Finasteride for Androgenetic Alopecia

Q: Does Finasteride help with Androgenetic Alopecia?

Based on 206 studies with 24,777 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Finasteride may support Androgenetic Alopecia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

Q: How much Finasteride should I take for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1 mg/day oral. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Q: Are there side effects of Finasteride?

Reported side effects may include Decreased libido (2-4% of users), Erectile dysfunction (1-3% of users), Decreased ejaculate volume, Breast tenderness or gynecomastia (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

Q: How strong is the evidence for Finasteride and Androgenetic Alopecia?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 206 peer-reviewed studies with 24,777 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Based on 206 studies (23 meta-analyses, 24 RCTs) with 24,777 total participants. 149/206 studies show positive effects.

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The Bottom Line

Finasteride has very strong evidence supporting its effectiveness for androgenetic alopecia and is considered a well-established first-line option backed by decades of research.

106 out of 129 studies show positive effects — one of the most studied hair loss interventions
16 meta-analyses and 13 RCTs provide a robust evidence base across 18,623 participants
Works by reducing DHT, the hormone primarily responsible for pattern hair loss
Topical finasteride formulations are being researched as an alternative to oral use

Key Study Findings

Review

Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: A Narrative Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Evaluation, and Treatments.

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: women with androgenetic alopecia (female pattern hair loss)

Review

The Over-The-Counter Finasteride Alternative: A Critical Review of Saw Palmetto's Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Concerns.

Dose: None vs: None Outcome: None Effect: None None

Population: None

non-randomized controlled trial n=60 16 weeks Open-label

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Microneedling Alone or Combined With Drugs in the Treatment of …

Dose: Mild group: microneedling alone (8 weeks); Moderate group: microneedling + 5% minoxidil (12 weeks); vs: Placebo Effect: All groups showed significant decrease in HLSS and increase in hair density post-treatment (p<0.001) p<0.001

randomized controlled trial n=45 16 weeks Open-label

Clinical and Trichoscopic Evaluations of Topical Finasteride 1%, Topical Spironolactone 5%, and Minoxidil 5% in …

Dose: Group A: topical finasteride 1% solution; Group B: topical spironolactone 5% solution; Group C: topi vs: Placebo Effect: Groups A and C showed significant improvement on Sinclair scale and trichoscopic hair density; Group None

Review

Male and female pattern hair loss.

Dose: None vs: Placebo Effect: None None

randomized controlled trial n=45 Open-label

Clinical efficacy of microneedle combined with 5% Minoxidil solution and finasteride in the treatment of …

Dose: Group A: 5% Minoxidil alone; Group B: 5% Minoxidil + Finasteride; Group C: Microneedling + 5% Minoxi vs: Placebo Effect: Hair density and hair shaft diameter increased in all groups; Group C superior to Group A in Norwood p<0.01

Key Statistics

206

Studies

24777

Participants

↑

Positive

Grade

Referenced Papers

The Over-The-Counter Finasteride Alternative: A Critical Review of Saw Palmetto's Efficacy, Safety, and Regulatory Concerns. Other

International journal of … 2026 1 citations

Research Progress on Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Systematic Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2026

Clinical Efficacy and Mechanisms of Microneedling Alone or Combined With Drugs in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2026

Androgenetic Alopecia in Women: A Narrative Review of Pathophysiology, Clinical Evaluation, and Treatments. Review

American journal of … 2026

Characterization and Management of Androgenetic Alopecia in Transgender and Gender-Diverse Individuals: A Narrative Review. Review

Dermatology and therapy 2026

A novel cell-free regenerative therapy for hair loss: human fetal cartilage progenitor cell secretome. Other

Biomaterials 2026

A Prospective Study of Exosome Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Aesthetic plastic surgery 2025 14 citations

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Expert opinion on … 2025 11 citations

Nutritional deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass at 10 years: secondary analysis of the SLEEVEPASS randomized clinical trial. RCT

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An update on nanocarriers for follicular-targeted drug delivery for androgenetic alopecia topical treatment. Review

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Epidemiological landscape of androgenetic alopecia in the US: An All of Us cross-sectional study. Other

PloS one 2025 8 citations

Male androgenetic alopecia. Review

Anais brasileiros de … 2025 7 citations

Platelet-rich plasma-derived exosomes stimulate hair follicle growth through activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling pathway. Other

Regenerative therapy 2025 7 citations

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Multidimensional assessment of adverse events of finasteride：a real-world pharmacovigilance analysis based on FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) from 2004 … Other

PloS one 2025 6 citations

A Prospective and Comparative Study to Explore the Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Transplantation for Patients With Androgenetic Alopecia. RCT

Journal of cosmetic … 2025 5 citations

Effectiveness of Combined Oral Minoxidil and Finasteride in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Retrospective Service Evaluation. Other

Cureus 2025 5 citations

Post-finasteride syndrome - a true clinical entity? Review

International journal of … 2025 5 citations

Co-delivery of minoxidil and finasteride via ionic liquid and cyclodextrin-assisted in situ thermosensitive hydrogel for synergistic treatment of androgenic alopecia. Other

International journal of … 2025 5 citations

Efficacy and safety of topical finasteride spray solution in the treatment of Chinese men with androgenetic alopecia: A phase III, … Other

Chinese medical journal 2025 4 citations

Topical dutasteride for androgenic alopecia: current state and prospects. Review

Therapeutic delivery 2025 4 citations

Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway Targeting Androgenetic Alopecia: How Far Can We Go Beyond Minoxidil and Finasteride? Review

Journal of medicinal … 2025 4 citations

Efficacy and safety of dutasteride in the treatment of alopecia: a comprehensive review. Review

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Finasteride Use: Evaluation of Depression and Suicide Risk. Other

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Efficacy and safety of twice- or thrice-weekly dutasteride versus daily finasteride in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized, investigator-blinded, active-controlled, … Other

JAAD international 2025 3 citations

Research progress on the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia. Review

European journal of … 2025 3 citations

Hair regeneration in androgenetic alopecia using secretome of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) and minoxidil: a comparative study of three groups. Other

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A Canadian Consensus on Androgenetic Alopecia: Approach and Management. Other

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Computational drug discovery of potential 5α-reductase phytochemical inhibitors and hair growth promotion using in silico techniques. Other

Frontiers in bioinformatics 2025 2 citations

Research progress in the treatment of non-scarring alopecia: mechanism and treatment. Review

Frontiers in pharmacology 2025 2 citations

Male and female pattern hair loss. Review

Australian prescriber 2025 2 citations

Exploration of the Possible Relationships Between Gut and Hypothalamic Inflammation and Allopregnanolone: Preclinical Findings in a Post-Finasteride Rat Model. Other

Biomolecules 2025 2 citations

Randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of the combination therapy of topical 0.1% finasteride - 5% Minoxidil in … RCT

Archives of dermatological … 2025 2 citations

Treatment of androgenetic alopecia with low-dose oral minoxidil monotherapy compared with combination therapy with dutasteride or finasteride. Other

Journal of the … 2025 2 citations

Plant Nanovesicles Integrate Bioactivity and Transdermal Finasteride Delivery for Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

ACS applied materials … 2025 2 citations

Enhanced ex vivo skin retention of bicalutamide using a nano-in-micro composite: Drug-loaded lipid vesicles in a dissolving microarray patch. Other

European journal of … 2025 1 citations

The safety and efficacy of finasteride for transgender men with androgenetic alopecia: a case series. Case Report

Journal of medical … 2025 1 citations

Exploring Mesenchymal Stem Cells versus Minoxidil for Androgenic Alopecia Treatment: A Detailed Animal-Based Histological and Morphometric Study. Other

Cells, tissues, organs 2025 1 citations

Estrogen hormone therapy stabilizes lateral hairline in transfeminine patients: Implications for facial feminization surgery. Other

Journal of plastic, … 2025 1 citations

Relative efficacy of minoxidil in combination with other treatments for androgenic alopecia: a network meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials. Systematic Review

Frontiers in medicine 2025 1 citations

No increased risk of mood disorders in male androgenetic alopecia patients treated with dutasteride and finasteride: A retrospective cohort database … Other

Journal of the … 2025 1 citations

Efficacy of Skin Patting and Iontophoresis with Dutasteride Gel in Male and Menopausal Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Study. Other

Dermatology and therapy 2025 1 citations

A proprietary lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens promotes hair growth through mechanisms that extend beyond 5-alpha reductase inhibition: Insights from … Other

International journal of … 2025 1 citations

Do Non-Prescription Products Help in Managing Androgenic Alopecia? Review

Skin appendage disorders 2025 1 citations

Clinical and Trichoscopic Evaluations of Topical Finasteride 1%, Topical Spironolactone 5%, and Minoxidil 5% in Female Pattern Hair Loss Treatment. Other

Dermatology practical & … 2025 1 citations

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo and Active Controlled Phase II Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of Novel Dutasteride Topical … Other

Cureus 2025

Androgenetic alopecia. Review

Nature reviews. Disease … 2025

The Use of Light-Based Therapies in the Treatment of Alopecia. Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2025

Similar Risk of Sexual Dysfunction in Androgenetic Alopecia Patients Treated With Dutasteride vs. Finasteride: A Retrospective Cohort Database Study. Other

International journal of … 2025

Anti-Hair Loss Potential of Perilla Seed Extracts: In Vitro Molecular Insights from Supercritical Fluid Extraction. Other

Foods (Basel, Switzerland) 2025

Personalized Compounded Hair Loss Treatments: A Compatibility Assessment of the TrichoConcept™ Vehicle Line. Other

International journal of … 2025

Kyoh® Rocket Leaf Extract Regulates Proliferation and VEGF and FGF7 Expression in Human Dermal Follicle Papilla Cells. Other

Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) 2025

Updates in Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia. Review

Annals of dermatology 2025

Clinical efficacy of microneedle combined with 5% Minoxidil solution and finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in males. Other

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Effects of dietary supplements on androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Systematic Review

Frontiers in nutrition 2025

Relative Efficacy of Conventional Monotherapies and Select Nonconventional, Over-the-Counter Products for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis Study. Meta-Analysis

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Status of research on the development and regeneration of hair follicles. Review

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Hybrid hair follicle stem cell extracellular vesicles co-delivering finasteride and gold nanoparticles for androgenetic alopecia treatment. Other

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Efficacy of the association of topical minoxidil and topical finasteride compared to their use in monotherapy in men with androgenetic … RCT

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The Hormonal Background of Hair Loss in Non-Scarring Alopecias. Review

Biomedicines 2024 17 citations

Androgenetic Alopecia in Men: An Update On Genetics. Review

Indian journal of … 2024 14 citations

Dutasteride for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: An Updated Review. Review

Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland) 2024 14 citations

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Physical Treatments and Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia. Review

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European urology focus 2024 10 citations

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Hair Loss: Diagnosis and Treatment. Review

American family physician 2024 8 citations

Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Photodermatology, photoimmunology & … 2024 8 citations

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An Overview of Commonly Used Natural Alternatives for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia, with Special Emphasis on Rosemary Oil. Review

Clinical, cosmetic and … 2024 7 citations

Efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil in the management of androgenetic alopecia. Review

Expert opinion on … 2024 7 citations

Maternal multivitamin supplementation mitigates the risk of fetal congenital heart disease associated with high indoor total volatile organic compounds exposure … Other

Environmental health : … 2024 7 citations

The risk of psychiatric disorders in finasteride users with benign prostatic hyperplasia and androgenetic alopecia: A population-based case-control study. Observational

The Australasian journal … 2024 5 citations

Development and Evaluation of Dutasteride Nanoemulgel for the Topical Delivery against Androgenic Alopecia. Other

Pharmaceutical nanotechnology 2024 5 citations

Does Vitamin B6 Act as an Exercise Mimetic in Skeletal Muscle? Review

International journal of … 2024 5 citations

Comparative analysis of low-dose oral minoxidil with spironolactone versus finasteride or dutasteride in female androgenetic alopecia management. Other

Archives of dermatological … 2024 4 citations

Comparison between dutasteride and finasteride in hair regrowth and reversal of miniaturization in male and female androgenetic alopecia: a systematic … Other

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Long-term efficacy and safety of dutasteride 0.5 mg in Korean men with androgenetic alopecia: 5-year data demonstrating clinical improvement with … Other

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Resveratrol-Loaded Versatile Nanovesicle for Alopecia Therapy via Comprehensive Strategies. Other

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Drugs 2023 221 citations

Androgenetic alopecia: An update. Review

JAAD international 2023 80 citations

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Clinical, cosmetic and … 2023 58 citations

What's New in Therapy for Male Androgenetic Alopecia? Other

American journal of … 2023 41 citations

Female-pattern hair loss: therapeutic update. Review

Anais brasileiros de … 2023 29 citations

Androgenetic alopecia in transgender and gender diverse populations: A review of therapeutics. Review

Journal of the … 2023 24 citations

Use of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors in Dermatology: A Narrative Review. Review

Dermatology and therapy 2023 23 citations

Medical and procedural treatment of androgenetic alopecia - Where are we? Review

Journal of the … 2023 20 citations

Comparing Current Therapeutic Modalities of Androgenic Alopecia: A Literature Review of Clinical Trials. Review

Cureus 2023 17 citations

Potential application of PBM use in hair follicle organoid culture for the treatment of androgenic alopecia. Review

Materials today. Bio 2023 13 citations

Evaluating 5 alpha reductase inhibitors for the treatment of male androgenic alopecia. Other

Expert opinion on … 2023 11 citations

Topical Finasteride: A Comprehensive Review of Androgenetic Alopecia Management for Men and Women. Review

Cureus 2023 10 citations

Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia - A Randomized Controlled Trial. Other

International journal of … 2023 10 citations

A systematic review of clinical trials using single or combination therapy of oral or topical finasteride for women in reproductive … Systematic Review

Advances in clinical … 2023 10 citations

Comparative effects of finasteride and minoxidil on the male reproductive organs: A systematic review of in vitro and in vivo … Systematic Review

Toxicology and applied … 2023 8 citations

Real-World, Open-Label Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Serum in Androgenetic Alopecia. Other

Journal of drugs … 2023 8 citations

Topical Delivery of Atraric Acid Derived from Stereocaulon japonicum with Enhanced Skin Permeation and Hair Regrowth Activity for Androgenic Alopecia. Other

Pharmaceutics 2023 8 citations

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Indian journal of … 2023 6 citations

Clinical study on the efficacy and tolerability of a topical regenerative treatment in patients with telogen effluvium and mild androgenetic … Other

Journal of cosmetic … 2023 6 citations

Mesotherapy with dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia: a concise review of the literature. Review

European journal of … 2023 5 citations

Platelet-Rich Plasma in Androgenetic Alopecia: Is It Really Worth the Hype? Other

International journal of … 2023 5 citations

Platelet Rich Plasma Combination Therapies for Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Review

Journal of cutaneous … 2023 5 citations

Pediatric androgenetic alopecia: an updated review. Review

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Italian journal of … 2023 3 citations

Combination therapy in female pattern hair loss. Review

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Inverse androgenic alopecia. Case Report

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Noninvasive Hair Rejuvenation. Review

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TH07 - A New Novel Topical Treatment for Androgenic Alopecia. Other

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Journal of the … 2022 96 citations

Comparison of oral minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride for treating androgenetic alopecia. Review

The Journal of … 2022 83 citations

Relative Efficacy of Minoxidil and the 5-α Reductase Inhibitors in Androgenetic Alopecia Treatment of Male Patients: A Network Meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

JAMA dermatology 2022 69 citations

Finasteride for hair loss: a review. Review

The Journal of … 2022 65 citations

Topical finasteride for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss: a review of the current literature. Review

The Journal of … 2022 51 citations

Advances in hair growth. Review

Faculty reviews 2022 44 citations

Natural products for male androgenetic alopecia. Review

Dermatologic therapy 2022 41 citations

Efficacy of non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia in men and women: a systematic review with network meta-analyses, and an assessment … Meta-Analysis

The Journal of … 2022 40 citations

Advancing Regenerative Cellular Therapies in Non-Scarring Alopecia. Review

Pharmaceutics 2022 36 citations

Association of 5α-Reductase Inhibitors With Dementia, Depression, and Suicide. Other

JAMA network open 2022 32 citations

Topical finasteride for male and female pattern hair loss: Is it a safe and effective alternative? Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2022 29 citations

Nanostructured Drug Delivery Systems for Targeting 5-α-Reductase Inhibitors to the Hair Follicle. Review

Pharmaceutics 2022 23 citations

Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Dutasteride versus Finasteride in Patients with Male Androgenic Alopecia in South Korea: A Multicentre Chart … Other

Annals of dermatology 2022 19 citations

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The Korean journal … 2022 19 citations

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Dermatologic therapy 2022 14 citations

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Frontiers in medicine 2022 14 citations

Microneedling plus topical dutasteride solution for androgenetic alopecia: a randomized placebo-controlled study. RCT

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Pediatric androgenetic alopecia: A review. Review

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An evaluation of the federal adverse events reporting system data on adverse effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Other

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Dermatologic therapy 2020 60 citations

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BioMed research international 2020 49 citations

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Dermatologic therapy 2020 42 citations

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A Systemic Review on Topical Marketed Formulations, Natural Products, and Oral Supplements to Prevent Androgenic Alopecia: A Review. Review

Natural products and … 2020 36 citations

Efficacy of Intralesional and Oral Dutasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review. Review

Skin appendage disorders 2020 35 citations

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Dermatologic therapy 2020 34 citations

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Dermatologic therapy 2020 30 citations

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Aesthetic plastic surgery 2020 25 citations

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Urology journal 2020 7 citations

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Skin appendage disorders 2020 6 citations

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Actas dermo-sifiliograficas 2020 4 citations

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Adverse Sexual Effects of Treatment with Finasteride or Dutasteride for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

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Finasteride and Erectile Dysfunction in Patients with Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Review

The world journal … 2019 36 citations

Sexual Problems of Men With Androgenic Alopecia Treated With 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors. Review

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Self-Assessments of Standardized Scalp Massages for Androgenic Alopecia: Survey Results. Other

Dermatology and therapy 2019 7 citations

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Journal of the … 2018 248 citations

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International journal of … 2018 129 citations

A Systematic Review of Topical Finasteride in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women. Systematic Review

Journal of drugs … 2018 116 citations

A randomized, double-blind controlled study of the efficacy and safety of topical solution of 0.25% finasteride admixed with 3% minoxidil … RCT

Journal of the … 2018 94 citations

Hair-Growth Potential of Ginseng and Its Major Metabolites: A Review on Its Molecular Mechanisms. Review

International journal of … 2018 93 citations

Efficacy of non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

Journal of the … 2018 80 citations

Genetic and molecular aspects of androgenetic alopecia. Review

Indian journal of … 2018 79 citations

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review. Meta-Analysis

Lasers in medical … 2018 75 citations

Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss, 2017 version. Other

The Journal of … 2018 69 citations

Androgenetic alopecia; drug safety and therapeutic strategies. Review

Expert opinion on … 2018 38 citations

Proprietary Herbal Extract Downregulates the Gene Expression of IL-1α in HaCaT Cells: Possible Implications Against Nonscarring Alopecia. Other

Medical archives (Sarajevo, … 2018 16 citations

Use of low-level laser therapy in treatment of the androgenic alopecia, the first systematic review. Systematic Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2018 13 citations

Prescribing Habits for Androgenic Alopecia Among Dermatologists in Spain in 2017: A Cross-Sectional Study. Other

Actas dermo-sifiliograficas 2018 9 citations

Determination of illegal adulteration of dietary supplements with synthetic hair-growth compounds by UPLC and LC-Q-TOF/MS. Other

Food additives & … 2018 4 citations

Androgenetic alopecia: a review. Systematic Review

Endocrine 2017 442 citations

The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-Analysis

Journal of the … 2017 343 citations

Interventions for Female Pattern Hair Loss. Other

JAMA dermatology 2017 121 citations

Superiority of dutasteride over finasteride in hair regrowth and reversal of miniaturization in men with androgenetic alopecia: A randomized controlled … RCT

Indian journal of … 2017 71 citations

Dutasteride in Androgenetic Alopecia: An Update. Review

Current clinical pharmacology 2017 62 citations

Sexual side effects of 5-α-reductase inhibitors finasteride and dutasteride: A comprehensive review. Review

Dermatology online journal 2017 49 citations

An Open-Label Randomized Multicenter Study Assessing the Noninferiority of a Caffeine-Based Topical Liquid 0.2% versus Minoxidil 5% Solution in Male … RCT

Skin pharmacology and … 2017 42 citations

A Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss. Review

Dermatologic surgery : … 2017 39 citations

New Treatments for Hair Loss. Review

Actas dermo-sifiliograficas 2017 17 citations

Change in Prostate Specific Antigen Concentration in Men with Prostate Specific Antigen Less than 2.5 ng/ml Taking Low Dose Finasteride … Other

The Journal of … 2017 4 citations

[What is the value of low-energie lasers in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia ?]. Review

Revue medicale de … 2017

The Diagnosis and Treatment of Hair and Scalp Diseases. Review

Deutsches Arzteblatt international 2016 99 citations

A new label-free screen for steroid 5α-reductase inhibitors using LC-MS. Other

Steroids 2016 20 citations

Human Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Conditioned Media for Hair Regeneration Applications. Review

Journal of stem … 2016 20 citations

Interventions for female pattern hair loss. Meta-Analysis

The Cochrane database … 2016 18 citations

Atypical post-finasteride syndrome: A pharmacological riddle. Case Report

Indian journal of … 2016 8 citations

Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy. Other

Indian journal of … 2015 111 citations

Selected Disorders of Skin Appendages--Acne, Alopecia, Hyperhidrosis. Review

The Medical clinics … 2015 66 citations

Female pattern alopecia and telogen effluvium: figuring out diffuse alopecia. Other

Seminars in cutaneous … 2015 27 citations

Female pattern hair loss. Review

Current problems in … 2015 8 citations

[Drug treatment of alopecia]. Other

Der Internist 2015

Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Review

Lasers in surgery … 2014 243 citations

Platelet-rich plasma in androgenic alopecia: myth or an effective tool. Other

Journal of cutaneous … 2014 168 citations

A randomized, active- and placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of different doses of dutasteride versus placebo and finasteride … RCT

Journal of the … 2014 160 citations

Potential targets in the discovery of new hair growth promoters for androgenic alopecia. Review

Expert opinion on … 2014 91 citations

The efficacy and safety of 5α-reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia: a network meta-analysis and benefit-risk assessment of finasteride and dutasteride. Meta-Analysis

The Journal of … 2014 87 citations

Effect of pumpkin seed oil on hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Other

Evidence-based complementary and … 2014 86 citations

Use of low-level laser therapy as monotherapy or concomitant therapy for male and female androgenetic alopecia. Other

International journal of … 2014 63 citations

Emerging treatments in alopecia. Review

Expert opinion on … 2014 57 citations

Effect of dutasteride 0.5 mg/d in men with androgenetic alopecia recalcitrant to finasteride. Other

International journal of … 2014 52 citations

The effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride used for 3 years in women with androgenetic alopecia. Other

Indian journal of … 2014 48 citations

5α-Reductase inhibitors in androgenetic alopecia. Review

Current opinion in … 2014 43 citations

Evidence for supplemental treatments in androgenetic alopecia. Other

Journal of drugs … 2014 26 citations

Androgenetic alopecia. Review

Giornale italiano di … 2014 8 citations

Androgenetic alopecia: an update. Review

Indian journal of … 2013 196 citations

Pattern hair loss in men: diagnosis and medical treatment. Review

Dermatologic clinics 2013 78 citations

Hair loss and herbs for treatment. Review

Journal of cosmetic … 2013 62 citations

Nonsurgical therapy for hair loss. Review

Facial plastic surgery … 2013 16 citations

Female pattern alopecia: current perspectives. Review

International journal of … 2013

Role of 5α-reductase inhibitors in androgen-stimulated skin disorders. Review

Journal of drugs … 2013

Side Effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors: A Comprehensive Review. Review

Sexual medicine reviews 2013

Promising therapies for treating and/or preventing androgenic alopecia. Review

Skin therapy letter 2012 100 citations

Comparitive effectiveness of finasteride vs Serenoa repens in male androgenetic alopecia: a two-year study. RCT

International journal of … 2012 69 citations

Finasteride in the treatment of female pattern (androgenic) alopecia: a case report and review of the literature. Case Report

Cutis 2012

Hair loss in women: medical and cosmetic approaches to increase scalp hair fullness. Review

The British journal … 2011 96 citations

Inhibition of inflammatory gene expression in keratinocytes using a composition containing carnitine, thioctic Acid and saw palmetto extract. Other

Evidence-based complementary and … 2011 27 citations

Adolescent androgenic alopecia. Other

Cutis 2011

Pilot Study of 15 Patients Receiving a New Treatment Regimen for Androgenic Alopecia: The Effects of Atopy on AGA. Other

ISRN dermatology 2011

Male androgenetic alopecia. Review

Expert opinion on … 2010 264 citations

Types of hair loss and treatment options, including the novel low-level light therapy and its proposed mechanism. Review

Southern medical journal 2010 66 citations

Update on the pathogenesis, genetics and medical treatment of patterned hair loss. Review

Journal of drugs … 2010

Androgens and hair loss. Review

Current opinion in … 2009 54 citations

Hair loss in women. Review

Seminars in cutaneous … 2009 4 citations

Diagnosing and treating hair loss. Review

American family physician 2009

[Hair follicle regeneration]. Review

Nihon rinsho. Japanese … 2008 6 citations

A review of hormonal therapy for female pattern (androgenic) alopecia. Review

Dermatology online journal 2008

Androgenetic alopecia. Review

Endocrinology and metabolism … 2007 33 citations

[Effectiveness of the treatment plan for androgenetic alopecia]. Other

Georgian medical news 2007

Psychological effect, pathophysiology, and management of androgenetic alopecia in men. Review

Mayo Clinic proceedings 2005

Effective treatment of female androgenic alopecia with dutasteride. Case Report

Journal of drugs … 2005

Androgenetic alopecia and current methods of treatment. Review

Acta dermatovenerologica Alpina, … 2005

Ketocazole as an adjunct to finasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men. Other

Medical hypotheses 2004 21 citations

[Androgenetic alopecia]. Review

Revue medicale de … 2004

[Hair loss]. Other

Praxis 2003 28 citations

Common hair loss disorders. Review

American family physician 2003

Comparative efficacy of various treatment regimens for androgenetic alopecia in men. RCT

The Journal of … 2002 96 citations

Androgens and alopecia. Review

Molecular and cellular … 2002

Androgenetic alopecia: pathogenesis and potential for therapy. Review

Expert reviews in … 2002

Practical recommendations for the use of ACE inhibitors, beta-blockers and spironolactone in heart failure: putting guidelines into practice. Other

European journal of … 2001 67 citations

Treatments for androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata: current options and future prospects. Review

Drugs 2001 48 citations

Management of androgenetic alopecia. Review

American journal of … 2000 18 citations

Male pattern baldness. Review

Southern medical journal 2000

The effects of finasteride on scalp skin and serum androgen levels in men with androgenetic alopecia. RCT

Journal of the … 1999 203 citations

Androgenetic alopecia. Review

International journal of … 1999

Medical treatments for balding in men. Review

American family physician 1999

The psychosocial consequences of androgenetic alopecia: a review of the research literature. Review

The British journal … 1999

Management of androgenetic alopecia. Review

Journal of the … 1999

Current aspects of antiandrogen therapy in women. Review

Current pharmaceutical design 1999

Clinical dose ranging studies with finasteride, a type 2 5alpha-reductase inhibitor, in men with male pattern hair loss. RCT

Journal of the … 1999

Androgenetic alopecia: overview. Review

Journal of cutaneous … 1999

Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride Male Pattern Hair Loss Study Group. RCT

Journal of the … 1998 593 citations

Hair regrowth. Therapeutic agents. Review

Dermatologic clinics 1998 121 citations

[Androgenetic alopecia]. Review

Annales de dermatologie … 1997

Dosage & Usage

mg = milligrams · mcg = micrograms (1,000× smaller) · IU = International Units

Commonly Used Dosages

hairloss:: 1 mg/day oral

Upper limit: 5 mg/day (BPH dose)

Dosages Studied in Research

Dosage	Duration	Effect	N
None	--	Neutral	--
None	--	Neutral	--
Mild group: microneedling alone (8 weeks); Moderate group: microneedling + 5% minoxidil (12 weeks);	16 weeks	Positive	60
Group A: topical finasteride 1% solution; Group B: topical spironolactone 5% solution; Group C: topi	16 weeks	Positive	45
None	--	Positive	--
Group A: 5% Minoxidil alone; Group B: 5% Minoxidil + Finasteride; Group C: Microneedling + 5% Minoxi	--	Positive	45
None	--	Positive	--
various across included studies (2015-2024)	--	Positive	--

Best taken: Once daily at the same time, with or without food

Safety & Side Effects

Reported Side Effects

⚠ Decreased libido (2-4% of users)
⚠ Erectile dysfunction (1-3% of users)
⚠ Decreased ejaculate volume
⚠ Breast tenderness or gynecomastia (rare)
⚠ Depression or mood changes (rare, debated)

Known Interactions

● No significant drug-drug interactions identified
● May affect PSA test results (reduces PSA by ~50%)
● Contraindicated in pregnancy (Category X teratogen)

Tolerable upper intake: 5 mg/day (BPH dose)

Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Finasteride help with Androgenetic Alopecia?

Based on 206 studies with 24,777 participants, there is strong evidence from multiple clinical trials that Finasteride may support Androgenetic Alopecia management. Our evidence grade is A (Strong Evidence).

How much Finasteride should I take for Androgenetic Alopecia?

Studies have used various dosages. A commonly studied range is 1 mg/day oral. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.

Are there side effects of Finasteride?

Reported side effects may include Decreased libido (2-4% of users), Erectile dysfunction (1-3% of users), Decreased ejaculate volume, Breast tenderness or gynecomastia (rare). Most side effects are mild and dose-dependent. Consult your doctor if you experience any adverse reactions.

How strong is the evidence for Finasteride and Androgenetic Alopecia?

We rate the evidence as Grade A (Strong Evidence). This rating is based on 206 peer-reviewed studies with 24,777 total participants. The overall direction of effect is positive.

Related Evidence

Other ingredients for Androgenetic Alopecia

Minoxidil A PRP Therapy A Dutasteride A Omega-3 Fatty Acids A Microneedling A Low-Level Laser Therapy A

Quick Verdict

Based on 206 studies (23 meta-analyses, 24 RCTs) with 24,777 total participants. 149/206 studies show positive effects.

Evidence Strength92%

High confidence

Study Breakdown

RCT (20)Meta (17)Other (169)

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FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products and information on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The evidence grades presented are based on our analysis of published peer-reviewed research and do not constitute medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.