Finasteride for Beard Loss
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Many ask the question, ‘Does finasteride increase beard growth?’. While it is known to have positive effects on scalp hair, its impact on facial hair is not as straightforward.
If you are considering taking medication to speed up the growth of facial hair, continue reading to discover how using finasteride for beard loss could help you on your hair regrowth journey.
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Overview of Finasteride
Finasteride, commonly known as Propecia, is a type of medication known as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It is often used to treat benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH is the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can often make it difficult to urinate or cause issues in the bladder and kidneys.
How Finasteride Works
Finasteride’s mechanism of action is to block the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes prostate enlargement and can even lead to hair loss in some cases. Using DHT blockers like finasteride reduces DHT levels in the body, thereby preventing these effects.
Efficacy Finasteride as a Hair Loss Treatment
Aside from its uses for benign prostatic hypertrophy, finasteride can be used to treat hair loss. More specifically, it is often used as a solution to male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia.
This 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor helps to promote the growth of scalp hair follicles and prevents further hair loss. It may reverse the miniaturisation of hair follicles and increase the number of hairs in the anagen phase — essentially allowing hair follicles to grow longer.
The average course of finasteride is shown to lower DHT levels by 70%. Around 90% of men see positive results from using finasteride — meaning it is highly effective for many men struggling with male pattern baldness.
Finasteride For Beard Growth
Many men may wonder if they should take finasteride for beard growth. Unfortunately, it is not as effective in promoting facial hair growth as it is for scalp hair. 96.9% of patients in finasteride therapy see no changes in the density, growth and quality of their beard hair.
However, it is important to remember that finasteride is a great solution for male pattern baldness and should not be completely discounted as a viable pathway for hair regrowth.
Why Does Finasteride Not Help Beard Growth
While high DHT levels are harmful for scalp hair growth, your thick beard hair thrives on DHT. Fundamentally, DHT is necessary for beard growth. So, even though 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors prevent scalp hair loss, they do not act upon facial hair follicles in the same way.
Does Finasteride Prevent Beard Growth?
Considering the fact that facial hair thrives on DHT, you might be asking the question, ‘Does finasteride stop beard growth?’.
Regrettably, in some cases, finasteride may have the opposite effect on facial hair growth as it does on scalp hair follicles. This means that it won’t be as effective in preventing beard hair loss in patients.
Although small, studies suggest that about 3% of finasteride users have seen a worsening condition in facial hair growth. Therefore, finasteride may, in edge cases, inhibit beard growth and cause beard thinning. Thus, using finasteride for beard growth could result in weaker beard hair follicles.
While using it to treat male pattern baldness patients is a successful pathway for hair growth, those struggling with beard hair loss should seek alternative solutions.
Finasteride’s Effect on Beard, Chest and Body Hair
Since finasteride and beard growth have either no correlation or a negative correlation, many may wonder if it has any effect on body hair and terminal hair growth.
As body hair is DHT-dependent, studies show that finasteride rarely causes a reduction in body hair and chest hair. This means that back, arm, leg and chest hair will not frequently be impacted by the use of this medication. Keep in mind that the effects of finasteride therapy vary vastly in men.
Are you concerned that taking finasteride will alter the amount of hair on your body? Whether that be a small increase or decrease, you can rest assured, knowing that your scalp will likely be the only area with any noticeable change.
Significant Side Effects of Finasteride
As with any medication, taking finasteride may come with a few side effects. Ranging from emotional to sexual side effects, this medication may cause some complications that could impact your daily life.
Each patient will experience the side effects of a finasteride prescription differently. Some may notice several side effects, while many won’t experience any at all. The intensity of these complications will also differ from patient to patient.
Common Effects of Taking Finasteride
If you are looking into starting finasteride, there are a few common side effects that you should be aware of.
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Depression
- Testicular pain
- Tenderness in the breast region
Significant Side Effects of Finasteride
Although many finasteride side effects are not cause for great concern for your overall health, there are a few symptoms that require urgent medical attention. Some of these symptoms may be a sign of an allergic reaction.
Therefore, if you experience a side effect from the list below while on finasteride, call your doctor for guidance immediately.
- Rashes
- Itching
- Hives
- Swelling in the face
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty breathing
Post-Finasteride Syndrome
Sexual side effects that persist after the finasteride course has finished are often referred to as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). PFS can include erectile dysfunction, low or absent sex drive, loss of sexual sensation and decreased ejaculation volume.
Thus, if you experience any PFS symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible to seek solutions.
Topical vs. Oral Finasteride for Beards
Finasteride is available in both oral and topical forms and is a prescription-only medication in the UK. Oral finasteride is given in tablet form, while topical finasteride is often received in a liquid solution or serum that reduces DHT levels. Both forms act as DHT blockers, but topical finasteride can be used to specifically spot-treat DHT levels in the scalp.
In a topical form, it has a lower impact on serum DHT levels. The risk of any sexual side effects, such as erectile dysfunction or decreased libido, is also much less likely to occur. While there are fewer side effects, more studies are needed.
However, this is due to a lack of research in the field, considering the fairly new creation of the drug. Thus, one should not necessarily be swayed by its lack of licensing but should instead speak to a healthcare provider for clarity on its uses.
Dosages of Finasteride
Taking finasteride requires different dosages depending on whether it’s being used for benign prostatic hypertrophy or hair growth.
The typical dosage of oral finasteride is 1 mg tablet per day. A lower dosage may be considered in certain cases, like 1 mg every other day or three times weekly. In a topical form, it is usually applied once daily to the affected area.
FAQs
Does finasteride slow beard growth?
It is uncommon for finasteride to affect beard growth. However, beard growth may be affected due to lowered DHT levels throughout the body. Typically, only about 3% of patients experience a loss of facial hair growth when using finasteride. Therefore, the risk of losing facial hair is relatively small.
Does finasteride have permanent side effects?
Taking finasteride should not typically have any permanent side effects. However, some patients may experience post-finasteride syndrome (PFS), in which side effects could last for several years after stopping the medication.
Can I use finasteride and minoxidil together?
Yes. Finasteride and minoxidil are not believed to have many drug interactions that could cause harm to you or your hair growth. Thus, doctors often recommend combining the two medications for patients who suffer from hair loss.
Both medications are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are shown to be effective in restoring hair growth. So, if you are looking to combine the two treatments, you should not have any issues. That being said, remember to consult with a healthcare professional before making any decisions.
Case Study: Integrated Finasteride, Minoxidil & Surgery Plan
Topical Minoxidil is an over-the-counter treatment for hair loss that is most commonly available in either a 2% or 5% solution. Minoxidil can be used by both men and women for hair thinning.
Dr Bonaros: Patient-Centric Hair Regrowth Clinic in Glasgow
Dr Bonaros’ hair transplant clinic in Glasgow prioritises personalised treatment plans for patients struggling with hair loss. We tailor our services to meet your specific needs and hold your overall well-being in high regard at every step in the process.
Dr Bonaros is Scotland’s sole member of the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS). This means that you can trust his expert knowledge to provide you with the highest quality service you can find.
Whether you struggle with thinning scalp hair or a lack of facial hair, we approach each consultation with integrity. We ensure that honesty and sensitivity are at the core of every service we provide to our patients. Working with us is far more than just getting hair restoration surgery — it’s a partnership along your regrowth journey with experts who care.
If you are wondering about taking finasteride for beard loss or are looking for surgical intervention for hair restoration, Dr Bonaros’ clinic can offer you the best path forward. Contact Dr Bonaros’ clinic today to get an expert opinion on how to start your hair restoration journey.
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