Finasteride Side Effects in Women
Finasteride is a relatively safe medication with minimal adverse side effects. This makes it a good option for women experiencing hair loss who have not responded to other treatments.
Finasteride for Women
Regardless of gender, losing hair is always a difficult situation.
Several studies have begun investigating the use of finasteride to treat hair loss in women.
Continue reading to learn more about finasteride for women, including different formulations,
treatment efficacy and potential side effects.
Reviewed by Dr Epameinondas Bonaros
Table of Contents
Finasteride for Women’s Hair Loss
Finasteride medication is a common hair loss and hair thinning treatment. It is currently licensed in the UK and approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate gland) and male pattern hair loss.
More recently, finasteride has been used as an alternative, off-label treatment for women with f male pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Similar to male pattern baldness, female androgenetic alopecia involves hair follicle miniaturisation related to a shortening of the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. This hair loss condition usually affects around 50% of women throughout their lifetimes and becomes more common as patients get older.
Finasteride’s Mechanism of Action
Finasteride is one of the most researched hair loss medications. However, the majority of this research relates only to male pattern baldness.
Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen which plays an important role in male-patterned hair loss. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT, which then binds to hair follicle receptors. This results in follicle miniaturisation and hair loss.
As a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride works to prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT. This is crucial for reducing DHT levels and stimulating hair growth.
Finasteride for Female Pattern Baldness
When it comes to female pattern hair loss, finasteride’s mechanism of action remains relatively unknown.
A 2020 article summarising the evidence for finasteride as an FPHL treatment speculates that finasteride may support hair growth in women by increasing the production of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). It also notes how female patients’ improved hair density could be linked to finasteride’s reactivation of dormant hair follicles.
While these theories are promising, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanism of finasteride in female pattern hair loss.
How Effective is Finasteride for Women’s Hair Loss?
While several studies have shown promising results, there is no conclusive answer regarding the clinical efficacy of finasteride for women. The research below highlights some of the recorded benefits of finasteride for patients with FPHL.
Please note: The participants of these studies were all normoandrogenic, meaning they did not have an excess of common male hormones like testosterone.
In a 2004 study on the efficacy of finasteride in normoandrogenic postmenopausal women, five women received finasteride treatment for FPHL. Four of the women received 2.5 mg, and one woman received 5 mg of oral finasteride daily for a period of six months.
All of the participants had previously used topical minoxidil, both as a standalone treatment and in combination with other medications. At the end of the trial, all participants noted the stabilisation of their hair loss. Four of the five women also reported noticeable hair growth.
A non-randomised, uncontrolled 2010 study investigated the efficacy of finasteride in pre- and postmenopausal women. A total of 86 female patients with FPHL were given finasteride 5 mg daily for 12 months.
After the treatment, a phototrichogram showed increased hair density and thickness by 18.9% and 9.4%, respectively. Global photographs also showed an overall improvement rate of 81.4%, including 10 patients with moderate improvement and four with significant improvement.
Finally, a 2014 study investigated the efficacy of both dutasteride and finasteride in women with FPHL over three years. This research was based on data from 3500 women who were treated for androgenetic alopecia.
An impressive 81.7% of the finasteride 1.25 mg group experienced increased hair thickness. This not only signifies improved hair loss; it also suggests an increase in hair regrowth. Additionally, physicians reported a 67% increase in patients’ hair density and coverage at the vertex and centre of the scalp.
A 2007 study on finasteride side effects in women showed that low-to-medium finasteride use did not result in any adverse effects. Postmenopausal women taking finasteride 1 mg daily experienced decreased serum levels of DHT and androstanediol glucuronide (a metabolite linked to male hormones).
Some of the most common side effects of high-dose oral finasteride include the following.
- Decreased libido
- Dry skin
- Mild acne
- Headaches and dizziness
- Irregular menstruation
- Increased body hair growth
- Increased liver enzyme levels
Topical finasteride also results in decreased serum DHT levels. However, no other systemic side effects have been reported by female patients.
Oral vs Topical Finasteride for Women
In general, oral finasteride is most commonly used to treat male and female pattern hair loss. Finasteride dosages for women with FPHL generally range from 1 mg to 5 mg per day, with higher dosages tending to be more effective.
However, this can result in systemic side effects. In order to avoid these side effects, researchers have begun investigating the question: “Can women use topical finasteride?”
Research has shown that topical finasteride may be a promising alternative for women with FPHL who experience unwanted side effects from the oral formulation. Unlike tablets, a topical treatment is applied directly to the affected areas. This results in high skin penetration without unnecessary systemic absorption.
Despite these promising results, there are minimal studies on the efficacy of topical finasteride in the treatment of female patients. More research is needed to determine whether it is a viable alternative in the long term.
At the Dr Bonaros clinic in Glasgow, we are experts at treating female hair loss and hair thinning.
Visit us now to find the right hair loss treatment for your unique situation.
FAQs – Finasteride for Hair Loss in Women
We have answered some frequently asked questions regarding the usage and effects of finasteride in women.
Can women take finasteride if they are pregnant?
No. Finasteride is classified as pregnancy category X, meaning it is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women. Taking finasteride is also not recommended for premenopausal women of childbearing age who may accidentally or unknowingly become pregnant.
These precautions are in place because finasteride medication has a potential teratogenic effect, meaning it can disrupt foetal development and cause serious birth defects.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an essential male hormone. By preventing the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride can disrupt the sexual development of a male foetus. Animal studies on finasteride showed that exposure during pregnancy led to birth defects such as the formation of abnormal external genitalia in male offspring.
Does finasteride affect oestrogen?
While finasteride does not directly affect oestrogen levels, it can interfere with patients’ oestrogen-testosterone balance. This can potentially lead to oestrogen-related malignant transformations. As a result of this risk, finasteride should be avoided by patients who have a family history of breast cancer.
What are the alternatives to finasteride for female hair loss?
There are several alternatives besides taking finasteride to treat female hair loss, bald patches and thinning hair. Some of the most common medical treatments are outlined below.
- Topical minoxidil: An FDA-approved treatment for female androgenetic alopecia that’s applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp.
- Oral minoxidil: An alternative option for women who do not respond to the topical treatment.
- Hormone therapy: Suitable for female hair loss caused by hormonal imbalances. May include the use of oral contraceptives (birth control) or hormone replacement therapy.
- Platelet-rich plasma therapy: Uses the patient’s own blood to form a concentration of platelet-rich plasma, which is re-injected into the scalp.
- Hair transplant surgery: A surgical alternative to hair loss medication. A hair transplant procedure involves harvesting donor hair follicles and transplanting them into the affected area.
View Case Study: High Female Hairline
Please note: These are just some of the treatment options available for female hair loss. It’s always important to speak to a hair restoration specialist to determine the cause of your hair loss and the most effective treatment for your specific needs.
Restore your confidence and looks with a tailored hair loss treatment plan.
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Dr Bonaros: A Leading Hair Transplant Specialist in Glasgow
Dr Bonaros is one of Scotland’s leading hair restoration specialists. Based at his state-of-the-art clinic in Glasgow, he offers a variety of hair loss treatments, including topical and oral medications and FUE hair transplantation.
Our team of experts is passionate about helping individuals improve their quality of life and follows a patient-centric approach that’s guided by trust, honesty and integrity. You can rest assured that we’ll be there to support you through every step of your hair restoration journey.
Reach out to our friendly team for more information about finasteride for women and other female hair loss treatment options.
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