Finasteride

Finasteride is primarily used to inhibit the enzyme five alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that negatively affects hair follicles. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can significantly improve hair count and thickness, with studies showing up to a 20% increase in hair count and 20-30% increase in hair thickness. About 90% of users experience reduced hair loss when using finasteride correctly 1.

Dosage Considerations:

Finasteride's efficacy varies with dosage and individual enzyme levels. Initially, a dose of 0.1 mg can reduce DHT levels by 50%. However, increasing the dosage doesn't linearly increase DHT reduction, suggesting a logarithmic distribution. The common suggestion is to start with the lowest effective dose to minimize potential side effects, which may include sexual dysfunction or depression 2.

Topical vs. Oral Administration:

Finasteride is available in both oral and topical forms. Topical applications are thought to cause fewer side effects because they might not distribute as systematically as oral doses. Nevertheless, it's crucial to be cautious with dosing, as even topical forms can lead to significant systemic absorption. Monitoring hormone levels and adjusting doses accordingly is recommended 3 4.

Special Considerations:

It's advised to monitor DHT and other hormone levels regularly when using finasteride, especially if using oral forms, to manage the risks of side effects effectively 5. Adjustments in dosage should consider individual responses and side effects, emphasizing the importance of a personalized treatment approach.