Should I be shedding small hairs on finasteride?

Question

I have been on finasteride for the past 5 months and I have been shedding a consistent 50-100 hairs off the top of my head alone (same amount before I started finasteride). The problem is it’s not just long hairs, there are many medium and short hairs as well. Does this mean the finasteride isn’t working?

Robert Jones, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Hello,
It is normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs daily even if you don't have Male Pattern Baldness. After 5 months on finasteride, your hair loss should stabilize and no further hair loss should occur. I would suggest you continue the finasteride, benefits will continue for years to come. 
Dr. Robert Jones MD, CCFP, ABHRS, FISHRS

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

In 4 months from now you will want to take a picture of the scalp and sit down with the doctor who prescribed it. If the photo shows you have more hair compared to the photo when you started- the finasteride is working. If the photo shows you have less hair than when you started the finasteride is not working. It is that straight forward.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I understand your concern but it is impossible to tell from the description you gave here. I would normally use a HAIRCHECK instrument to measure your hair bulk before you started finasteride and after to see just what is happening

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Should I be shedding small hairs on finasteride?

Answers (3)

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