Finasteride

Finasteride is a prescription medication primarily used to treat conditions caused by excess levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss and prostate growth.

How It Works

Finasteride blocks the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. By lowering DHT levels, it can slow, stop, or partially reverse hair loss and reduce prostate enlargement.

Common Uses

1. Male Pattern Baldness (Androgenetic Alopecia)
   • Typically prescribed at 1 mg daily.
   • Helps increase hair growth and prevent further hair loss on the scalp.
2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
   • Generally prescribed at 5 mg daily.
   • Can shrink an enlarged prostate, improve urinary symptoms, and reduce the risk of urinary retention.

Benefits

• Reduces DHT by up to ~70% in the scalp and bloodstream.
• Improves hair density and slows thinning over several months.
• For BPH, helps reduce prostate size and related symptoms.