Finasteride is a popular and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. Many men find it restores hair growth.
But what if you’ve been taking finasteride for a year or more and it seems like it’s not working? It can be frustrating to see hair loss continue despite treatment.
This article explores some reasons why finasteride might not be working after 1 year and what you can do about it.
Why Am I Still Losing Hair on Finasteride?
It can be frustrating to keep losing hair even while taking finasteride. It’s important to remember that finasteride isn’t a cure-all. How well it works depends on a few things.
Understanding Finasteride’s Mechanism and Limitations
Finasteride mainly targets DHT, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles. But DHT isn’t the only culprit in hair loss. Other factors play a role, including:
- Genetics
- Underlying medical conditions
- Stress
- Diet
Stage of Hair Loss
Finasteride works best in the early stages of hair loss. One study by Yanagisawa et al. in 2019 found that men with early hair loss saw better results with finasteride than those with more advanced hair loss. If you’re already at a later stage (a higher Norwood score), you might not see as much improvement.
Dosage and Adherence
Taking finasteride exactly as prescribed is key. Missing doses or not using it consistently can reduce how well it works.
Is Finasteride Making My Hair Loss Worse?
It’s rare, but hair loss can continue even when you’re taking finasteride. Sometimes people experience what’s called “finasteride shedding.” This happens when your hair follicles transition into a new growth cycle, causing some initial shedding.
Usually, this shedding is temporary, and new hair growth follows. But if you notice your hair loss getting noticeably worse after starting finasteride, and have concerns about risks and side effects, including blood pressure, talk to your doctor. They can help you figure out what’s going on and whether you should adjust your treatment plan.
What Can I Do If I’m Still Losing Hair on Finasteride?
So, you’ve been taking finasteride for a year, and you’re still shedding. What’s next?
Consult with a Healthcare Professional
First and foremost, talk to a doctor who specializes in hair loss. Don’t just rely on Dr. Google. A real-life doctor can take a look at your scalp and hair, reassess your hair loss pattern, and figure out what’s going on.
Consider Adjunct Therapies
Sometimes, finasteride needs a little help.
- Minoxidil: Think about adding minoxidil to the mix. Studies show that using finasteride and minoxidil together can give you better results than using either one alone. A 2021 study by Badri et al. and a 2020 study by Chen et al. suggest that combo therapy is the way to go if you want to improve hair counts and stop hair loss in its tracks.
- Dutasteride: Chat with your doctor about switching to dutasteride. It’s a stronger DHT blocker than finasteride, so it might be more effective for you.
Explore Hair Transplant
If you’re not seeing the results you want with medication, hair transplant surgery might be an option. It can help restore hair to those balding areas. But keep in mind that you’ll probably still need to take finasteride or dutasteride after the transplant to keep future hair loss at bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my finasteride suddenly not working?
Several factors could contribute to finasteride appearing to stop working. It’s possible your hair loss has progressed beyond what finasteride can manage, or you might be experiencing shedding due to seasonal changes or stress. In rare cases, your body’s response to the medication could change over time.
What can I take instead of finasteride?
If finasteride isn’t providing the desired results, minoxidil (Rogaine) is a common alternative. Other options, which may be used in conjunction with finasteride or minoxidil, include ketoconazole shampoo, laser therapy, and hair transplant surgery. Consult with a dermatologist to determine the best approach for your specific situation.
Why am I not seeing results from finasteride?
Finasteride can take several months to show noticeable results, typically around 3-6 months. Consistent use is crucial. If you’re not seeing improvement after this period, it could be that your hair loss is too advanced, or finasteride may not be effective for your particular type of hair loss.
Can finasteride stop working after a year?
While less common, it’s possible for finasteride to become less effective over time for some individuals. This doesn’t mean it completely stops working, but the rate of hair loss stabilization or regrowth might slow down. Discuss this with your doctor for alternative solutions.
Why am I still losing hair while taking finasteride?
Finasteride primarily works to slow down hair loss and promote some regrowth. It doesn’t guarantee complete cessation of hair loss. Continued hair loss while on finasteride could be due to other factors, such as stress, underlying medical conditions, or simply the natural progression of androgenetic alopecia. A dermatologist can help determine the cause and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Wrapping up
It can be disheartening if you’ve been taking finasteride for a year and you’re still losing hair. But that doesn’t always mean the treatment isn’t working at all.
If you’re concerned, here are some steps you can take:
- Talk with a doctor who specializes in hair loss.
- Reassess your scalp and hair loss to see if the rate has changed.
- Consider adding minoxidil to your treatment plan.
- If finasteride isn’t enough, talk to your doctor about switching to dutasteride.
Hair loss treatments take time, and results can vary from person to person. Try to be patient and keep your expectations realistic. It can be frustrating, but persistence and the right approach can often lead to improvements.