Finasteride is a popular and effective treatment for male pattern hair loss, and many people consider stopping it after taking it for the long term.
It’s important to note that finasteride only works as long as you take it. What happens when you stop taking finasteride after 5 years of use?
In this article, we’ll explore what you can expect if you stop taking finasteride after 5 years. We’ll cover hair loss, side effects, and long-term safety issues.
Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your finasteride treatment plan.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Finasteride?
Finasteride doesn’t cure hair loss; it manages it. So, what happens when you stop?
Resumption of Hair Loss
Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT shrinks hair follicles in people with androgenetic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness.
If you stop taking finasteride, DHT levels rise again, and hair loss can restart. How quickly does hair loss resume? It varies, but many people find that the benefits they saw from finasteride start to disappear pretty quickly after they stop taking it.
Hormonal Changes
Finasteride’s effect on DHT levels is reversible. Once you stop taking the drug, your body will return to its natural DHT production levels. It’s like taking your foot off the brake — things go back to how they were before, influencing various hormone levels like estrogen in men.
How Long After Stopping Finasteride Will My Hair Fall Out?
It’s tough to say exactly when you’ll see hair loss return after stopping finasteride. Everyone’s different. Some people notice increased shedding within weeks, while others see a more gradual return to their pre-finasteride hair loss pattern.
How sensitive you are to DHT and how quickly your hair was falling out before you started finasteride can influence the timeline. Just remember that you generally need to use finasteride consistently and long-term to keep seeing its benefits.
Is Finasteride Safe Long Term?
For most men, finasteride is safe to use for years.
General Safety Profile
The medical community generally considers finasteride safe for long-term use. Multiple studies support the long-term safety of finasteride.
Research from Yanagisawa et al. (2019) and Mysore (2012) indicates that the drug is safe and effective when used over the long term.
Potential Side Effects
While finasteride is generally safe, some men experience side effects while taking it. Others may worry about side effects if they take the drug over many years.
Singh & Avram (2014) discuss potential long-term side effects. They also point out that scientists have been unable to find a solid causal link between finasteride and long-term adverse effects.
Importance of Doctor Consultation
The best way to evaluate the risk of taking finasteride is to talk with your doctor. You and your doctor can consider the benefits of the medication, your overall health, and any concerns you might have about side effects or long-term use.
Will side effects go away if I stop taking finasteride?
The good news is that most side effects linked to finasteride will resolve after you stop taking it. That includes sexual side effects like decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
However, some men have reported persistent side effects even after stopping finasteride. If you experience any side effects that don’t go away after stopping the medication, it’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor so they can evaluate you and discuss treatment options.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is it too late for finasteride?
There isn’t necessarily a “too late” age to start finasteride, but its effectiveness may decrease as hair loss progresses significantly. It works best when used early in the hair loss process to preserve existing hair. Consulting with a healthcare provider is key to determining if it’s right for you.
What is the washout period for finasteride?
The washout period for finasteride, the time it takes for the drug to be mostly eliminated from your system, is relatively short. Most of the drug is cleared within a few days to a few weeks after stopping the medication.
Does finasteride stop working after 5 years?
While finasteride can be effective long-term, some studies suggest its effectiveness may plateau after several years. This doesn’t mean it stops working entirely, but the rate of hair regrowth or prevention may slow down. Individual results vary.
Does finasteride shrink the prostate?
Yes, finasteride is often prescribed to shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which contributes to prostate growth.
Is finasteride worth the risk?
Whether finasteride is “worth the risk” is a personal decision. It’s important to weigh the potential benefits (hair loss prevention, prostate shrinkage) against the possible side effects (sexual dysfunction, depression). Discussing your medical history and concerns with a healthcare provider is crucial before starting finasteride.
Summary
If you stop taking finasteride after using it for 5 years, you’ll likely notice hair loss starting up again, as your DHT levels rise. Finasteride is generally considered safe to use long-term.
If you’re thinking about stopping finasteride, talk with a healthcare professional. They can explain your options and help you decide what’s right for you.