Can You Use Finasteride if You’ve Had Testicular Cancer?'

Name: Lewis

Question: I had testicular cancer a few years ago and had to have one testicle removed. I got the all clear but I've now started losing my hair and wanted to know if I can still take finasteride?

Answer: Hi, Lewis. As your enquiry is regarding finasteride 1mg, we are presuming you have already been diagnosed with the condition this drug is intended to treat - Male Pattern Baldness.

If you are self-diagnosing your hair loss condition, your first port of call should be a specialist so that you get a professional diagnosis and receive appropriate, personalised treatment recommendations based on their findings.

If the shedding is caused by something other than genetic hair loss, finasteride 1mg is an unsuitable treatment given it is only MHRA-licensed and FDA-approved for this purpose. In it's one-a-day tablet form, it is designed to inhibit the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is the cause of follicular miniaturisation in cases of genetic hairloss.

Male Pattern Baldness tends to present as gradually thinning hair in defined areas but can affect anywhere along the top of the head from the crown to hairline and temples; other forms of hair loss tend to cause diffuse shedding from all over the scalp, which may seem to come on quickly, or the sudden onset of rounded bald patches where hair falls out in clumps.

In answer to your question, and based upon the assumption you have a confirmed diagnosis of Male Pattern Hair Loss, it may be possible for you to use finasteride but this depends on several factors. We recommend you have a consultation with a specialist first who will assess your full medical history and current symptoms before deciding whether finasteride is suitable for your specific case. 

We do accept medically-suitable patients who have previously had testicular cancer for tailored hair loss treatment courses. The only two medically proven treatments for male pattern hair loss are minoxidil and finasteride. The Belgravia Centre’s pharmacy prepares special formulations of minoxidil at different strengths and preparations, and with various additives to maximise effectiveness. If finasteride is recommended for you, this can be used in oral or topical form. Various boosters may also be recommended to support healthy hair growth, such as Hair Vitalics for men, a comprehensive food supplement.

In some cases, we may require a letter from your doctor or oncologist before starting treatment - all of this will be thoroughly discussed during your first consultation. Your hair loss specialist will help you find the most suitable preparation for you and tailor your treatment regimen based on your medical history, lifestyle, and severity of hair loss.