Finasteride
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor
At a Glance
- Taken orally once daily
- Requires prescription
- Results usually occur within 6 to 12 months
- Lower strength 1mg is often used for hair loss in men
The Details
Finasteride is an oral medication available in 1mg and 5mg tablets and normally taken daily to combat hair loss but also effective in treating an enlarged prostate (BPH).
What to know about Finasteride
How it Works
Finasteride, also sold under the brand name Propecia®, has been clinically tested and FDA approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness by blocking the body’s production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Blocking the body’s production of DHT has also shown positive outcomes for patients dealing with BPH. Finasteride was FDA approved for BPH under the brand name Proscar and the generic is available in 5mg tablets.
Who is it for?
Finasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Finasteride therapy is usually prescribed to treat male pattern baldness but also has been found effective for treating BPH.
Effectiveness
Hair Loss
Studies indicated 66% of men have shown increased hair growth from using Finasteride.
BPH
When Finasteride is the only treatment used, it has been found to significantly reduce prostate volume by over 20%.1
1. NIH National Library of Medicine, Finasteride in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia: a review
Finasteride Side Effects
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased sexual desire and semen volume released during sex
- Breast enlargement, tenderness, lumps
- Pain in the testicles
- Rash, itching, swelling of the lips or face
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Good to know
For hair loss, Finasteride 1mg tablets are often used with Rogaine for improved results.
If using Finasteride for an enlarged prostate, it may be prescribed with other therapeutic options to reduce the size of the enlarged prostate.
Level Up Your Knowledge
Helpful Articles
How An Enlarged Prostate Affects Your Sexual Health
In this article, Dr. Barbalat discusses the importance of treating the bothersome urinary symptoms of BPH and the longterm complications they can cause, while keeping the patient’s sexual function and goals in mind.
Having trouble urinating? You may have BPH
In this article Dr. Martinez discusses the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer, and why it's important to see your urologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Ready to get started?
First, you’ll need a prescription.
Don’t forget to check these out
Other medications and products used to treat BPH.
Tamsulosin
Tamsulosin contains the same active ingredient found in Flomax®. Requires a prescription and is available in .4mg capsules.
Tadalafil
Same active ingredient found in Cialis. Taken one hour prior to sexual activity. Effective for up to 36 hours.
Available in 5mg and 20mg tablets or lozenges, prescription required.
Boston Scientific Rezum™ Water Vapor Therapy
A non-surgical treatment that uses the natural energy stored in water vapor, or steam, to remove excess prostate tissue that is pressing on the urethra.
Boston Scientific GreenLight™ Laser Therapy
A laser used to rapidly heat & vaporize excess prostate tissue, providing a larger channel for urine to pass through. Removing the excess tissue rapidly restores natural urine flow in most patients.
