What Finasteride dosage should I use for hair loss?

Doctor's Answers 3

As a general guide, if you are taking finasteride for male patterned hair loss (which I assume you are), you are looking at a minimal dosing of 3mg per week. Side effects, by definition, are dose dependent and slowly increasing the dose and monitoring yourself closely for such side effects allows one to immediately stop the medication if you encounter any.

Additionally, finasteride has a better treatment effect in combination with minoxidil and you should consider using both synergistically.

Finasteride is also used for female patterned hair loss and can be dosed at 2.5 – 5mg per DAY.

You can read this article for more information about hair loss treatment in Singapore.

I would suggest to start on 1 mg per day as recommended by the drug manufacturer and FDA.

You should notice reduced hair shedding after 1 – 2 months, and increased apparent hair density after 6 – 9 months.

3 – 6 months would be a good time frame to decide if you want to continue it long term or not.

Do monitor for sexual side effects, as 3% of patients may experience those.

You didn’t say what you are taking finasteride for, so I’m going to assume that it’s for hair loss.

As a general rule of thumb for all medications, I’d suggest starting with a lower dose of the medication, and titrating upwards.

Having said that, more than a few studies have shown that finasteride has no increased dose response effectiveness. Ie if a lower dose doesn’t work well, a higher dose is unlikely to work as well.

So if I were you, I’d start with 0.5 mg and watch for results and side effects. If it works well already, no need to use 1 mg.

Similar Questions

What is the cause and treatment in Singapore for female hair loss? How much would hair loss treatment in Singapore cost?

There is difference between hair thinning and hair fall. If you noticed hair gradually thinning over months or years, female pattern hair loss is the most likely diagnosis. If however, there is an increase in the hair fall of >100 strands, that is significant and there are a number of conditions that can cause this and this often warrants further investigation to look for the underlying cause. Dermatologists specialize in the treatment of skin and hair diseases and you can consider seeing a dermatologist for your concerns.

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Dr Colin Theng

Dermatologist

What is the cause and treatment for male hair loss? How much does hair transplantation cost in Singapore?

It does indeed sound like male pattern hair loss, due to male hormone (testosterone). And unfortunately you’re right – finasteride works by blocking testosterone, which results in all the side effects like erectile dysfunction etc. I’d recommend starting with a topical shampoo called Minoxidil – that has minimal side effects, although hair regrowth tend to be thinner. Hair transplant is indeed a lot cheaper in Thailand, but you have to be aware that follow-up care will not be possible. I recently had a friend come to me to check out his scalp after the op in Thailand.

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