Hair Loss

Finasteride

A daily pill that slows hereditary hair loss.

Finasteride is an FDA-approved daily pill that reduces the hormone responsible for hereditary hair loss. In clinical study, 86% of men maintained or gained hair at one year, compared with 58% on placebo.

Oral tablet1 mg

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Cadence

Finasteride 1mg 3-Month Plan$67 billed every 3 months

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How it works

How Finasteride works

Hereditary hair loss traces back to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that gradually miniaturizes genetically susceptible follicles. Finasteride is classified as a type II 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, interrupting the conversion of testosterone into DHT at the enzymatic level. Daily 1mg dosing reduces scalp DHT by approximately 90% and serum DHT by approximately 70%, extending the amount of time follicles spend in the active growth phase.

What to expect

Timeline & results

Visible improvement typically requires 3 to 6 months of continuous use, with results peaking around the 9 to 12 month mark and additional gains possible for up to five years. Temporary increased shedding is common in weeks 2 through 12, reflecting the hair cycle resetting itself rather than treatment failure. Discontinuing finasteride allows DHT levels to return to baseline, and any benefit typically fades over 3 to 6 months.

Getting started

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Key benefits

What Finasteride is used for

The only oral medication FDA-approved for hereditary hair loss, on the market since 1997.

Lowers scalp DHT by approximately 90% through systemic 5-alpha-reductase inhibition.

86% of men maintained or gained hair at one year, compared with 58% on placebo.

Formulated as an affordable generic, often paired with topical minoxidil.

Safety information

Important safety information

Finasteride is not for use by women who are or may become pregnant. It can cause birth defects in a male fetus, and pregnant women should avoid handling broken or crushed tablets. Reported side effects include decreased libido or erectile difficulty in 1 to 2% of men, along with reduced ejaculate volume; gynecomastia is rare. Because finasteride lowers PSA levels, patients with a prostate cancer history or ongoing PSA monitoring should inform their provider. Regrowth outcomes vary by individual, and finasteride does not guarantee results for every patient.

This page is educational and is not medical advice. Tell your provider about your full medical history and current medications before starting treatment.

About

About Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that has been used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) for decades. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that in genetically predisposed individuals causes progressive miniaturization of scalp hair follicles and eventual hair loss. By lowering scalp and serum DHT levels, finasteride may help slow or halt that process.

Finasteride 1 mg is taken once daily by mouth. It is a prescription medication, and at FormBlends it is dispensed only after a licensed provider reviews your online consultation to confirm it is appropriate for your health profile. Consistency is important. The medication must be taken daily to maintain its effect.

Hair growth is a slow biological process, and realistic expectations matter. Most individuals who respond to finasteride begin to notice stabilization of hair loss within three to six months of consistent use. Some see modest regrowth over six to twelve months of continued treatment. Stopping finasteride typically results in a return of hair loss within a year as DHT levels normalize.

Finasteride is intended for adult men with androgenetic alopecia. It is not approved for use in women and is specifically contraindicated in women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, as it can cause abnormalities in male fetal genital development. Women of childbearing potential should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets.

As with any prescription medication, finasteride carries potential side effects that should be discussed with your provider. A small percentage of men report sexual side effects including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced ejaculate volume. These effects are generally reversible upon discontinuation. A rare post-market phenomenon of persistent side effects after stopping the drug has been reported and should be discussed candidly with your provider before starting treatment. Your FormBlends provider will review your full history to help determine if finasteride is right for you.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does finasteride take to work?+

Most men need 3 to 6 months of daily use to notice a difference, with results typically peaking around 9 to 12 months. Hair gains can continue building for up to 5 years of continuous use. It's normal to see some extra shedding in the first few weeks as the hair cycle resets. It isn't a sign the medication is failing.

Does finasteride cause erectile dysfunction?+

In clinical studies, about 1 to 2% of men reported decreased libido or erectile difficulty while taking finasteride. It's an uncommon side effect, and for most men it doesn't occur. If you already have sexual dysfunction or notice new symptoms after starting, talk to your provider, since your history matters in deciding whether finasteride is right for you.

Can women take finasteride?+

No, finasteride isn't appropriate for women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant, since it can cause birth defects in a male fetus. Pregnant women should also avoid handling broken or crushed tablets. Finasteride is FDA-approved for hereditary hair loss in men, and its use in women falls outside that approval.

What happens if I stop taking finasteride?+

If you stop finasteride, DHT levels return to normal and any gains it helped you maintain typically reverse within 3 to 6 months. Hereditary hair loss will generally resume its natural course once the medication is out of your system. Staying on it consistently is what sustains the results you've seen.

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