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Are you thinking about taking finasteride to battle your hair loss? You probably have many questions, including what sort of results you might expect. Along with plenty of before and after pictures, we’ve included all the information you need to decide if finasteride might be right for you and how to get finasteride online.
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Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
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See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
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Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
What Is Finasteride?
Finasteride is an oral medication used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Finasteride was originally used in 5 mg doses to treat enlarged prostates, and decreased hair loss and increased hair growth were noticed as side effects. Finasteride is now available in a 1 mg dose for the treatment of male pattern baldness.
It is important to note that the 5 mg dose of finasteride does not work any better at treating hair loss than the 1 mg dose. The higher dose only increases the likelihood of side effects.
How Does Finasteride Work?
Finasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking the production of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for hair loss.
Can Finasteride Regrow Hair?
Finasteride works best at preventing further hair loss. One study showed that 83% of men showed no further hair loss after 2 years on finasteride. In that same study, 66% of men showed some hair regrowth after 2 years.
So, finasteride can regrow hair in about two-thirds of men, but that regrowth might be mild. However, finasteride stops hair loss in more than 4 out of 5 men.
How Long Does It Take to See Results From Finasteride?
As far as a finasteride results timeline, you cannot expect to see any results for at least 3 months. That is typically how long a hair growth cycle takes. Usually, you will start to see finasteride results after 6 months. Significant results take about 12 months.
If you show results at 12 months, you may get even better results up to 24 months after starting finasteride. However, if you have not seen results after 12 months, you are unlikely to see results with further treatment.
Finasteride Side Effects
As with any medication, finasteride does carry a risk of side effects. Side effects of finasteride can include:
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Decreased sex drive
- Ejaculation disorder
- Skin rash
- Increased breast size and tenderness
- Depression
- Swelling of the tongue, throat, lips, or face
- Nipple discharge
- Pain or lumps in breasts
It is important to note that finasteride should not be taken by women, and women who are pregnant or nursing should not handle cut or crushed tablets.
Finasteride Before and After Pictures
Frequently Asked Questions
How Can I Tell If Finasteride Is Working?
The first sign that finasteride is working is usually decreased hair loss, starting 3 to 6 months after you start taking it. Keep in mind that it can take up to 12 months to see noticeable results in hair regrowth and the stopping of hair loss.
Is Finasteride Generic?
Yes, finasteride is the generic form of both Propecia (a 1 mg tablet prescribed for hair loss) and Proscar (a 5 mg tablet prescribed for BPH).
Can You Still Go Bald On Finasteride?
Yes. Finasteride does not work for everybody, and some men will still experience hair loss, so it is possible to go bald while taking finasteride. However, most men will stop losing hair.
Does Finasteride Lose Effectiveness Over Time?
One study showed that 99.1% of men experienced no further hair loss after 10 years of treatment at the same 1 mg dose of finasteride that they started on.
So, while it is possible that finasteride could lose its effectiveness over time, most men will only experience increased hair loss if they stop treatment.
Does Finasteride Thicken Hair?
In some cases, finasteride can help hair grow back thicker.
Does Finasteride Make Hair Worse Before Better?
It is often the case that fine hairs must fall out before being replaced by thicker hairs, so it is possible that your hair loss may appear to get worse before it gets better.
What Is the Difference Between Dutasteride and Finasteride?
You may have heard about dutasteride for hair loss. Dutasteride works in a similar fashion to finasteride. It is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate.
Dutasteride is not FDA approved to treat hair loss, but it may be prescribed for hair loss as off-label use.
Read: Dutasteride vs Finasteride
Can You Get a Finasteride Prescription Online?
You must talk to a doctor before getting a finasteride prescription. You can get a finasteride prescription online by having a virtual doctor appointment with one of the licensed doctors at PlushCare. If they think finasteride is right for you, they can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy for you to pick up at your convenience.
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Book on our free mobile app or website.
Our doctors operate in all 50 states and same day appointments are available every 15 minutes.
-
See a doctor, get treatment and a prescription at your local pharmacy.
-
Use your health insurance just like you normally would to see your doctor.
Get Finasteride Online
If you are looking for hair loss treatment online, PlushCare can help. Our trusted doctors will talk to you about your hair loss, health history, and any medications you take. Then, if they think you would benefit from finasteride, they can electronically send a prescription to your local pharmacy.
Scheduling your virtual doctor appointment is easy. Just click here or download the PlushCare App. You could get a finasteride prescription as soon as today.
