Finasteride is a medication that is commonly used to treat male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate. While it has been proven to be effective in preventing hair loss and promoting hair growth, some patients may experience an initial period of shedding when they first start taking the drug. Finasteride shedding can be distressing for those who are already struggling with hair loss.
However, it is important to understand the causes of this shedding and how it can be prevented. In this article, we will explore what finasteride shedding is, what causes it, and what you can do to minimize the effects of hair loss while taking finasteride.
The Main Causes of Finasteride Shedding
The main cause of finasteride shedding is the way that the medication works in the body. Finasteride is a type of drug known as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which means that it blocks the production of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the hair growth cycle. By blocking DHT, finasteride can help to reverse hair loss and promote hair growth.
However, when patients first start taking finasteride, the sudden decrease in DHT levels can cause some hair follicles to enter a "resting" phase, leading to shedding. This shedding can be more pronounced in some patients than in others, depending on various factors such as genetics, age, and the severity of hair loss. It is important to note that finasteride shedding is a temporary and reversible side effect, and hair growth should resume within a few months of starting treatment.
It is also important to keep in mind that there may be other factors that contribute to hair loss and shedding. For example, stress, poor nutrition, and other medical conditions can all affect hair growth and contribute to hair loss. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of hair loss and to receive appropriate treatment.
While anyone taking finasteride can experience shedding, some individuals may be more susceptible than others. Read on below to find out who is more at risk.
Who Is at Risk for Finasteride Shedding?
Those with a genetic predisposition to hair loss: If you have a family history of hair loss, you may be more likely to experience shedding when starting finasteride. This is because genetic factors can make some individuals more sensitive to changes in hormone levels, which can lead to increased shedding.
Older individuals: As we age, our hair growth cycle slows down, and hair follicles become more susceptible to damage. This can make older individuals more prone to shedding when taking finasteride. Additionally, older individuals may be more likely to have other medical conditions or take other medications that can affect hair growth.
Those with severe hair loss: If you have already experienced significant hair loss, you may be more likely to experience shedding when starting finasteride. This is because hair follicles that are already damaged or in a resting phase may be more susceptible to shedding when DHT levels are reduced.
It is important to note that while these groups may be at higher risk for shedding, anyone taking finasteride can experience this side effect. Additionally, shedding is a temporary and reversible side effect of finasteride, and hair growth should resume within a few months of starting treatment. If you are concerned about hair loss or shedding while taking finasteride, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for guidance. They can help you determine the underlying cause of hair loss and recommend appropriate treatment options.
The Hair Cycle: Why Finasteride Changes The Pattern
The hair cycle is a complex process that involves three main stages: anagen, catagen, and telogen. During the anagen phase, hair grows actively, with new hair cells being produced and pushed upward by the hair follicle. This phase typically lasts between 2-6 years and determines the length of hair.
During the catagen phase, hair growth slows down and the hair follicle begins to shrink. This phase lasts for only a few weeks. During the telogen phase, hair growth stops and the hair is shed from the scalp. This phase lasts for around 2-4 months before the hair cycle begins again with the anagen phase.
Finasteride changes the hair cycle pattern by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the anagen phase. By reducing DHT levels, finasteride can help to prolong the anagen phase and promote hair growth. However, when DHT levels are suddenly reduced, some hair follicles may enter a "resting" phase, leading to shedding.
Additionally, finasteride can change the hair cycle pattern by increasing the proportion of hair follicles in the anagen phase. This means that hair growth is promoted while hair shedding is reduced. This effect is seen in both men and women who take finasteride for hair loss.
How Long Does Finasteride Shedding Last?
Finasteride shedding is a temporary and reversible side effect that usually lasts for a few months after starting treatment. The shedding is caused by changes in the hair growth cycle, which can take time to adjust to the reduced levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It is important to note that shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, and that shedding while taking finasteride does not necessarily mean that the medication is not working.
For most individuals, shedding should gradually subside within the first few months of treatment. However, the exact duration of shedding can vary from person to person, depending on various factors such as genetics, age, and the severity of hair loss. Some individuals may experience only mild shedding that goes unnoticed, while others may experience more noticeable shedding.
If shedding persists for longer than a few months or is accompanied by other symptoms such as itching, redness, or scaling of the scalp, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can help to determine whether the shedding is related to finasteride or whether there may be another underlying cause, such as a fungal infection or an autoimmune condition.
How to Improve Your Finasteride Results
If you are taking finasteride for hair loss, there are several steps you can take to improve your results:
Be consistent: It is important to take finasteride as prescribed, and to continue taking it even if you do not see immediate results. Finasteride works by gradually reducing DHT levels in the body, so it may take several months to see a noticeable improvement in hair growth.
Improve your diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Consider adding foods high in protein, iron, and vitamin C to your diet.
Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help to improve blood flow to the scalp, which can promote hair growth. Exercise can also help to reduce stress, which is a common contributor to hair loss.
Be gentle with your hair: Avoid using harsh chemicals, heat styling tools, and tight hairstyles that can cause further damage to hair follicles. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and avoid brushing or combing hair when it is wet.
Consider additional treatments: In addition to taking finasteride, there are other treatments available for hair loss that may help to promote hair growth and prevent further shedding. These include topical minoxidil, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplant surgery.
Seek medical advice: If you are concerned about hair loss or shedding while taking finasteride, it is important to speak with your doctor. They can help you determine whether additional treatments may be beneficial, and provide guidance on how to minimize the effects of hair loss while taking the medication. They may also recommend lifestyle changes or other therapies to help promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
How to Prevent Finasteride Shedding
How to Improve Your Finasteride ResultsIf you are taking finasteride and experiencing shedding, there are several steps you can take to minimize the effects of hair loss:
Give it time: Finasteride shedding is a temporary side effect that should resolve within a few months of starting treatment. It is important to be patient and continue taking the medication as prescribed.
Be gentle with your hair: Avoid using harsh chemicals, heat styling tools, and tight hairstyles that can cause further damage to hair follicles. Use a gentle shampoo and conditioner, and avoid brushing or combing hair when it is wet.
Improve your diet: Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can help to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Consider adding foods high in protein, iron, and vitamin C to your diet.
Manage stress: Stress can contribute to hair loss and shedding. Consider practicing stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Consider additional treatments: In addition to taking finasteride, there are other treatments available for hair loss that may help to promote hair growth and prevent further shedding. These include topical minoxidil, low-level laser therapy, and hair transplant surgery.
Would a Finaseride and Minoxidil Combination Reduce Shedding?
It is possible that a combination of finasteride and minoxidil could help to reduce shedding and promote hair growth. Finasteride works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss by shrinking hair follicles and shortening the anagen phase. Minoxidil, on the other hand, works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.
When used together, finasteride and minoxidil can complement each other's effects and provide a more comprehensive approach to hair loss. Finasteride can help to reduce DHT levels and promote hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase, while minoxidil can help to increase blood flow to the hair follicles and stimulate hair growth. Additionally, minoxidil can help to reduce shedding by prolonging the anagen phase and shortening the telogen phase.
It is important to note that while a combination of finasteride and minoxidil may be effective for some individuals, it may not work for everyone. It is also important to use these medications as directed, and to speak with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatments for hair loss.
The Bottom Line
Finasteride shedding is a temporary and reversible side effect that can occur when starting treatment for hair loss. Shedding occurs due to changes in the hair growth cycle as a result of reduced levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. While shedding can be distressing, it is important to continue taking finasteride as prescribed, as hair growth should resume within a few months of starting treatment.
There are several steps you can take to minimize the effects of hair loss while taking finasteride, including being gentle with your hair, improving your diet and lifestyle, and considering additional treatments. It is also important to seek medical advice if you are concerned about hair loss or shedding while taking finasteride.
This blog post is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical or other professional advice. Your specific circumstances should be discussed with a healthcare provider. All statements of opinion represent the writers' judgement at the time of publication and are subject to change. Phoenix and its affiliates provide no express or implied endorsements of third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products, or services.
