Finasteride: the non-surgical hair loss restoration option

In the fight against male pattern hair loss, there are several medications on the market that can help. One of these is Finasteride, often known by the brand name Propecia. Finasteride is currently the only prescription male pattern hair loss treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride is an oral medication that halts hair loss and stimulates new hair growth. It does this by inhibiting the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme. This is the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, a form of testosterone that is active in hair follicles. High levels of this 5-alpha-reductase, and thus high levels of DHT, are known to be a cause of male pattern hair loss. By inhibiting the enzyme, Finasteride is effective at stopping or slowing hair loss.

The drug was first introduced in 1992 under the brand name of Proscar. It was approved for the treatment of benign prostate enlargement. However, smaller doses proved effective in treating male pattern hair loss in some men, and it was approved for that purpose in 1997. Side effects are very rare and when they do occur, are usually mild. Finasteride is not recommended or approved for use in treating female hair loss.

How is Finasteride used?

Finasteride is sometimes combined with Minoxidil, also known by the brand name Rogaine. It works best for men with low to moderate hair loss. Those with extensive hair loss or a long history of hair loss might not see results with Finasteride. It has been shown to work best for stimulating new hair growth on the crown of the head, but not on the scalp. For men who have a receding hairline, hair restoration specialists often use surgical transplantation to replace the hair at the scalp, and prescribe Finasteride to prevent further hair loss.