Hair loss is a common issue that can significantly impact a person’s confidence. Most middle-aged individuals experience some degree of hair loss, commonly referred to as balding. In fact, male pattern baldness affects approximately 85% of men by the time they reach the age of 50. Finasteride has helped many men in slowing down the progression of their receding hairlines and promoting hair regrowth. Yet despite being present in clinical settings for decades, Finasteride (also sold as Finpecia 1 mg) is associated with many misconceptions that might make some men hesitant to try it.
This article will help you know the risks and myths about Finasteride for hair loss. Some of the common queries answered by physicians while treating male pattern hair loss are about the sexual side effects caused by Finasteride. Let’s examine the Finpecia side effects and myths in light of the available evidence and science-backed information.
Finasteride (Finpecia) and Misconceptions
Myth 1. Finasteride is not effective
Fact: The reality is that a Finasteride formulation is one of the most effective hair loss therapies available for male pattern hair loss. It is a clinically approved and dermatologically recommended formulation to deliver results consistently. Finasteride is believed to target the hormonal cause of male pattern hair loss. A hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) adheres to hair follicles and gradually shrinks them, ultimately causing hair to grow thinner and shorter. Over time, this hormone can decrease the size of hair follicles, rendering them unable to produce hair. Here, the role of Finasteride comes into play; it works by restricting the activity of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone hormone into DHT. By reducing the levels of DHT, this hair loss medication protects your hair follicles, allowing follicles to continue producing healthy hair. Primarily, this hair loss medication slows or stops further hair loss, and in many men, it also promotes regrowth of hair that has appeared thin. The hair loss medication will not provide overnight results. You need to religiously use it for several months to a year to achieve significant improvement. Furthermore, numerous research studies and the experiences of many men worldwide have shown its effectiveness for most men. Research studies have demonstrated the impressive effectiveness of this hair loss medicine.
Myth 2: Use of Finasteride leads to permanent impotence
Fact: Finasteride will make you infertile forever. Well, this myth is spreading all over the internet and making men scared, not considering this medication as a hair loss remedy. Like all medications, Finasteride can have side effects. As Finasteride is believed to alter hormones, many men suspect sexual dysfunction. The known side effects associated with sexual health include reduced libido, trouble achieving or keeping an erection, or reduced amount of semen. Yes, these side effects have been reported; however, it is essential to note that they affect some percentage of men, and reports say they are usually temporary. Many research studies have also shown that only a small number of users experience these side effects. Most importantly, the side effects are usually reversible in most cases. Studies reveal that any sexual adverse effects resolve once the man stops taking Finasteride 1 mg.
Myth 3: Finasteride is only for the elderly
Fact: Well, some people think that hair loss affects men in their 40s, 50s, and beyond. While others associate it with its original use for enlarged prostate and assume on their own that a young guy shouldn’t be affected by this. So, let’s clear up this myth. If you are a young individual experiencing hair loss, you may be an ideal candidate for using a Finasteride formulation. Androgenetic alopecia in males often starts in the 20s or 30s, sometimes even in later teenage years. A male population in their mid-20s may notice a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. So, it is a myth that hair loss only affects older people. Male pattern hair loss is largely genetic and can affect individuals as young as 20. If it starts at an early age, you will lose more hair over time if you do not interfere with the process. Why is treatment at an early age better? Well, Finasteride is made to preserve the hair you currently have and prevents miniaturisation of follicles. If treatment is started at an early age, there will be more healthy hair follicles left to save from DHT damage.
Myth 4: You will lose all your hair immediately just after stopping Finasteride
Fact: While it’s true that Finasteride benefits are not permanent once you discontinue the hair loss medication, stopping the medication does not cause immediate dramatic hair to fall in a matter of days. You won’t wake up with all your hair shed on your pillow after the last pill. The process is gradual and reverses the effects of the medication. What happens once you stop the treatment is explained here. Because Finasteride was suppressing your DHT levels, once it’s eliminated from your body, DHT will slowly increase back to its original levels and start affecting your hair follicles again. Without medication, your hair will gradually return to its previous state over time.
Finasteride side effects and risks
Common reported side effects of Finasteride 1mg include erectile dysfunction, decreased interest in sex, and ejaculation disorder. Severe depression may also occur in some Finasteride users.
The use of Finasteride 1mg for the treatment of male pattern hair loss or androgenetic alopecia has recently been under medical attention for potential sexual dysfunction and severe depression. These side effects developed early in the treatment and returned to normal on discontinuation or over time on continuous use of the medication. It is important to get immediate medical help if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, hives, or swelling of your face, tongue, lips, or throat. You should inform your healthcare professional if you experience any side effects, regardless of whether they are listed here. Discuss with your healthcare specialist for medical advice about side effects.
Finasteride and sexual side effects
Erectile dysfunction: Erectile dysfunction (ED) is the most reported side effect. An individual taking Finasteride may have difficulty maintaining an erection. The symptom of erectile dysfunction may improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. There are several medications you can take with Finasteride 1 mg to help manage the unwanted effects. So, don’t hesitate to mention it to your healthcare professional if it’s a problem for you.
Decreased interest in sex: Low libido or a decrease in sex drive is a possible Finasteride side effect. According to research studies, about 6% of people reported this side effect. And your sex drive may improve over time once your body adjusts to the medicine. Here, it is important to note that stress and lack of sleep can also lower your libido. So, getting a good sleep, regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet may help boost sex drive. Let your healthcare specialist know if low sex drive is affecting your personal life. He can prescribe treatment options for managing the adverse effects and may suggest a different medication for your symptoms if needed.
Ejaculation disorder: Finasteride can cause an ejaculatory disorder as an adverse effect, mainly due to its impact on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels.
Other side effects:
Depression – There is very little research on mood disturbances in Finasteride users. These research studies stated that there was a significant increase in the occurrence of depressive symptoms after two months; however, the overall effects were minimal. Moreover, the symptoms disappear after discontinuation of the medication.
Moreover, there are no reports of drug interactions or allergies. However, Finasteride is believed to be metabolised in the liver. The medicine should be used with caution in patients with hepatic insufficiency, but there is no need to undergo liver function tests.
According to the evidence from research studies, in the last two decades of its use, Finasteride has been considered well-tolerated, with most patients not experiencing worrisome side effects.
Final note:
Finasteride, used either as monotherapy or in combination with minoxidil, is an effective solution for men with androgenetic alopecia, preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth in most patients. Many men worldwide have used it without experiencing any side effects, or with very mild ones that resolve on their own. If side effects occur, they are usually mild and temporary. There are no reports of prolonged or irreversible sexual side effects. Overall, the Finasteride group of research studies confirmed that Finasteride 1mg is well-tolerated, with a slight increase in the likelihood of reversible adverse effects.
Furthermore, consulting a doctor is essential, and it is crucial to follow his advice to minimise side effects while achieving the desired results from any medicine you take.
Marie
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