Research shows that 25% of men experience apparent hair loss by 30. At the same time, male pattern baldness presents itself as obvious impacts on the scalp, such as receding hairlines, between the ages of 25 and 35.
If you have experienced these symptoms, you must have probably heard of Finasteride, one of the most well-known and efficient treatments for hair loss. Now that you're thinking about it, you must be wondering how much finasteride dosage you would need to take to get healthy, lustrous hair.
Should you take it every other day, or should you take it weekly, and what amount? Do not be concerned; because we have you covered with everything.
Let's examine the mechanism of action of Finasteride for hair loss and the ideal dosage you should be taking.
See a more simple and convenient routine to your hair loss
Table of content
Can I take finasteride every other day?
Although most people should take 1 mg of Finasteride daily, taking less medication is acceptable. Finasteride can have side effects, although they are infrequent. If you suffer adverse effects at a dose of 1 mg per day, cutting back on your finasteride dosage may render them less noticeable.
According to research, Finasteride also manages to cure male pattern baldness at levels lower than 1 mg. For instance, a study investigated the effects of Finasteride on DHT across a 42-day treatment period at concentrations of 0.01, 0.05, 0.2, and 1 mg daily, as seen in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.
The researchers discovered that the following levels reduced the concentrations of DHT within the scalp:
- 13% when using a placebo
- 14.9% with a daily finasteride dosage of 0.01 mg
- 61.6% with 0.05 mg of finasteride
- 56.6 % with 0.2 mg of finasteride daily
- 64.1 % by using 1 mg of Finasteride daily
As you can see, Finasteride at relatively low dosages significantly decreased DHT levels. In conclusion, Finasteride still effectively treats male pattern baldness if taken at low doses per day. However, you still run the risk of finasteride not working.
As your leading source for hair health information over the past 4 years, we never compromise on accuracy. When it comes to your health, you deserve information you can truly rely on - and earning your trust is our top priority.
Here's how Scandinavian Biolabs ensures every piece of content meets the highest standards of accuracy and integrity:
- Credentialed Experts: Our reviewers are actively practicing doctors and medical researchers
- Stringent Reviews: Content undergoes rigorous editing by subject specialists and review by a practicing doctor.
- Evidence-Based: We rely on well-established research from trusted scientific sources like peer-reviewed journals and health authorities.
- Full Transparency: Our editorial standards, writer credentials, reviewer credentials, correction process, and funding are all publicly documented.
- Independent Voice: While we do promote products, we operate in a vacuum to business operations. Our main goal is just an unwavering commitment to providing medically-sound guidance.
You can count on Scandinavian Biolabs to consistently deliver the trustworthy health information you deserve. Read our Editorial Standards.
Does taking finasteride every other day reduce side effects?
The effectiveness of 1 mg finasteride every day vs. 1 mg finasteride every other day has been compared in studies, albeit solid research is still needed to support this definitively. While taking every other day can lessen adverse effects, it could also change the medication's effectiveness.
See the best alternatives to finasteride without bad side effects
What's the recommended finasteride dosage for hair loss?
Finasteride is typically taken once daily at a dose of 1 mg. This is the usual dosage you'll get if you purchase generic Finasteride or the name-brand Propecia online or from a pharmacy. Understanding that taking a higher dose will not increase the treatment's ability to stop hair loss is crucial.
The dosage of finasteride is different for different people. For a healthier adult with no contraindications, it is 1mg. — Dr. Ahmad Chaudhry M.B.B.S.
The same is true for Finasteride, used at various dosages for other medical disorders, like an enlarged prostate gland. However, there are certain exceptions. Finasteride cannot be taken by toddlers or teenagers and is only appropriate for men at least 18 years old.
Finasteride works immediately, but you typically need to continue taking the medication for three months. The full impact will begin to appear after 12 months.
Can you take finasteride 3 times a week instead?
It would be best to use Finasteride at the recommended 1 mg daily, no matter how severe your hair loss becomes. Since the tablet contains the ideal dosage to lower DHT levels, you should not consume Finasteride three times a week.
The UK's health regulatory authority has approved Finasteride at a dose of one mg daily for its capacity to reduce hair loss; any other quantity will not produce the same impact. Many studies have investigated Finasteride's half-life, which lasts in your body for 4.7–7.1 hours and can cause a slow buildup over time. However, skipping your daily dosage is still not advised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is finasteride?
Finasteride is a prescription drug approved by the FDA for treating androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss. Finasteride, marketed under the Proscar brand name, was initially accepted by the FDA as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, a type of prostate enlargement. It was later taken for hair loss treatment and marketed as Propecia.
Men with BPH typically have trouble urinating, a reduced flow of urination, reluctance when peeing, and a need to wake up in the middle of the night to pee. Finasteride will lessen the severity of these symptoms and lower the likelihood that prostate surgery may be required.
Additionally, because of its anti-androgen qualities, Finasteride may be taken by transgender women in conjunction with oestrogen to treat hyperandrogenism symptoms, including hirsutism.
Finasteride is frequently referred to as Propecia or Proscar. The pharmaceutical corporation Merck & Co. markets finasteride under the label Propecia. All finasteride dosages are now offered as generics under various brand names. An article in the book StatPearls states that Finasteride is available as a tablet and is intended for everyday use.
Numerous studies have been conducted to demonstrate Finasteride's efficacy. In a study including two clinical trials presented in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, scientists found that Finasteride increased the number of hairs on males with male pattern baldness by over 15% at the apex of the scalp.
Moving on, over 90% of males with androgenetic hair loss benefit from Finasteride, according to a second Japanese study that looked at ten years of finasteride treatment.
In conclusion, Finasteride is effective, and most men see considerable changes in their hair thickness and growth after starting it.
How does finasteride work for hair loss?
To treat male pattern baldness, Finasteride can be taken either alone or in conjunction with other medications, including an alpha-blocker. Finasteride will enhance scalp hair in males who are experiencing hair loss. However, it will not increase body hair.
5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that Finasteride inhibits. This enzyme converts testosterone to a different hormone that causes male pattern baldness or prostate growth. The body's testosterone levels will rise, reducing prostate size and promoting hair growth on the scalp.
Finasteride only has an impact on the prostate and scalp. When the medication is stopped, the prostate grows, and the hair begins to fall out. Typically, this medicine reduces the quantity of DHT, a naturally occurring hormone in the body.
DHT primarily causes male pattern baldness. DHT may attach to receptors in your hair cells and shrink them if you are genetically predisposed to hair loss. This may lead you to gradually lose hair from your scalp, forehead, and crown.
Excessive hair regeneration and reduced hair loss result from lowering DHT levels with Finasteride. According to research, a regular finasteride dose reduces serum DHT levels by almost 70%.
Your hair loss may slow down or possibly stop due to this. After beginning finasteride medication, many men even observe a sizable amount of hair regrowth in the areas of their scalp afflicted by male pattern baldness.
What happens if you miss a Finasteride dose?
If you forget to take your Finasteride dose, take your medication, as usual, the next day. A single missed dose is unlikely to impact your hair growth significantly. Still, if you consistently skip doses, your development will likely deteriorate, and your baldness may restart. Don't take two tablets the next day to make up for the one you skipped.
Visiting a specialized consultation doctor at a hair loss clinic is also worthwhile to ensure that you receive the best possible care for your diagnosis, severity, and history of hair loss. They might also offer you advice to assist you in getting the most out of your treatment session and reduce the likelihood that you will forget to take your medication.
How to get optimal results from finasteride?
Finasteride is one of the few drugs that can treat hair loss (here's finasteride before and after). However, if Finasteride is not performing s you would expect it to, here are several easy ways to improve your finasteride results.
Use finasteride with minoxidil
The best technique to improve topical finasteride outcomes is with minoxidil. When minoxidil is administered topically to the scalp, it revitalizes thinning or broken hair follicles in the scalp and improves the blood flow of oxygen. This mechanism makes Finasteride more capable of reaching your hair follicles than ever.
Utilize an LLLT device
To achieve the best results, combine low-level laser therapy with finasteride and minoxidil. The FDA has approved LLLT as a treatment for hair loss. You can purchase the gadgets as a hat or wand on your head. They continuously produce red LED light, which is said to lessen swelling and increase blood circulation to hair follicles.
Biotin supplements
It would be best if you thought about using additional medications for your hair loss treatment in addition to minoxidil and Finasteride. Biotin actively encourages thick, healthy hair. It has been discovered that many men who experience male pattern baldness suffer from a biotin deficit, which can also impact skin and nail development. By using Finasteride tablets along with Biotin supplements, you increase your chances of growing hair that looks beautiful.
DHT blocking shampoo
DHT-blocking shampoo, which is made with saw palmetto, is a lifesaver. This effective DHT blocker improves the quantity of solid hair on your head by preventing the hormone DHT from harming your hair follicles. DHT-blocking shampoo can have a minimal impact on your hair when used individually, but when paired with Finasteride, Biotin, and Minoxidil, the effects are remarkable.
Consistency
Finasteride needs to be taken consistently, just like any other drug. You must be careful not to miss any pills because doing so frequently can significantly negatively influence your ability to treat hair loss. We advise including Finasteride in your daily routine by consuming it after brushing your teeth or by setting an alarm that goes off every day to encourage you to take it.
Massage your scalp
According to research, rubbing your scalp can help prevent baldness. According to a study of 327 balding men, 69% of those who underwent scalp massage had their hair loss become less or observed hair growth. The typical duration of a massage is more than 36 hours.
Are there any side effects of finasteride?
Finasteride can have side effects for some people. However, not everyone experiences them. Let's look at some common and severe side effects of this medication.
Common side effects
The following are some of the more frequent side effects of Finasteride:
- reduced sex drive
- difficulty in erection
- reduced sex drive
- enlarged breasts
- cold and chills
If these side effects are minor, they can go away in a few days or weeks. Contact your physician or pharmacist if they persist or become more severe.
Severe Side Effects
These are some examples of severe side effects:
- lip, mouth, throat, or facial swelling
- breast soreness or lumps
- nipple discharge
Finasteride side effects after stopping are also something to consider.
Read more:
