If you’re a man in the early stages of hair loss, you might have put down a slight thinning on top or seeing more hair in the shower to getting older, a busy lifestyle or a recent illness. Maybe you have not even noticed much change because it’s only visible in certain lights or from certain angles, or it’s just an issue that you’d rather not think about.
However, as the change starts to become more obvious, such as a receding hairline or a thinning crown, many men start to begin thinking about ways to limit the damage. Hair loss can damage confidence and self-esteem, and men may be concerned about looking older than they actually are.
One of the most popular and effective ways to treat hair loss that is caused by male pattern baldness is finasteride. However, a common question arises: “Is it too late to start finasteride?” Not necessarily: here’s a more in-depth look at the answers.
What is finasteride and how does it work?
Finasteride is a prescription medication that treats male pattern baldness by targeting the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) – the primary culprit behind hair thinning and follicle shrinkage. It works by reducing DHT levels, which helps slow down hair loss and, in many cases, even regrow hair on the crown and mid-scalp areas.
It’s important to note that finasteride doesn’t work overnight. Most men need at least three to six months of consistent use before seeing any noticeable results, with full effects visible around the 12-month mark.
When should you start taking finasteride?
For optimum results, the best time to start taking finasteride is when you first notice the signs of hair loss. However, it is important to note that it doesn’t have a preventative effect, so there is no advantage to taking it before hair loss is noticeable. (Some men may consider doing this if there’s a history of male pattern baldness in the family).
It’s dangerous for men under the age of 18 to take finasteride, because it can disrupt the production of hormones that are necessary for development. However, tests have shown that it is safe for men over the age of 18 to take.
The efficacy of the medication has been proved during well-researched studies and clinical trials, but if you have already lost most of your hair or are fully bald in certain areas, finasteride is unlikely to have much effect. It’s designed to help with hair retention and regrowth in thinning areas, and is not a magic pill to cure baldness.
Here’s a rough guide to help you assess where you stand:
Stage 1–2 (mild thinning/receding):
Best time to start. High likelihood of preserving hair and some regrowth.
Stage 3–4 (moderate loss):
Finasteride can still help slow down further hair loss and regrow thinner areas.
Stage 5–6 (significant loss on crown and hairline):
Results are less dramatic, but finasteride might help slow down further shedding.
Stage 7 (mostly bald):
At this stage, finasteride is unlikely to provide visible results. You may want to explore surgical options or embrace the look.
If you are still unsure
It’s important to have realistic expectations about what finasteride can do. If you still have doubts, the best course of action is to speak to a healthcare professional, who will be able to give you tailored advice. If you are thinning but not yet balding, finasteride can help you hold on to your hair in its current condition.
If you are just noticing early signs of hair loss, such as a receding hairline or slight thinning on top, finasteride can give you mild, moderate, or even abundant hair regrowth. Once you start taking it, you should take it consistently and follow the dosage and frequency prescribed.
As soon as you stop taking it, the effects will stop. It’s worth being patient if you don’t see the results you want straight away: in most cases, it takes around six to nine months for the effects to be fully apparent.
You also need to make sure that male pattern baldness is the cause of your hair loss. Typically, it will follow a classic pattern of a receding hairline, followed by thinning at the crown and temples. Finasteride is not suitable for treating hair loss that is caused by stress, fungal infections, or chemotherapy.
If you would like some more guidance about hair loss treatments, contact our team to book a consultation with a pharmacist today.
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