Finasteride: what it treats, how it works, and what to watch for

Finasteride is one of the most widely used drugs for male-pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you’re thinking about it, you probably want clear answers: will it work for you, how long before results, and what can go wrong? This short guide gives straightforward, practical info so you can talk to your doctor prepared.

How finasteride works and what to expect

Finasteride blocks an enzyme (5-alpha-reductase) that turns testosterone into DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and fuels prostate growth. For hair loss, most men take 1 mg daily; for BPH the dose is usually higher. You won’t see changes overnight — expect to wait 3 to 6 months to notice slower hair loss or slight regrowth. If it helps, you’ll typically need to keep taking it or benefits fade within a year.

Common questions: will it regrow a full head of hair? Not usually. It’s best at stopping further loss and improving thinning areas. If you already have extensive baldness, results are limited.

Safety, side effects and buying tips

Side effects are uncommon but real. Some men report decreased libido, erectile issues, or reduced ejaculate volume. These effects usually appear soon after starting and often reverse if the drug is stopped, though rare persistent cases are reported. Finasteride can also affect PSA blood test results used for prostate cancer screening — tell your doctor you’re taking it.

Women, especially pregnant women, must not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets because of the risk to a male fetus. Finasteride is prescribed almost exclusively to men; women with hair loss should consult a specialist for safer options.

Drug interactions are limited, but always list all medications and supplements to your prescriber. If you have liver disease, your doctor may adjust monitoring since finasteride is processed in the liver.

Thinking of buying finasteride online? Use these checks: buy only from pharmacies that require a prescription, display a licensed pharmacy address, and offer clear contact info and pharmacist access. Avoid sites offering large discounts without a prescription or that ship from unknown countries. When in doubt, ask your healthcare provider to recommend a reputable pharmacy.

Alternatives include topical minoxidil (often used together with finasteride), low-level laser therapy, and hair transplant surgery for more advanced cases. Some people explore dutasteride under specialist care; it’s more potent but has a stronger side-effect profile.

Bottom line: finasteride works well for many men to stop hair loss and can help BPH. Talk to a clinician about your health, get a prescription if it’s right for you, and use a trustworthy pharmacy. Keep track of results and any side effects, and follow up regularly with your doctor.