Meta-Analysis
Oral medication used in the treatment of male pattern baldness in the form of androgenetic alopecia. It is available in different strengths, with the higher strengths used for prostate issues and the lower strengths used for hair loss. You can buy it from pharmacies or online pharmaceutical retailers.
What is Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication designed to work on male hair loss at a lower dose. It belongs to a class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors; a group of drugs also referred to as dihydrotestosterone blockers that work on the hair follicles to reduce hair fall and promote hair growth in men. Research has shown finasteride to reduce hair loss in 88% of men along with helping 66% men in regrowing hair.
Working Mechanism
It is important to understand the pattern of hair loss before evaluating the working mechanism of finasteride. Androgenetic Alopecia is a genetically predetermined disorder caused by an excess of dihydrotestosterone hormones and heightened levels that shorten the anagen( growth ) phase hair follicles, resulting in shorter and thinner hair growth in the initial stages and failure to permeate the epidermal layer in the later stages.
Finasteride being a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor works on inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase enzymes.that are primarily responsible for conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the precursor behind hair loss and in that way prevents vertex hair loss in an effective manner.
Other than preventing hair loss, regular use of finasteride can moderately promote hair growth in individuals.
Dosage
Finasteride is available in strengths of 1mg and 5 mg out of which the 1 mg finasteride is used in hair loss conditions. You can take finasteride at any time of the day while taking care to continue its usage in the same manner.
While the medicine has a half-life of five to 6 hours, it takes approximately six months for the medicine to start showing noticeable results.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil
In an open randomised comparative study conducted to compare the efficacy of Finasteride and Minoxidil, 65 patients were enrolled in a study. 40 patients were assigned oral Finasteride 1 mg/ day for 12 months, while 25 patients were administered 5% topical Minoxidil for 12 months, respectively. While there were no differences in the two medications regarding the age, onset and type of hair loss, the end results showed Finasteride induced hair growth intensity to be 80% while the Minoxidil group showed a growth intensity of 52%.
The results showed finasteride to be a better option than Minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia.
Safety
Research has shown that Finasteride use can increase hair count and improve hair intensity. But when used indiscriminately in a long-term manner, it can increase the risk of erectile dysfunction.
In a clinical study conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of finasteride, the medication showed a comparatively safe profile.
Side Effects
Oral finasteride is generally safe to take for a long time.
Even then, side effects can occur in the form of
- Common side effects include chills, cold sweats and light-headedness
- Less common side effects include bloating of the face, arms, and hands, unusual weight changes
If the side effects are not reversed or intensified, discontinue the medication and get urgent medical attention.
How to buy finasteride
Finasteride has a prescription status and therefore is difficult to obtain from OTCs. you can procure the medication and its refills from pharmacies or selective GP offices.
Alternatively, you can order it online.
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