How Long Before Hair Loss Slows Down on Finasteride?'

Name: John

Question: I started finasteride a month ago but don't see any difference yet. I'm still seeing the same miniaturised hairs as before. I know it can take around three months to see improvement of the hairline but what I want to know is does it take three months for hair loss to slow down, eg it takes three months to start working, or do the results of the hair loss slowing down become noticeable after three months - so it's working but it takes three months for the difference to be properly visible?

Answer: Hi, John. Finasteride 1mg is taken once a day to treat Male Pattern Hair Loss and must be taken consistently for optimal results.

When using finasteride in this way it should start to work fairly quickly by reducing the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). However, it can take 3 to 6 months before any noticeable results occur.

In terms of its effects on hair loss, shedding normally stabilises at around month 3, although it is normal to lose some small amounts of hair daily as part of the natural hair growth cycle. Then new regrowth is seen between months 3 and 6, gradually increasing up to approximately month 12; on-going treatment is then recommended for maintenance.

As you probably know, this MHRA-licensed and FDA-approved tablet is a DHT-blocker. Its job, in relation to Male Pattern Baldness is to inhibit the formation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), to stop it from binding to receptors in the susceptible follicles, along the vertex, from hairline to crown, in men with a predisposition to this hereditary condition.

It has a half-life of approximately 5 to 6 hours, which means it becomes half as effective after this time, which is why consistent use, exactly as instructed in the patient information leaflet, is so important.

In removing, or significantly reducing, this cause of genetically thinning hair, normal hair growth should resume in due course. As a result, noticeable changes - from stabilisation of hair fall to increased hair density - should then start to become visible.

As you specifically mention a receding hairline, it is worth noting that Belgravia hair loss specialists have seen finasteride's benefits for treating a receding hairline when used in combination with topical applications of high strength minoxidil - to encourage accelerated hair growth - many times over the clinic's 25 year history. Some of these examples can be viewed in the dedicated Receding Hairline Treatment Success Stories gallery.

There are a number of factors involved in how long it can take for hair loss treatment to take effect. As such, the above information is simply an overview and for specific advice relating to your level and pattern of hair loss, we recommend having a consultation with a specialist.