Description
How it works
Male pattern hair loss is driven by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). In susceptible men, DHT causes hair follicles on the scalp to shrink and produce finer, shorter hairs, eventually leading to thinning and bald patches.
Finasteride is a type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. This enzyme normally converts testosterone into DHT in the scalp and other tissues. Finasteride:
- Lowers DHT levels in the scalp
- Helps reverse the balding process in many men
- Slows or stops further hair loss
- Can increase hair growth and improve hair thickness in areas affected by male pattern hair loss
Key points:
- Usual dose is 1 mg once daily
- It often takes 3–6 months of daily use before you see stabilisation or regrowth
- You need to keep taking finasteride continuously to maintain the benefit
- If you stop, hair loss usually restarts and returns to baseline within 6–12 months
Who it may be suitable for
Finasteride 1 mg is licensed for men only for:
- Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
- Typically mild to moderate thinning, not complete baldness
- Most benefit is seen in men aged roughly 18–41 years with early-stage hair loss
From your 24hr Pharmacy page: men with male pattern hair loss often have hair follicle shrinking due to DHT, and finasteride can help regrow hair and improve thickness in most men, with over 80% showing reduced hair loss and some regrowth in studies.
Finasteride may be considered if you:
- Have gradual thinning at the crown or receding hairline consistent with male pattern hair loss
- Prefer a once-daily tablet rather than topical treatments
- Are willing to commit to long-term, continuous treatment
Your eligibility is checked via the online hair loss consultation before a prescription is issued.
Who it is not suitable for
Do not take finasteride if you:
- Are female (the medicine is for men only)
- Are pregnant or may become pregnant – exposure (especially to crushed or broken tablets) can harm a male fetus
- Are under 18 years of age
- Are allergic to finasteride or any tablet ingredients
- Are already taking finasteride or dutasteride for prostate enlargement (BPH)
Use with particular caution and speak to a doctor if you:
- Have a history of depression or suicidal thoughts
- Have liver problems (finasteride is processed in the liver)
- Are having PSA blood tests for prostate cancer – finasteride can lower PSA levels and may affect interpretation
Recent UK and EU safety updates highlight that finasteride can cause mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts, particularly with the 1 mg dose used for hair loss. Men who develop these symptoms should stop finasteride 1 mg immediately and contact a doctor.
Side Effects
Finasteride is generally well tolerated, but side effects can occur:
- Decreased libido (reduced sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection)
- Decreased semen volume during ejaculation
From the patient leaflet and safety updates, other possible side effects include:
- Problems with ejaculation (e.g. decreased volume, difficulty)
- Breast changes (tenderness, enlargement)
- Testicular pain
- Rash or itching
Psychiatric effects (important):
- Low mood or depressed mood
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation) – now specifically listed as a side effect for finasteride tablets, especially the 1 mg dose used for hair loss
Rare but serious / long-term issues reported:
- Persistent sexual dysfunction (ongoing erection or libido problems after stopping the medicine)
- Male infertility or reduced semen quality (often reversible after stopping)
- Liver function changes seen in blood tests
- Breast lumps, nipple discharge or changes in breast tissue – very rare cases of male breast cancer have been reported in men taking finasteride 5 mg, so any breast change must be checked promptly
Seek urgent medical advice and stop finasteride if you:
- Develop depression, very low mood or suicidal thoughts
- Notice a lump in your breast, breast pain, nipple discharge or any breast changes
- Have severe allergic symptoms (swelling of the face/lips/tongue, difficulty breathing, widespread rash)
Important mental health information
Finasteride has been associated with changes in mood, including low mood or depression, and in rare cases thoughts of self-harm or suicide. These effects can occur in some people while taking the medicine.
Before starting finasteride, please tell your prescriber if you have ever experienced depression, anxiety, or suicidal thoughts.
If at any point while taking finasteride you notice changes in your mood, feel unusually low, or experience thoughts of harming yourself, stop taking the medicine and seek medical advice immediately.
You may also find it helpful to let a close friend or family member know that you are taking finasteride, as they may notice changes in your mood or behaviour and encourage you to seek support if needed.
Side effects can be reported via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, as linked from the official patient leaflet.
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
- Active ingredient: finasteride 1 mg per tablet
- Class: type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (anti-androgen)
- Use: treatment of male pattern hair loss in men – not effective in women
- Onset of benefit: usually 3–6 months; maximum benefit often at 12 months+
- Stopping treatment: hair loss typically resumes within 6–12 months, returning to pre-treatment levels
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA): finasteride can lower PSA values, which is important if you are being tested for prostate cancer – always tell your doctor you are taking finasteride
- Alcohol: no specific interaction – you can drink alcohol within normal limits unless advised otherwise by your doctor
- Availability: finasteride 1 mg for hair loss is a prescription-only medicine, usually supplied on a private prescription via online clinics or private services in the UK.
Directions
How to take the drug
Always follow the instructions given by your prescriber and the patient information leaflet.
Usual adult dose:
- One 1 mg tablet once daily
- Take at roughly the same time each day
- Can be taken with or without food
How to take it:
- Swallow the tablet whole with water
- Do not break, crush or chew the tablet
- Treatment is usually needed for at least 3–6 months before you see stabilisation or regrowth
- Continued long-term daily use is recommended to maintain the effect
If there’s no improvement after about 12 months, your prescriber may review whether it’s worth continuing.
Important: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets, as finasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may affect a male unborn baby. Whole tablets have a protective coating and are safe to handle.
Missed a dose?
If you forget a dose:
- Take it as soon as you remember on the same day
- If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed tablet and take the next one at the usual time
- Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose
Missing occasional doses is unlikely to cause sudden hair loss, but repeatedly missing doses can reduce effectiveness over time.
If you take more than you should:
- Taking extra tablets by accident is unlikely to cause serious problems, but you may feel side effects more strongly
- If you have taken several extra tablets or feel unwell, contact a doctor or NHS 111 for advice
FAQs
What is finasteride used for?
Finasteride 1 mg is used in men to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It helps increase hair growth on the scalp and prevents further hair loss, especially in men with mild to moderate thinning.
How long does finasteride take to work?
It is not a quick fix. Most men need 3–6 months of daily treatment before they notice hair loss slowing or early regrowth. Hair density and thickness may continue to improve over 12 months or more. If there’s no benefit after about 12 months, your doctor may reassess your treatment.
Will my hair fall out again if I stop taking it?
Probably, yes. If you stop finasteride, the beneficial effect starts to wear off after about 6 months. Hair density usually returns to pre-treatment levels within 9–12 months. Finasteride is effectively a long-term treatment while you want to maintain its benefits.
Will finasteride grow hair on other parts of my body?
No. Finasteride only affects hair on the scalp at the dose used for hair loss. It does not cause extra facial or body hair.
Can women use finasteride for hair loss?
No. Finasteride 1 mg is for men only. Clinical trials show it does not work in women with hair loss. It must not be taken by women, and especially not during pregnancy due to risk to a male fetus.
Can I drink alcohol while taking finasteride?
There are no specific known interactions between finasteride and alcohol. You can usually drink in moderation unless your doctor has advised otherwise for other health reasons.
Does finasteride affect fertility?
Some men taking finasteride have reported reduced semen volume and changes in sperm quality. In rare cases, male infertility which often improved after stopping the medicine. If you are trying for a baby and have concerns about fertility, discuss this with your doctor before or during treatment.
What should I do if I feel depressed or have suicidal thoughts while taking finasteride?
This is very important. UK and EU regulators now explicitly warn that finasteride can be associated with, depressed mood or depression, and/or suicidal thoughts (suicidal ideation). If you notice low mood, loss of interest, feelings of hopelessness, or any suicidal thoughts stop finasteride immediately and contact your doctor or NHS 111 as soon as possible. If you feel in immediate danger, seek emergency help (999 in the UK). Do not restart finasteride unless told it is safe by a doctor.
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