How does Finasteride work?
Hair thickening effect of Finasteride happens as a result of Finasteride partially inhibiting the activity of 5 – alpha – reductase enzyme (which converts Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone).
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is known for being more androgenic (more potent). Such increased potency compared to Testosterone makes it a more potent agent for transcribing its androgenic effects on the androgen receptors in selective tissues like beard, body hair, prostate, hair follicles etc.
DHT is known for disrupting the proper hair follicle growth cycle as well as the progressive miniaturization of the hair follicle.
By accumulation of Finasteride in the scalp tissue over time, there will be much lower 5 – alpha – reductase activity, and this less DHT formation. This will lead to slower hair miniaturization process.
Side effects
Some of the side effects are sexual dysfunction, decrease in libido, weaker erections, breast enlargement or depression. Personally I haven´t experienced any of these. It´s also known, that about 2% of all patients are likely to experience them to a degree.