If I restart taking Propecia after a 5-month gap, will it affect my transplanted hair? Will it cause any shedding?

Question

I took Propecia for 3 years, and 2 years ago I did a FUE hair transplant and kept on taking 1mg of finasteride per day. 5 months ago however, I stopped taking Propecia, and plan to start it again. My question is: After this 5 month gap, will Propecia cause again the initial shedding, and if yes, will this affect the transplanted hair? Thanks so much in advance!

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you stop taking finasteride you will lose its benefits over 3 to 6 months. This is called "catch up hair loss". Restarting finateride will not bring you up to your initial state.  It is best to discuss these issues with your doctor.

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Vasiliskrin21,Starting propecia should stabilize the hair in the pattern that you inherited from continuing to undergo progressive thinning. This is usually apparent within about 2 months, then after 6 months there is the potential re-growth of the finer miniaturized hairs especially in the crown area. Most patients, 9/10 slow or stop the progression.Sincerely,Bernardino Arocha, MD

Matthew Richardson, MD · Answer

While there are reports of some shedding with starting Propecia, this is not something that I have seen in my patients. Overall, Propecia should at its worst have no effect on hair loss, and this may explain those patients that notice an initial shedding effect (they are simply continuing to lose hair that would have fallen out anyway). At best, patients will notice a cessation of hair loss or even an increase in hair mass while on Propecia consistently for 6-12 months. As always, a visit with a fellowship-trained hair restoration surgeon is recommended.Best,

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

If you had initial shedding the first time you started using it I would expect you to again have some initial shedding- however, you may be lucky and not have any this time around. Just like how Propecia primarily helps areas with natural hair from losing any more hair, any initial shedding would also only happen in those areas.

David Alpeter, MD · Answer

Restarting Propecia will not cause any problems or shedding.  In fact you should start to see less shedding of your non transplanted hair after a month or two.  Your transplants are not affected.  Also, look into Costco for your Propecia/finasteride.  The cost is much lower there.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Finasteride never impacts normal hair or transplanted hair as this hair is immune from balding and DHT

If I restart taking Propecia after a 5-month gap, will it affect my transplanted hair? Will it cause any shedding?

Answers (6)

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