Hair loss in men occurs when testosterone is chemically converted into an androgenic hormone known as Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The hormone makes the hair follicles shrink and fall out, leading to patchy hair or complete baldness.
Finasteride has the active ingredient finasteride. It falls in the class of 5?-Reductase inhibitor or a DHT blocker. The tablets reduce the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone.
This inhibits the shrinking of hair follicles, thus reducing male pattern baldness. Once the conversion process reduces, men notice a significant change in hair growth.
Consult your doctor immediately if you experience the following symptoms when taking Finasteride:
- Discharge from your nipples
- Excessive fatigue
- Fevers
- Hair loss is patchy, irregular, or comes out in clumps
- Persistent diarrhoea
- Scalp inflammation
- Unexplained weight loss
Each Finasteride tablet contains finasteride 1mg.
The inactive ingredients are lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, lauroyl macrogol glycerides, sodium starch glycolate– Type A, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, titanium dioxide (E171), yellow and red iron oxide (E172), and macrogol 6000.
Most men who use Finasteride respond well to treatment. If you experience any side effects, they may include.
- Low libido
- Depression
- Impotence and ejaculation disorders
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Palpitations
- Tender or swollen breasts
- Testicular pain
The above side effects usually disappear within one year of using Finasteride.