Is shedding common in AGA? Before I got on finasteride I had terrible shedding

Question

Before I got on finasteride I had terrible shedding. Is shedding common in AGA? Got on finasteride and shedding stopped immediately. Is that because of the hair follicles miniaturizing the hair follicle shaft becomes fragile? Thanks

Randal Haworth, MD, FACS · Answer

Yes, shedding is a common symptom of androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male or female pattern baldness. AGA is a hereditary condition that causes hair follicles to shrink over time, resulting in shorter, finer hairs that are more susceptible to falling out. Shedding can occur during the early stages of AGA and can be a sign that the condition is progressing.

Finasteride is a medication that works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to the shrinkage of hair follicles in AGA. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can help to slow or even reverse hair loss in some people with AGA.

It's possible that the shedding you experienced before starting finasteride was a result of the hair follicles becoming miniaturized and the hair shafts becoming more fragile, which can lead to increased shedding. Once you started taking finasteride and reduced the amount of DHT in your body, this may have helped to stabilize the hair follicles and reduce shedding.

It's important to keep in mind that shedding can be a normal part of the hair growth cycle and can occur for a variety of reasons. If you're concerned about shedding or hair loss, it's best to speak with a healthcare professional who can evaluate your individual situation and recommend appropriate treatments or lifestyle changes.

Best of luck !

Is shedding common in AGA? Before I got on finasteride I had terrible shedding

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