Finasteride is an antiandrogen which acts by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It is used in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and in prostate cancer in higher doses. Additionally, it is registered in many countries for male-pattern baldness. Drug trade names include Propecia? and Proscar ? both products of Merck & Co. (the former is marketed for hair loss in male pattern baldness, and the latter for BPH).

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) showed at a dosage of 5mg per day, as is commonly prescribed for BPH, though much higher than the 1mg generally prescribed for hair loss, participants taking finasteride were 25% less likely to have developed prostate cancer at the end of the trial compared to those taking a placebo.[1] However, the cancers that developed in the men taking finasteride looked like they were more likely to grow and spread. The reason for this is not known. The study researchers are continuing to watch these men to see if these cancers truly are more aggressive. At lower doses, this effect is less well-defined. Finasteride is not indicated for use by women.

Finasteride works on a key cause of hair loss by significantly reducing the amount of DHT. Specifically, Finasteride blocks the formation of DHT in your scalp. Lowering DHT appears to inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles. The good news is that Finasteride helps regrow visible hair and reduces further hair loss. It is, in fact, the first and only FDA-approved pill proven to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in men. (See Figure 1.) The effectiveness of Finasteride was demonstrated in studies of men, aged 18 to 41, with mild to moderate hair loss at the top and middle front of the head. There is no evidence that Finasteride works for receding hairlines at the temples. Finasteride is for MEN ONLY and should not be taken by women or children.

Before taking any prescription medicine, it is important that you consult your doctor!