Does finasteride still work for individuals over the age of 45?

Question

I am a 45-year-old male in good health who has been losing hair for around 10–15 years. At this point, I have no bald spots, but I do have noticeable thinning. Does finasteride still work for individuals over the age of 45?

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Finasteride can still be effective for individuals over the age of 45, but its efficacy can vary based on several factors, including the individual's hormonal status and the specific characteristics of their hair loss.

In premenopausal women, finasteride has been shown to be effective in increasing hair growth and reducing the progression of hair loss.

However, in postmenopausal women, particularly those without signs of hyperandrogenism, finasteride may be less effective. A study using 1 mg/day of finasteride in postmenopausal women showed negative results, suggesting that hair thinning in older women may not be androgen-dependent.

Higher doses of finasteride (e.g., 2.5 mg/day) have been associated with better outcomes in some cases.

Therefore, while finasteride can still work for individuals over 45, its effectiveness may diminish with age, especially in postmenopausal women without hyperandrogenism.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Yes! Numerous studies have shown that these drugs work into quite an advanced age. They are less effective at 75 years than 55 years - but still work. Be sure to review side effects really carefully with your doctors to ensure this is the right plan for you.

Does finasteride still work for individuals over the age of 45?

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Does finasteride still work for individuals over the age of 45?

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Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.