Key takeaways:
Finasteride (Propecia) is an FDA-approved medication that treats hair loss for men. Studies show it can help slow or reverse the process of hair loss. It can also promote hair regrowth over time for some men.
Common finasteride side effects include lower libido (sex drive), erectile dysfunction (ED), and ejaculation problems.
With GoodRx for Hair Loss, you can pay as little as $16 per month for finasteride to help treat and prevent hair loss.
Save on related medications
Hair loss can be emotional, frustrating, and tough to manage. It’s often the result of a mix of hormonal changes, aging, and genetics. And for many, it feels like it starts suddenly and progresses quickly. The good news is that there are effective, affordable treatments that may help slow hair loss and even promote regrowth.
One of the most well-known options is finasteride (Propecia). It’s a once-daily pill that’s been used for male-pattern hair loss for over 25 years. But is finasteride actually worth it? Here’s what you should know about how it works, potential side effects, and ways to save.
Is finasteride effective for hair loss?
Yes, for many men, finasteride is an effective treatment for hair loss. It was originally FDA approved as brand-name Proscar in 1992 to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In 1997, a lower-dose version was approved under the brand name Propecia for treating male-pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.
Studies of finasteride for hair loss have shown:
About 83% of men with hair loss at their crown and 70% of men with frontal hair loss experienced slowed or halted hair loss after 2 years of consistent use.
Roughly 60% to 65% of men see some degree of visible hair regrowth at the top of their head.
Long-term users tend to have better results, with 90% of men maintaining hair coverage over 5 years.
Does finasteride regrow hair or just stop hair loss?
Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. By lowering DHT levels at the scalp, finasteride can help slow hair thinning. This effect can also encourage hair regrowth, especially with long-term use.
How long does finasteride take to work?
The effects of finasteride build gradually. Some people may notice less shedding within a few months. But significant improvements often take 6 to 12 months of consistent daily use. Results tend to be most noticeable at the crown and mid-scalp, and they’re best maintained by continuing the medication long term.
If stopped, hair loss typically resumes within 3 to 12 months.
Can women take finasteride for hair loss?
Finasteride isn’t FDA approved for women to use. But it may be prescribed off-label in some cases, such as for certain types of hair loss with women who’ve gone through menopause. Some small studies have shown that it may help slow hair thinning or promote regrowth for women, especially at higher doses (2.5 mg to 5 mg). More research is needed, though, to confirm any potential benefits.
It’s important to note that finasteride has specific risks for women to consider. It can cause serious birth defects to a male fetus that’s exposed to the medication during pregnancy. Because of this, you shouldn’t take finasteride — or handle broken or crushed tablets — if you’re pregnant or may potentially be pregnant.
Finasteride side effects
As with all medications, finasteride has potential side effects. The most commonly reported finasteride side effects from clinical trials for hair loss include:
Decreased libido (sex drive)
Ejaculation problems, such as reduced ejaculation volume
How long does finasteride (Propecia) take to work? Get the answer to this and other commonly asked questions about finasteride for hair loss.
Concerned about finasteride side effects? Get the facts on finasteride side effects and pharmacist tips for managing them.
Finasteride and alcohol: Here’s what you should know before having a drink while taking finasteride.
Some evidence suggests that finasteride could reduce sperm counts in some men, but this seems to be reversible after stopping the medication. Mood changes, such as depression, have also been reported with finasteride treatment.
Finasteride usually doesn’t have any serious or life-threatening side effects. But in rare cases, some men have reported experiencing sexual, physical, and mental health side effects after stopping the medication (called post-finasteride syndrome).
Is taking finasteride worth the risk?
This is a question that you and your healthcare team should answer together, once you have weighed the risks and benefits of taking finasteride. You might consider points such as:
How important is it to you to treat hair loss? Are you looking to maintain your current hair, regrow lost hair, or just slow down the process?
Could the possible side effects impact your quality of life? Some men may want to avoid or can’t tolerate side effects such as low libido and ED.
What is the dose you are currently or would be taking? The 1 mg dose (Propecia) is approved for hair loss, while the 5 mg dose (Proscar) treats BPH. Higher doses may increase the risk of side effects.
Are you comfortable committing to long-term use? Finasteride works best when taken consistently over time. If you stop taking it, hair loss will likely resume within a few months.
Do you plan to have children soon? Finasteride can cause ED and ejaculation problems, and there’s some evidence that it could affect sperm counts. This is something to discuss with your healthcare team if you’re trying to conceive.
If you’re unsure about the risks, there are other treatment options to consider. For example, topical minoxidil (Rogaine) is available over the counter for both men and women experiencing hair loss. Oral minoxidil, a blood pressure pill, is also sometimes prescribed off-label for hair loss. Many supplements, natural remedies, and other treatments are available to consider, too.
How to save on finasteride
There are ways to save on finasteride, which is available as both a brand-name and generic medication:
Save with GoodRx for Hair Loss: Pay as little as $16 per month for finasteride, which includes a telehealth visit, treatment, and home delivery at one low cost.
Save at the pharmacy with a GoodRx discount: Generic finasteride’s price at the 1 mg dose for hair loss at certain pharmacies is as low as $9.30 with a free GoodRx discount.
The bottom line
Finasteride (Propecia) is an effective treatment for male-pattern hair loss. It’s also sometimes used off-label for women. Finasteride takes time to work, with significant improvements seen after months of consistent daily use. Common side effects include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido (sex drive), and ejaculation problems.
If you’re concerned about hair loss, talk to a healthcare professional about your options. They can help determine which treatment is best for you.
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References
Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories Limited. (2014). Finasteride- finasteride tablet, film coated [package insert].
Iamsumang, W., et al. (2020). Finasteride and its potential for the treatment of female pattern hair loss: Evidence to date. Drug Design, Development and Therapy.
Mella, J. M., et al. (2010). Efficacy and safety of finasteride therapy for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review. JAMA Dermatology.
Samplaski, M. K., et al. (2013). Finasteride use in the male infertility population: Effects on semen and hormone parameters. Fertility & Sterility.
Shapiro, J., et al. (2003). Use of finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings.
U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2003). Drug approval package: Propecia.
Zito, P. M., et al. (2024). Finasteride. StatPearls.
