Finasteride: What It Does, How to Use It, and What to Watch For

Finasteride is a prescription medicine used to treat two common problems: male pattern hair loss and enlarged prostate (BPH). It works by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase that turns testosterone into DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and enlarges the prostate. For hair loss most people take 1 mg daily; for BPH typical doses are 5 mg daily. Results take time — expect at least three to six months before you notice thicker hair or fewer urinary symptoms, and a year for clearer results.

Side effects are possible and mostly involve sexual function: reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and lower ejaculate volume. A small percentage of users report mood changes or depression. Most side effects resolve after stopping the drug, but some people report persistent issues. Because of these risks, discuss benefits and concerns with your doctor before starting finasteride.

Women, especially pregnant women, should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets because the drug can cause birth defects in a male fetus. Finasteride is only approved for men. If you are a woman worried about hair loss, talk with your healthcare provider about safe alternatives.

Interactions and precautions are usually limited, but always tell your doctor about other medicines and supplements. Blood tests for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can be affected by finasteride; if you’re monitoring PSA, your clinician should know you’re taking finasteride so results are interpreted correctly.

How to get finasteride safely

Buy finasteride only from licensed pharmacies or reputable online pharmacies that require a prescription. Avoid sites that sell pills without a prescription — those products may be fake or unsafe. Use pharmacies with clear contact details, verified reviews, and secure payment. If cost is an issue, generic finasteride tablets are widely available and much cheaper than brand-name versions.

Practical tips while using finasteride

Take finasteride at the same time each day, with or without food. Keep taking it even if you don’t see quick results — stopping will reverse any improvements within months. If you notice concerning side effects, stop the drug and contact your provider. Keep a simple log of any changes to mood, sexual function, or urinary symptoms to discuss at follow-up visits.

If you are shopping for medicines online, check our guides on safe online pharmacies, shipping, and prescription rules. We cover how to spot red flags and where to find low-cost generics. Above all, match treatment choices to clear medical advice — finasteride helps many men, but it’s not right for everyone.

Alternatives to finasteride include topical minoxidil for hair, dutasteride for hair or BPH in some cases, and lifestyle measures like weight control and pelvic exercises for urinary symptoms. Each option has pros and cons — dutasteride can be more potent and may raise side effect risk. Minoxidil is over-the-counter but works differently and requires continuous use. Talk with your prescriber about combinations, cost, and monitoring plans so you pick the safest, most affordable route. Save receipts and check batch numbers regularly.