Finasteride 1 mg: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects & Hair Loss Results

What is Finasteride 1 mg?

Finasteride 1 mg is an oral prescription medication primarily used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men. It works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a hormone that contributes to hair loss. It is also used in higher doses (5 mg) under the brand name Proscar for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

🧬 How Finasteride Works:

Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Elevated DHT levels in hair follicles shrink them, leading to hair thinning and loss. By lowering DHT, Finasteride promotes hair regrowth and slows hair loss progression.

📋 Indications / Uses:

Finasteride 1 mg is approved for:

• Treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men aged 18–41
• Off-label uses may include treatment of female hirsutism (excess hair), but with strict medical supervision

⚠️ Not approved for use in women or children

💡 Dosage & Administration:

📌 Standard Adult Dosage:

• 1 tablet (1 mg) once daily, with or without food
• Long-term use (at least 3 to 6 months) is typically needed to see visible results
• Discontinuation may lead to reversal of effects within 12 months

⏳ Onset & Duration of Effect:

• Hair regrowth or stabilization: typically seen after 3–6 months
• Continued use is necessary to maintain benefits
• Discontinuation will result in reversal of effects over time

⚠️ Precautions:

• Not for use in women or children
• Pregnancy warning: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets due to risk of birth defects in male fetuses
• May affect PSA levels (used in prostate cancer screening) – inform your doctor
• Use with caution in patients with liver disease

🔄 Drug Interactions:

Finasteride has minimal drug interactions but always inform your healthcare provider if you’re taking:

• Other hormonal therapies (e.g., testosterone, DHEA)
• Herbal supplements like saw palmetto
• Liver enzyme-altering medications (rarely significant)

🚫 Contraindications:

• Women and children
• Known hypersensitivity to finasteride or any of its ingredients

⚠️ Side Effects:

✅ Common (usually mild and reversible):

• Decreased libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Decreased ejaculate volume
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

❗ Rare but Serious:

• Depression or mood changes
• Allergic reactions (rash, swelling, itching)
• Male breast cancer (extremely rare)

🧠 Some men report persistent sexual side effects even after stopping the drug (referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome)—though this is rare and not fully understood.

🤰 Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding:

• Category X (contraindicated) – can cause severe birth defects in a male fetus
• Women of childbearing potential should not handle broken or crushed tablets

🧪 Lab Monitoring:

• Finasteride lowers PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels—important to inform your doctor if undergoing prostate cancer screening
• No routine blood monitoring needed for healthy users

📦 Storage:

• Store at room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F)
• Keep in original packaging, away from moisture and sunlight
• Keep out of reach of children

📈 Clinical Efficacy:

• Studies show up to 90% of men see a halt in hair loss, and about 65% see visible regrowth within 6 months to 1 year
• Works best on the crown and mid-scalp area rather than the frontal hairline