§ Telehealth Basics
Finasteride
A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used at 1 mg/day for male pattern hair loss and 5 mg/day for BPH.
Fact-checked 12 May 2026Plain-English Reference
Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the androgen primarily responsible for androgenetic alopecia. At the 1 mg dose, randomized data shows most men maintain or modestly regain hair over 12-24 months. Sexual side effects are reported in a minority and typically resolve on discontinuation.