Finasteride: Uses, Dosage, and What to Expect
Finasteride treats male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Find out how it works, typical dosages, side effects, and what the research shows about results.
What Finasteride Does
Finasteride is a prescription medication that addresses two common male health issues: male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate.
It works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), the hormone responsible for hair loss in genetically predisposed men and prostate growth in BPH.
Dosage and Administration
The dose depends on what you are treating:
- Male pattern baldness: 1 mg once daily
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia: 5 mg once daily
You need a prescription. Results take time; most men see noticeable changes after three to six months of consistent use.
What to Know Before Starting
Finasteride is not right for everyone. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not handle crushed or liquid finasteride, as it can affect male fetus development. The medication also lowers PSA levels, which matters if you are being screened for prostate cancer.
Common side effects include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and decreased ejaculate volume. These side effects resolve for most men after stopping the medication, though some report longer-lasting effects.
Getting Finasteride Online
You can obtain finasteride through telehealth providers without visiting a doctor's office. Many online prescribers offer consultations by video or phone, and some deliver medication directly to your home. Costs vary widely; brand-name Propecia runs higher than generic finasteride, which can cost under $20 per month depending on your pharmacy and insurance.