Male pattern baldness is something that affects a large percentage of men, and there are only a few treatments available that have been proven to demonstrate positive results. Finasteride is one of the most popular treatments for hair loss, with many individuals reporting that it has stopped or even reversed the hair loss they had been experiencing.
It is not available on the NHS and as it is a prescription-only treatment, you must have a consultation with a doctor, either online or in person, before you begin taking it.
How Does Finasteride Work?
Dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, is a hormone that prevents hair follicles from accessing nutrients that are vital for them to live, which in turn causes the hair loss associated with male pattern baldness. The reduction of DHT is therefore essential for stopping – and even in many cases reversing – hair loss. Finasteride has been designed to stop DHT production and offer protection to each individual hair follicle.
You will take Finasteride in tablet form once a day, either with food or on its own. Taking it consistently will ensure that you experience the full results, which means that it is important that you build it into your everyday routine. Forming a habit is the key to remembering to take it each day. You may decide to take it first thing in the morning, or last thing at night – it doesn’t matter what time of day, it just matters that you are consistent. It is important to note that you should not exceed the recommended dose as this may result in some adverse effects and it will not make the treatment any more effective.
Finasteride won’t deliver immediate results, and you will need to consistently take the medication once a day for at least three months before you will begin to see improvements in your hair. It is advised that you take Finasteride for at least one year in order for you to see whether it is the correct treatment for you.
The Effectiveness of Finasteride
Clinical studies have shown that Finasteride demonstrates clear positive results for men experiencing male pattern baldness in 90% of cases, which makes it a very effective treatment. Even more impressively, with consistent use, two in three men will also experience marked hair regrowth. It is most effective for men suffering from moderate or mild male pattern baldness, but if your case is severe you are very likely to still experience positive results.
It is important to remember, however, that Finasteride is not a cure for male pattern baldness. If you decide to stop taking Finasteride, your levels of DHP will rise and you will begin to experience hair loss again. In order to keep levels of DHP under the level at which it damages the hair follicle, you will need to consistently take Finasteride.
Once you have successfully incorporated Finasteride into your daily routine, you have a great chance of stopping or reversing your hair loss on a long term basis.