When do you see the first Finasteride results?

‍How does Finasteride work and what does it do to your hair?

Hair loss In men, it is usually due to the hormone DHT. This hormone causes the hair follicles on your head to shrink, causing your hair to become thinner and eventually fall out.

Finasteride works by blocking the production of DHT. Because you produce less significantly less DHT, you are less affected by 1) the shrinkage and breakdown of hair follicles 2) therefore less hair loss 3) and in many cases even new hair growth. As it turns out, this study that 94% of users see that their hair loss stops completely. And numbers from this study shows that 66% also shows new hair growth.

After how long will you see the first Finasteride results?

We understand that you want to see results quickly. But both hair loss and hair growth are a gradual process. Most men notice the first changes after 3 to 6 months. In a small group, it can even take up to 12 months before the effect becomes visible.

Here's an overview of what to expect:

• 0 to 3 months: you usually don't notice much. Sometimes it seems like your hair loss is increasing. This is because weaker hair falls out more quickly. This process is temporary.
• 3 to 6 months: hair loss decreases. You lose less hair and see the first new hair coming through.
• 6 to 12 months: new hair growth. Hair becomes thicker, firmer and you can see a difference in your crown or inlets.

So keep going, even if the result is not immediately visible. Finasteride works in the long term. The maximum result is achieved after 24 months of use. It can help to take good photos before you start the treatment, sometimes you can't see what progress you've already made.

What changes can you expect in the first few months?

The first few months are crucial. Many men drop out too early because they think it 'doesn't work'. Here's what to expect:

• Hair loss is declining: less hair in your towel or pillow
• More stable hairline, especially near the coves
• Better hair structure: hair becomes less thin and brittle

In some cases, you can also expect additional hair loss in the first few months. This process is called shedding. Not something to worry about, the thin, short and unhealthy hairs fall out to make way for new healthy ones. A sign that the treatment is working.

Why does it take time for Finasteride to work?

Hair grows in a natural rhythm of three phases: growth, transition and rest phase. One complete cycle takes an average of 2 to 6 months. Finasteride ensures that the growth phase becomes longer and the resting phase shorter. Depending on which phase your hair is in, you may take shorter or longer before the effect is visible.

In addition, your body needs time to lower the amount of DHT in your body. This takes time; for best results, it's best to start before you've lost a lot of hair. It's easier to keep your current hair than to grow back lost hair.

How can you improve and accelerate Finasteride results?

There are ways to support and enhance the effect of Finasteride:

1. Take it at the same time daily
   Finasteride works best when you take it consistently on a daily basis. Don't skip days and create a routine by taking it daily in the evening or morning.
2. Combine with Minoxidil
   Minoxidil stimulates hair growth on the surface, while finasteride works from within. Together, they reinforce each other.
3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle
   Eat enough protein, avoid stress, don't smoke, and get a good night's sleep. Hair loss is partly also lifestyle-related.
4. Get guidance from a doctor
   Through Fellos, you will receive guidance from our medical team consisting of Dutch doctors. You will receive a personal treatment plan and can always go for questions.
5. Stay realistic
   Don't expect a full head of hair in a month. But give yourself 6 to 12 months and you'll be amazed at what's possible.

What are the disadvantages of finasteride?

About the side effects of finasteride, we wrote this article. We would also like to refer you to the leaflet of the medicine. Below is a short list of possible side effects of using finasteride.

The main side effects include the following:

Rarely < 2% of users

• Erection problems, less desire to have sex and problems with ejaculation or a reduced amount of seminal fluid (semen).
• In placebo users, the above side effect also occurs in < 2% of the users. The so-called nocebo effect; a user expects this side effect and that's why it occurs.
• After 5 years of use, the above side effect fell to < 0.3% in both the finasteride user and the placebo user, according to a study published in the European Journal of Dermatology.

Very rare < 1% of users

• Liver problems. You may notice this by a sensitive, swollen stomach or a yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin.
• Depressive feelings and heart palpitations.‍
• Chest pain.

‍