Propecia (Finasteride)

Propecia (Finasteride) – Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss

Propecia (finasteride 1 mg) is a prescription oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in adult men. It works by inhibiting the type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which reduces the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle miniaturization.

Propecia is taken as one 1 mg tablet once daily. Clinical studies show that lowering DHTcan slow hair loss progression and help maintain existing hair in many men. A licensed healthcare provider should be consulted before starting treatment.

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride lowers DHT levels in the scalp and bloodstream, which may help reduce further hair thinning in men with androgenetic alopecia. This effect targets the hormonal mechanism of hair loss rather than acting as a stimulant for new hair growth.

Measurable effects are typically evaluated after 3 to 6 months of continuous use, with further assessment after 12 months. Individual response varies, and not all patients experience visible improvement.

Indications and Patient Eligibility

Propecia is prescribed for adult men with mild to moderate male pattern hair loss, particularly involving the crown and mid-scalp. It is generally considered more effective when treatment is started in earlier stages of hair loss.

Finasteride is not approved for use in women or children. In rare cases, off-label use in postmenopausal women may be considered under specialist supervision.

Buying Propecia or Generic Finasteride in the USA

In the United States, Propecia and its generic equivalent, finasteride 1 mg, are available only by prescription. Generic finasteride contains the same active ingredient and is considered therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name product when approved by the FDA.

Many patients obtain a prescription through in-person visits or licensed telemedicine services and choose to purchase medication from certified U.S. pharmacies. Using regulated sources helps ensure medication quality and appropriate medical oversight.

Dosage and Administration

If treatment is discontinued, any hair maintained as a result of therapy is typically lost within several months to one year.

Side Effects and Safety Information

Finasteride may cause side effects in some patients, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, reduced ejaculate volume, or mood-related symptoms. In clinical trials, these effects occurred in a minority of users and often resolved after discontinuation.

Persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride have been reported by some patients and are sometimes referred to as Post-Finasteride Syndrome. The prevalence and mechanisms are not fully understood, and patients should discuss potential risks with their healthcare provider.

Additional Medical Considerations

• PSA testing: Finasteride reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by
  approximately 50%, which should be taken into account during prostate cancer screening.
• Pregnancy warning: Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not
  handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets.
• Alcohol: No clinically significant interaction with alcohol has been identified,
  though moderation is generally advised.

Sources

• Drugs.com: Finasteride (Propecia) – uses, dosage, interactions, and patient information
• American Academy of Dermatology: Hair loss – diagnosis and treatment, including finasteride therapy
• Cleveland Clinic: Hair loss treatments overview, including finasteride (Propecia)
• NCBI (PMC): Review of finasteride side effects, including persistent symptoms and post-finasteride syndrome (PFS)