A professional review of Finasteride side effects
We’re excited to announce that Dr. Nusbaum and Dr. Rose have been published in the August 2013 edition of the Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America Hair Restoration review. We congratulate our lead surgeons, and welcome Miami residents to get a brief look at one of the topics they covered in great detail: Treating hair loss with Finasteride, also known by the brand name Propecia®.
More on this publication. Published quarterly, “The Clinics” gathers reviews and testimony from the nation’s leading cosmetic and reconstructive surgeons on a variety of medical and surgical disciplines. Disciplines are many and varied, spanning 59 unique areas including Veterinary, Dental, and Nursing.
The Clinics is widely recognized as a leading reference for surgical professionals and residents/ prospective cosmetic surgery patients who desire current information on new treatment protocols. Published by surgeons, the reviews are widely recognized for providing in-depth coverage, unparalleled detail, and expert insight.
About Finasteride
Finasteride is a leading non-surgical option for the treatment of male pattern baldness. Most patients recognize Finasteride by the brand name Propecia®.
When comparing different treatment methods, the claim-to-fame of Finasteride is that it helps patients maintain existing hair. In studies, it has been shown that about 82% of men who begin taking Finasteride maintain their original follicle count. A smaller but sizable number of men (64%) experienced re-growth of hair after about 2 years of continued use.
One of the primary causes of male pattern baldness is DHT, a synthesized version of testosterone that becomes more prevalent in males as they age. Over time, DHT causes a phenomenon known as hair miniaturization, which eventually causes baldness to progress.
How it works. Finasteride inhibits a critical enzyme needed to convert testosterone to DHT. With continued Finasteride dosage, DHT production is halted and baldness stops. Continued use of Finasteride may have side effects, however, as detailed below.
Side Effects of Finasteride
Finasteride has undergone clinical evaluations for both safety and effectiveness. And while some experience success when using it to treat pattern baldness, others experience Finasteride side effects. Most commonly, side effects of this hair loss pill include:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased ejaculate volume
Can Women Use Finasteride to Treat Hair Loss?
At this time, women cannot use Finasteride. Women who want to treat hair loss have the following options available, some of which are surgical procedures:
Non-surgical procedures:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine®)
- Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), though this treatment is most effective when used in conjunction with a surgical hair transplant.
Surgical procedures:
- Strip Donor Hair Transplant
- Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) / Follicular Isolation Technique (FIT) Transplant
- Robotic Hair Restoration with the ARTAS®
Finasteride Reviews
A professional review of Finasteride reveals that the hair loss medication has clinical trials to support its effectiveness in treating symptoms of male pattern baldness. For additional reviews and information, visit this page on Finasteride reviews.
Please Note: The above links to Drugs.com, a third party website on which the opinions shared do not necessarily reflect those of our Institute. Always consult a licensed medical professional prior to starting, stopping, or changing your prescription medications.
Learn More About Finasteride at the Miami Hair Institute
At the Hair Transplant Institute of Miami, we offer numerous non-surgical hair loss treatment options including Propecia® (Finasteride), Rogaine® (Minoxidil), and exciting new Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) designed to stimulate follicular activity and hair growth.
To learn more about these clinically proven hair loss treatments, schedule a hair loss evaluation online or call our Institute directly at 1-877-443-9070.
Sources:
(i) Nusbaum, Bernard M.D., Rose, Paul M.D. Side Effects of Finasteride. Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America. 2013 August; 337-338.