Regrowth After Taking Finasteride

Finasteride is a common treatment routinely recommended to men experiencing male pattern hair loss, one of only two treatments approved by the HPRA, alongside Minoxidil.

But can Finasteride regrow hair? And what other effects can you expect from Finasteride? Let’s look at the answers to these questions.

What is Finasteride?

Usually prescribed in its oral form, Finasteride is an HPRA-approved medication that targets male pattern hair loss to try and halt the symptoms. Initially, Finasteride was approved at a higher dosage for treating enlarged prostate, but excess hair growth was a reported side effect. Studies concluded that, at a lower dosage, it can work positively against male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride is also available in a topical formulation, where it is applied directly to the scalp rather than ingested.

Will My Hair Regrow Using Finasteride?

Finasteride works to combat hair loss by stopping testosterone being converted into DHT, the hormone that is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men (like body hair, facial hair, and a deep voice) during puberty. However, post-puberty DHT can have a negative impact on your hairline, by causing the hair follicles on your scalp to shrink and eventually die. This means DHT causes hair to grow more slowly and thinner, before eventually no growth will occur at all.

Limiting the amount of this hormone you’ll be subjected to means your hair loss should slow and hopefully stop altogether. But what about regrowth?

Regrowth is possible after a long time of taking Finasteride as thicker and healthier strands should grow in place of your previously thinned hair. Finasteride promotes hair growth so it’s reasonable to believe that hair regrowth might occur if you stick to the dosage suggested and consistently take it every day. However, if the hair loss is extensive, Finasteride will not be able to revive dead hair follicles. This is why starting treatment as soon as possible when you notice early signs of thinning is key.

What to Expect with Finasteride

You need to be patient when it comes to Finasteride; after around 3 months, you should see the first signs of progress appear, even if some slight shedding occurs. Then after 6 months of continued use, more significant and promising signs will be on display. After about a year of using Finasteride every day, you should have the same amount of hair as when you started, and possibly more.

Finasteride works effectively in 90% of men but the chances of regrowth could be enhanced if you combine Finasteride with another treatment, namely Minoxidil. Minoxidil boosts blood flow to the scalp, which also helps promote regrowth.

If you’re ready to explore treatment plans, take our free consultation.

All of our blog articles are reviewed for medical accuracy by our Medical Director before publication.

Posted in: All, Finasteride, Hair loss