Finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT and is used for male pattern hair loss at the 1 mg dose. It can slow progression and improve hair counts in some men, especially when started earlier in the course of androgenetic alopecia. It does not produce instant regrowth; benefits are usually assessed after months of continuous use. It is not suitable for pregnancy exposure, and women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets. Patients should be counselled about sexual and psychiatric side effects before treatment.
British Association of Dermatologists: Hair loss male pattern (androgenetic alopecia) — https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/hair-loss-male-pattern-androgenetic-alopecia; MHRA Drug Safety Update: Finasteride and Dutasteride updated safety warnings, 11 May 2026 — https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/finasteride-and-dutasteride-updated-safety-warnings-for-psychiatric-side-effects-and-sexual-dysfunction; Anastassakis K. Androgenetic Alopecia From A to Z, Vol. 2, Springer, 2022 — https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08057-9
