Corey's Pharma Hub

Finasteride: What It Is, How It Works, and What to Watch For

Finasteride is a pill that blocks a hormone called DHT. DHT is the main reason men lose hair on the scalp and it also makes the prostate grow. By lowering DHT, finasteride can help keep hair on the crown and keep the prostate from getting too big.

Common Uses of Finasteride

Most people take finasteride for two reasons:

  • Hair loss (Male‑Pattern Baldness): The standard dose is 1 mg a day. In a few months many men see less shedding and a thicker look on the top of their head.
  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): The prescription strength is 5 mg a day. It can shrink the prostate enough to improve urination, lessen nighttime trips to the bathroom, and lower the chance of surgery.

If you’re considering it, talk to a doctor about which dose fits your goal. The drug works only while you keep taking it; stopping will usually bring the original condition back.

Side Effects and Safety Tips

Finasteride is generally safe, but a small number of users notice issues. The most common are lower libido, weaker erections, and a slight drop in semen volume. These effects often improve after a few weeks or when the dose is adjusted.

Rarely, men experience mood changes or breast tenderness. If anything feels off, call your doctor – they might lower the dose or suggest a break.

Because finasteride changes hormone levels, it’s not for women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. Even handling crushed tablets can expose a fetus, so keep them out of reach.

When you start the medication, ask your doctor for a baseline PSA (prostate‑specific antigen) test. Checking PSA later helps track prostate health and catches any unexpected changes early.

Remember to take the pill at the same time each day. Missing doses can cause a dip in DHT levels, which may lead to a temporary flare‑up of hair shedding or urinary symptoms.

For those who want a different route, there are two main alternatives:

  • Topical finasteride: A cream you apply to the scalp. It aims to give hair benefits while reducing systemic side effects.
  • Other hair‑loss drugs: Minoxidil (a spray or foam) works without hormone changes, and low‑dose dutasteride is a stronger DHT blocker used off‑label by some men.

If BPH is the main issue, other options include alpha‑blockers like tamsulosin, which relax the prostate muscle, or surgical procedures for larger glands.

When you shop for finasteride online, stick to licensed UK pharmacies. Look for a clear price, a valid pharmacy license number, and a pharmacist’s contact info. Avoid sites that promise “no prescription needed” – those are often counterfeit and unsafe.

Bottom line: finasteride can be a solid tool for hair and prostate health, but it’s worth weighing the benefits against the possible side effects. Talk openly with your doctor, monitor how you feel, and consider alternatives if the pill doesn’t feel right for you.