Posted by Dr. Anil R. Shah
Pause. Hold. Before you book that flight to Turkey, let’s discuss the steps you need to be taking here in Chicago prior to exploring the possibility of a hair transplant.
If you’re looking into different methods to fight hair loss, chances are you’ve already heard about Finasteride. But what exactly is Finasteride, and how does it stop the shed?
To understand how Finasteride works, you first have to understand how hair loss happens. The primary culprit in male hair loss is a hormone called DHT. When your body converts testosterone into DHT, the DHT can cause your hair follicles to shrink and atrophy over time.
Finasteride functions as a DHT Type 2 Blocker. By blocking the conversion of testosterone into DHT, it can prevent the hormone from reaching and attacking your hair. This can halt hair loss and lead to noticeable improvement in hair growth. Combining Finasteride with other hair loss treatments like Nutrafol combats hair loss from multiple directions, creating a multi-angled approach to hair restoration.
That said, it’s important to be mindful of the side effects of Finasteride. While it is a highly effective tool, there are side effects to be aware of, such as sexual dysfunction, loss of libido, and mood changes. To combat these side effects, doctors often recommend micro-dosing the medication. Instead of taking the standard 1-milligram dose, lowering your intake to 0.5-milligrams can help you reap the benefits of the DHT blocker while significantly lowering the chances of experiencing adverse side effects.
If you’re exploring treatment options for hair loss, a consultation is the best place to start. Our team can evaluate your hair loss pattern, discuss whether finasteride may be appropriate, and help you build a personalized plan for hair restoration.
Please note: Finasteride is not recommended as a hair loss treatment for women.
