continue, switch, or stop.
Questions about finasteride? Talk to your healthcare provider — they know your health history and can help you weigh benefits and risks.
