Hyperandrogenicity due to Finasteride? Hair loss

Question

I've been on generic 1mg finasteride for 7 months for frontal thinning. I've gotten thinner since starting fin and have a burning from the scalp where the thinning is occurring (along with back acne). Some online boards mention that fin can cause an increase in hair loss to some, including causing pain in the scalp and acne. They said it's reflex hyperandrogenicity due to Fin. Is that possible from it? How do I know if fin is causing that? I don't want to stop the medication at 7 months.

Glenn Charles, DO · Answer

It is true that some patients experience an initial shedding of hair when first starting to use Finasterisde. There has also been patients with complaints of increased scalp sensitivity and acne. The only way to see if Finasteride is causing these issues is to discontinue it and see if everything returns to normal.However, if the Finasteride is helping to slow down hair loss/shedding in certain areas and you stop taking meds you may see increase hairloss in these areas. Sometimes the side effects slowly fade away with continued use and sometimes they continue until medications are cleared from system.

Hyperandrogenicity due to Finasteride? Hair loss

Answers (1)