Will I return to baseline if I stop taking Finasteride and am currently below baseline?

Based upon your description of your side effects to finasteride, I believe your risks outweigh the benefits of finasteride. Thus I do recommend weaning yourself off of the finasteride as soon as possible. I would also recommend that you consider starting the vitamin biotin, a laser hair helmet, and look into a derma roller. As for whether or not your hair will return to baseline only time will tell. But it is to your best interest to get off of finasteride in a timely manner.

Thanks for the question. It’s difficult to predict. For approximately 90 % of males, the density will return pretty close to what it was in 6 more months. Of course, the overall balding process will still continue if you don’t start any other treatment (because once it starts it continues the slow loss). For approximately 10 % of males with the story you described, the hair will not get back to where it was. The excessive shedding is associated with a slight reduction in average hair caliber in the balding area over a 6-9 month observation period. If a second treatment is started in hopes to take the place of finasteride there is a chance the process of balding could be helped. Be sure to see your doctors for guidance. Stopping finasteride is a key part of the plan given the side effects you are getting. Whether to start topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, low level laser or PRP (or just wait a bit more) is something you and your doctors can discuss.