Can finasteride make male pattern baldness worse?

Question

I started finasteride 3 weeks ago and my hair has been shedding like crazy. I never noticed any sheds before taking it. My hair all over even on the sides and back of my head have been falling out and feel/look noticeably thinner. Is it too early to know if I should stop?

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Initially, it is common to see an accelerated rate of shedding when you first start taking Finasteride. Eventually, your body acclimates to the drug which then works to slow down the rate of hair loss.
Finasteride works by blocking the hair follicle’s uptake of DHT, the main cause of hair loss in androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). It can take between 4-6 months of consistent use to see significant results, and in the meantime you may still experience hair loss. Again, shedding during this period is normal—the amount of hair shed varies from person to person.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, finasteride will initially increase hair shedding and it will take up to 6 months to see results.  I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone which works well with Finasteride. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Daniel Danyo, MD · Answer

Hair shedding is very common with the initial administration of Finasteride.  It should not be equated with the acceleration of permanent hair loss.  It takes at least 6 months to see the results from Finasteride and many patients get frustrated at this time awaiting results.  My recommendation would be to continue it, barring any other side effects or severe shedding.  This temporary shedding should stop in the next couple of weeks.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

No, finasteride can not make male pattern balding worse. It usually works by slowing, stopping or reversing the process

Can finasteride make male pattern baldness worse?

Answers (4)

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