Finasteride can stop hair loss for many men — but it also carries side effects people don't always expect. If you're thinking about finasteride for male pattern baldness or an enlarged prostate, know what it does, how long it takes, and how to stay safe.
Finasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase that changes testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles and contributes to prostate enlargement. Doctors typically prescribe 1 mg daily for male pattern hair loss and 5 mg daily for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The 1 mg dose is often sold under brand names like Propecia, while 5 mg is sometimes sold as Proscar.
Expect delays: hair improvement usually shows after three to six months and peaks around a year. Some users notice increased shedding at first — that can be an early sign the drug is working. Stopping finasteride generally reverses benefits within twelve months.
Finasteride is not for women. Pregnant women should not handle broken or crushed tablets because of risk to a male fetus. If you plan a family, discuss fertility concerns; some men see small changes in sperm parameters, so a fertility check may be worth discussing.
The most common side effects are sexual: lower libido, trouble getting or keeping an erection, and reduced ejaculate volume. These occur in a minority of men and often improve with continued use, but a small number report persistent problems after stopping the medicine. Mood changes and rare allergic reactions can happen, so report new depression or breast changes to your doctor immediately.
Finasteride lowers PSA levels used to screen for prostate cancer, roughly halving the value, so always tell the clinician doing your PSA test that you take it. Also mention all your medications — finasteride has few major interactions, but combined prostate treatments or certain hormone drugs may need dose changes.
Want to buy finasteride online? Only use pharmacies that require a valid prescription, show verifiable contact details, and use secure checkout. Avoid sites selling huge packs for little money or those that skip medical screening. If in doubt, ask your doctor for a trusted pharmacy recommendation or use an accredited online pharmacy with clear policies and reviews.
Practical tips: take one tablet at the same time every day, store it at room temperature, and keep follow-up appointments to check side effects and PSA if needed. Keep a photo log of your scalp or measurements so you can judge progress objectively.
If finasteride isn't a fit, alternatives include topical minoxidil, combination therapy, or referral to a dermatologist for procedural options like PRP or transplants. Talk with a clinician about goals — regrowing hair versus slowing loss — and risks you can accept.
Ready to start? Get a proper diagnosis, get a prescription, discuss side effects and fertility, and choose a verified pharmacy. That simple checklist keeps your treatment safer and helps it work.
