Irreversible hair loss is one of the hair problems that most often worries those who suffer from it. According to him rate of alopecia in Spain, approximately half of the population is bald. In this context, the rise of hair clinics in Spain and treatments aimed at stopping hair loss has increased considerably in recent years. Lately, a drug called Finasteride has been widely used to stop alopecia, but is it really effective? How does Finasteride work on the hair?

En Hospital Capilar We are experts in hair grafting in Madrid, Murcia and Pontevedra and, below, we will tell you why Finasteride is used to stop alopecia and the results it offers.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is an antiandrogen drug that is specially oriented to treat hair loss in cases of androgenic alopecias. Initially Finasteride was recommended to treat prostate diseases by reducing the activity of male sex hormones. However, the effectiveness of Finasteride in curbing alopecia of hormonal origin was observed when using it in smaller amounts. Currently, along with Minoxidil, is one of the most widespread drugs to treat hair loss.

How does Finasteride work to stop alopecia?

The use of Finasteride to stop alopecia is effective mainly in hormonal types of alopecia. Specifically, offers good results in patients with androgenic alopecia, the most common of all.

Finasteride acts as a blocker or inhibitor of the 5 alpha reductase enzyme. It is an enzyme whose activity transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. This hormone is the one that attacks the hair follicles causing their miniaturization and subsequent fall, giving rise to bald areas. In this sense and as indicated by our medical equipmentFinasteride to stop alopecia is highly effective since it is responsible for preventing this hormonal activity that generates irreversible hair loss.

In summary, it is a drug that stops hair loss in cases of androgenic alopecia.

How is Finasteride used for hair loss?

Finasteride is a drug that requires a prescription. It is therefore necessary that a medical professional determine the treatment based on the hair diagnosis. In Hospital Capilar medical diagnosis is completely free.

The use of Finasteride to stop androgenic alopecia is usually combined with other drugs to achieve optimal results such as Minoxidil. Depending on the opinion of the medical professional, the dose varies, although the consumption of one pill daily is normally required.

Finasteride results: when do you see the changes?

As we have previously commented, Finasteride slows the progression of androgenic alopecia by stopping the hormonal activity that causes hair to fall out. The effects of this drug are usually appreciated within months of taking it, although the blockade of hormonal activity occurs at the time that this drug begins to be consumed.

It should be noted that Finasteride is used to stop alopecia, but in no case will it make hair grow again in those areas where it stopped growing naturally. The only method by which to recover hair in the areas affected by baldness is with the hair graft.

Side effects of Finasteride

Like any other drug, certain side effects are attributed to Finasteride. In any case, these effects are reduced once this drug is stopped.  

Decreased libido

The most common Finasteride side effect is decreased libido. Less frequently, the patient may experience testicular pain.

dizziness

Another symptom that may be associated with the consumption of Finasteride is dizziness. In this case, it must be reported to the medical professional.

Swelling

Lastly and less frequently, the patient may experience swelling of the hands or feet when starting Finasteride treatment to stop alopecia.

Is Finasteride compatible with hair grafting?

Finasteride is perfectly compatible with hair grafting. As we have mentioned, this type of treatment will not cause new hair to grow, but will slow down the progression of alopecia. It is common to use this type of drug and perform hair grafting to obtain optimal aesthetic results.

With the capillary graft it is possible to have hair again in those areas where it no longer grows naturally. It is a minimally invasive outpatient surgery, through which the follicular units are extracted from the donor zone and are implanted in the area with baldness. The results of this technique are definitive once the first year has elapsed after the intervention, although the first changes can be seen after 6 months.