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

Should I be shedding small hairs on finasteride?

Answers (3)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Treatment options for alopecia spot with scalp atrophy (indent)? (photos)

How do I taper off minoxidil foam after using it to kickstart my regrowth from telogen effluvium? (Photos)

Is this chronic telegon effluvium? Advice? (photos)

Do exosome for female pattern hairloss work?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS