What is Finasteride?Updated 8 months ago

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a medication commonly used to treat male-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a significant role in hair loss. Here’s a detailed explanation of finasteride, its uses for hair loss, and its effectiveness:

Mechanism of Action

Inhibition of 5-Alpha Reductase:

Enzyme Target: Finasteride works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase.

Types of 5-Alpha Reductase: There are two types of this enzyme in the body, Type I and Type II. Finasteride specifically inhibits Type II, which is predominantly found in hair follicles.

Reduction of DHT Levels:

DHT Conversion: 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen hormone.

Impact on DHT: By inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, finasteride significantly reduces the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

DHT Levels: This reduction in DHT levels helps to prevent hair follicle miniaturisation and promote hair regrowth.

Benefits of Finasteride for Hair Loss

Prevents Hair Follicle Miniaturisation:

Role of DHT: DHT binds to receptors in hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. By lowering DHT levels, finasteride helps to reverse this process and maintain hair follicle health.

Promotes Hair Regrowth:

Thicker and Stronger Hair: Finasteride helps hair follicles produce thicker, stronger hairs, leading to improved hair density and coverage.

Effectiveness of Finasteride

Clinical Results: Hair Count and Density: Studies have shown that finasteride can significantly increase hair count and improve hair density when used consistently over several months.

Timeframe: Users typically notice significant results within 3-6 months of consistent use.

Continued Use Required: To maintain results, continuous use of finasteride is necessary. Discontinuing the treatment can result in the loss of any regrown hair and a return to the previous pattern of hair loss.

Side Effects of Oral Finasteride

While oral finasteride is effective, it can be associated with systemic side effects due to its impact on DHT levels throughout the body. Common side effects include:

Sexual Dysfunction: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume.

Hormonal Changes: Changes in breast tissue, including tenderness or enlargement.

Psychological Effects: Depression or anxiety in some users.

Why Dense Does Not Offer Oral Finasteride

Dense prioritises the safety and well-being of its customers. Due to the higher risk of systemic side effects associated with oral finasteride, Dense does not offer it as part of their treatment options. Instead, Dense focuses on providing effective and safer alternatives such as topical finasteride.

Benefits of Topical Finasteride

Localised Treatment:

Targeted Action: Topical finasteride is applied directly to the scalp, reducing DHT levels locally without significantly affecting systemic DHT levels.

Lower Systemic Absorption:

Reduced Side Effects: Because it is applied to the scalp, topical finasteride results in much lower levels of the medication entering the bloodstream, reducing the risk of systemic side effects.

Effective DHT Reduction:

Hair Regrowth: Studies have shown that topical finasteride can effectively reduce DHT levels in the scalp, helping to prevent hair loss and promote regrowth.

Dense Bespoke Treatment Spray

Personalised Solution: Dense offers a bespoke treatment spray that combines the benefits of topical finasteride with other active ingredients tailored to your specific needs. This personalised approach ensures optimal hair growth and scalp health.

Convenient and Effective: The topical solution provides a convenient and effective way to manage hair loss with a reduced risk of systemic side effects.

Conclusion

Finasteride is a potent medication that works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, thereby reducing DHT levels and preventing hair follicle miniaturisation. While oral finasteride is effective, it can cause systemic side effects. Dense offers a safer alternative with their bespoke topical finasteride treatment spray, providing a personalised and effective solution for hair loss. If you have any further questions or need personalised advice, feel free to ask!