Is it too late to start Finasteride?

Question

Hello there - I had a FUT about 5 weeks ago (~2400 grafts) and I’m still going through the thick my recovery (some transplanted hairs still have yet to fall out, etc). I’m concerned because I’m beginning to see balding I wasn’t able to notice before in the crown. It may be due to “shock loss” but is there even a point to starting Finasteride if the areas that I’m most worried about are already losing hair? Will it make a difference if, let’s say, I start tomorrow? Or is it too late? Thanks!

Daniel J. Lee, MD, FACS, ABHRS · Answer

Finasteride is a medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT is the compound that promotes hair loss at the follicular level.  By blocking the conversion, the levels of DHT decrease thus decreasing hair loss.  The effect of finasteride will persist for as long as it is used.  That is to say that if you stop it your hair loss will revert back to what it was before beginning the medication.  So yes it will benefit you if you start the finasteride now.

Mark Waldman, MD · Answer

FInasteride is a long term medical option.  It will most likely not work overnight.  If you are thinking longer term then it is not too late.  If you want it to help yesterday then yes it is too late. But I would still consider starting it for the future.

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

Go ahead and start it as what you are experiencing is likely shock loss. I'm unsure why you didn't start it in the first place, perhaps your doctor asked you to stop? If so then I would consult with him or her.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The best way to prevent shock loss in young men is the use of the drug finasteride (Propecia). It is never too late but it would have been best to start it before your surgery.

Cory Torgerson, MD, PhD, FRCSC - Account Suspended · Answer

Taking Finasteride is one of the best options to slow down hair loss. I always recommend that any of my patients suffering with Androgenetic Alopecia use Finasteride. I would suggest that you start it as soon as possible. It will still help.

Is it too late to start Finasteride?

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