Finasteride is the 2nd FDA approved medication next to Minoxidil with only one difference – it requires a prescription from a doctor (dermatologist, or a hair transplant doctor). Side effects from Finasteride incl. decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or depression are linked to inhibition of 5 – alpha – reductase.
Inhibition of 5AR enzyme is the main mechanism of action by Finasteride. It’s the reason why this drug can successfully prevent hair loss. 5 AR converts Testosterone into more potent Dihydrotestosterone DHT and thus acts as a precursor of male pattern hair loss by genetically predisposed individuals.
This drug has to be taken orally once per day. Usually 1mg is the standardized dose prescribed by doctors.
However you can also take anywhere from 0.25mg to 1mg to successfully block the DHT on the scalp.
Taking 1mg is recommended to achieve a faster Finasteride accumulation in the scalp tissue and thus faster hair loss prevention.
Here you can check out my experience with Finasteride and results after 1 year of use!