Who Can and Cannot Take Finasteride?

Table of Contents

• What is Finasteride?
• Who Can Take Finasteride?
• Who Cannot Take Finasteride?
• Finasteride Alternatives
• Non-Medical Alternatives to Finasteride
• Making The Right Decision
• FAQs About Finasteride
• Can Women Take Finasteride?
• Is Finasteride The Best Hair Loss Treatment?
• Can I Take Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride, also known as Propecia, is a medicine primarily prescribed to men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Classified as a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, Finasteride blocks the action of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in the body. 5-alpha reductase plays a role in converting testosterone, the male sex hormone, into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Increased levels of DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, resulting in hair thinning and loss. [1]

By inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, Finasteride slows down the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This leads to lower levels of DHT in the body, reversing male pattern baldness and promoting hair growth. One Finasteride 1mg tablet daily is the usual dosage for treating male pattern baldness although higher strengths are available.

Who Can Take Finasteride?

Men With Male Pattern Baldness

Most adult men with male pattern baldness can take Finasteride. Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition and the most common cause of hair loss in men. The condition presents itself as a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown of the head and gradually progresses to partial or complete baldness. In most cases, men experience male pattern baldness in their 50s, but it can occur in men during their 20s or 30s. As mentioned earlier, Finasteride treats male pattern baldness by lowering DHT levels, slowing down hair loss and promoting growth.

In a study, 1,879 men with male pattern baldness were assigned to take Finasteride 1mg once a day. The study found that 44% of men showed hair growth improvement after 1 year and 66% after 2 years. It was also found that 83% of male participants had no further hair loss compared with the baseline after 2 years. [2]

Men With Benign Prostatic Enlargement

Finasteride can also be taken by men with benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), a term used to describe an enlarged prostate. BPE is more common in men aged over 50. Symptoms include frequent urination and difficulty starting urine flow. A higher dosage of Finasteride, typically 5mg, is taken by men with BPE to reduce DHT levels and shrink the prostate size.

Who Cannot Take Finasteride?

Despite its effectiveness in treating male pattern baldness, Finasteride should be avoided by certain people including:

Women

Finasteride is intended for male use only. While women can also experience female pattern hair loss, it is not currently approved by MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency) or FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for use in women. It may be prescribed to women in very specific or rare cases. 

Studies have shown that Finasteride can improve female pattern hair loss. In 2006, 37 women with female pattern hair loss were given oral Finasteride 2.5 mg while taking oral contraception containing drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol. After 1 year, over 60% of female participants reported hair loss improvement. However, it is unclear if the results of the study were due to the use of Finasteride 2.5mg instead of Finasteride 1mg or the addition of oral contraception. [3] Further research is needed to determine if Finasteride can be approved for women with female pattern hair loss.

Women, especially those who may become or are pregnant should avoid taking Finasteride or handle crushed or broken Finasteride tablets, as it can enter the bloodstream, harm unborn babies and cause genetic development issues in male babies.

Children

There is no established safety and efficacy profile for the use of Finasteride in children. The hormonal effects of finasteride could interfere significantly with a child’s growth and development, particularly in terms of sexual development. For this reason, Finasteride is not prescribed to children and adolescents under the age of 18.

People with Liver Problems

Anyone with liver problems should be cautious when taking Finasteride or avoid it completely. The liver plays many key roles including drug metabolism. Since Finasteride is metabolised in the liver, existing liver problems may exacerbate or complicate its processing. This can lead to a build-up of Finasteride in the body, increasing the risk of side effects.

People With a Finasteride Allergy

As with any prescription medication, allergic reactions are possible. Anyone who is hypersensitive or allergic to Finasteride should avoid taking it. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include skin rashes, itching, drowsiness, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty swallowing or breathing. If any of these symptoms occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Finasteride Alternatives

Fortunately, Finasteride isn’t the only medication or treatment available for male or female pattern hair loss. Those who can’t take Finasteride may consider the following alternatives:

Minoxidil

Minoxidil is another widely used drug for treating mild or moderate hair loss. It belongs to a group of medications called vasodilators, which work by opening or widening the blood vessels. It isn’t fully understood how Minoxidil promotes hair growth but experts believe it increases blood flow to the scalp and hair follicles, shortening the resting phase and stimulating follicles to enter the growing phase of the hair growth cycle.

Please note that Minoxidil 2% can be taken by both men and women who suffer from androgenetic alopecia, while higher strengths such as the Minoxidil 6% topical spray is only suitable for men. The topical spray is applied and massaged into the affected scalp area twice daily.

Regaine

Regaine is a brand name for a hereditary hair loss treatment. It contains the active ingredient, Minoxidil, and works by increasing blood flow and nutrients around the hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. Regaine is available as a topical 5% foam solution for men. The usual dose of Regaine is one capful, which is to be applied and massaged into the affected scalp area twice daily.

Non-Medical Alternatives to Finasteride

While finasteride is a prominent solution for treating hair loss, it is not suitable for everyone. Here, we explore several approaches that you can take to try to prevent hair loss without medication.

1. Nutritional Support with Vitamins

Hair growth can be influenced by your nutritional intake. Incorporating vitamins such as Biotin (Vitamin B7), Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Iron, and Zinc can help to strengthen your hair follicles and improve hair health. These nutrients support keratin production, a fundamental building block of hair, and aid the hair growth cycle. Improving your vitamin intake, either through a balanced diet or supplements can be a beneficial first step in managing hair loss and to improving your overall health.

2. Consider Gentle Hair Products

Using mild shampoos that are free from harsh chemicals can also make a difference in maintaining scalp health and preventing further hair damage. Look for products specifically formulated for thinning hair, which are gentler and designed to clean without stripping away essential oils.

3. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Tight hairstyles such as cornrows, tight ponytails, or braids can pull excessively on delicate hair roots, leading to traction alopecia—a form of hair loss caused by forceful pulling. Switching to looser hairstyles can reduce this risk and give your hair a chance to recover. We have compiled a list of the best hairstyles for men experiencing male pattern baldness which you may want to consider.

4. Minimise Heat Treatments

Frequent use of heat styling tools can weaken your hair strands leading to breakage and hair loss. Lowering the frequency and temperature of these tools can preserve the integrity of your hair.

5. Gentle Hair Handling

Swapping to a soft-bristled brush can prevent unnecessary pulling and tugging which might lead to hair breakage or loss. Brushing gently and only when necessary can also help to maintain the natural vitality of your hair.

6. Reduce Your Use of Chemical Treatments

Harsh chemical treatments such as perms and bleaching can lead to damage and loss over time. If you're experiencing hair thinning or loss, consider cutting down on chemical hair treatments and allow your hair to grow naturally.

Trying the approaches above will not only complement ongoing medical treatments but they can also serve as an alternative for those who prefer less invasive interventions for managing hair loss on a day-to-day basis.

Making The Right Decision

If you are unsure whether Finasteride is right for you, speak with your doctor or GP. Evaluating your individual circumstances, health situation and any existing health problems is crucial for determining this. You may also need to undergo blood or urine tests. 

Finasteride can only be prescribed by a doctor or a pharmacist. At Chemist Click, we offer a free online consultation with one of our qualified pharmacists and UK mainland delivery. Once the consultation is completed, our team will review your details to ensure Finasteride is safe for you to take. Start your consultation at Chemist Click today to see if Finasteride is suitable for you.

FAQs About Finasteride

Can Women Take Finasteride?

Finasteride is a medication primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. While it is approved for use in men, its use in women is more complex and generally not recommended, especially for those who may become or are pregnant. Finasteride may cause birth defects if it is taken or handled by a pregnant woman. For this reason, women should avoid Finasteride unless it’s prescribed by a doctor or medical professional.

Is Finasteride The Best Hair Loss Treatment?

Finasteride is the best and most effective treatment for male pattern baldness. Studies have shown that Finasteride has a success rate of up to 90% in slowing down and reversing hair loss. While Finasteride is very effective, it may not be the best approach for everyone. The best hair loss treatment can vary from person to person, depending on their health situation and the cause of their hair loss.

Can I Take Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?

Taking both Finasteride and Minoxidil can enhance hair growth results. Finasteride is an oral medication, whereas Minoxidil is a topical solution that is applied directly to the scalp area. Using both treatments simultaneously can be more effective than using either one alone, as they work through different mechanisms. However, it's important to consult with your doctor before starting any hair loss treatment to understand potential side effects and ensure the combination is appropriate for your specific condition.

Sources

Healthline (2024). What You Need to Know About DHT and Hair Loss. Retrieved 28th October 2024, from: https://www.healthline.com/health/dht
McClellan KJ, Markham A. (1999). Finasteride: A Review of Its Use in Male Pattern Hair Loss. Retrieved 28th October 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9951956/
Iorizzo M, Vincenzi C, Voudouris S, Piraccini BM, Tosti A. (2006). Finasteride Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss. Retrieved 28th October 2024, from: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/fullarticle/403800

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.