Finasteride: What It Is, How It Works, and What You Need to Know

When you hear finasteride, a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia by blocking the hormone DHT. Also known as Propecia or Proscar, it’s one of the most studied drugs for men dealing with hair thinning or urinary issues from an enlarged prostate. Unlike topical solutions or shampoos that claim to stimulate growth, finasteride works at the source—slowing down the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and swells the prostate.

It’s not a miracle cure, but for many men, it’s the difference between losing hair fast and keeping what they have. Studies show that about 80% of men who take it daily for a year see their hair loss stop, and many even get some regrowth. But it only works as long as you keep taking it. Stop, and the effects fade within months. It also doesn’t help everyone the same way—some see thickening at the crown, others just slow the retreat. And while it’s mostly known for hair, the same drug at a higher dose helps men with enlarged prostates breathe easier and urinate without constant interruption.

Finasteride doesn’t just affect hair and the prostate—it ties into how your body handles hormones. The key player is DHT, dihydrotestosterone, a more potent form of testosterone that shrinks hair follicles and stimulates prostate growth. Finasteride blocks the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT, cutting levels by up to 70%. That’s why it works. But it also means side effects like lowered libido or erectile issues can happen, even if they’re rare and often temporary. It’s not for women, especially those who are pregnant, and it’s not something you start without talking to a doctor.

What you won’t find in ads is how real people use it—some take it for years with no issues, others quit after a month because of side effects they didn’t expect. And while you’ll see online stores selling it without a prescription, that’s risky. The real benefit comes from knowing your dose, tracking changes, and understanding what’s normal versus what needs a doctor’s eye. That’s why the posts here don’t just list facts—they show how people actually live with finasteride, what they learned the hard way, and how it connects to other things like diet, stress, and even mental health.

Below, you’ll find real stories and clear comparisons: how finasteride stacks up against minoxidil, what happens when you combine it with other treatments, why some men feel better mentally after starting it (yes, that happens), and what to watch for if you’re using it long-term. No fluff. Just what matters when you’re trying to keep your hair, manage your prostate, and stay in control of your health.