Fri 31 Aug 2007
How Long Does it Take For Propecia To Work?
Category: Non Surgical Treatments , Propecia (Finasteride)When i start taking Propecia, how long until it takes effect? Does it take a few weeks in your system before it starts blocking DHT or is it immediate? Thanks.
Thank you for your inquiry.
Finasteride (marketed as Propecia) starts to work right away however, it might take up to 3 months to see less hair loss. In order to see any visual effects such as the thickening and strengthening of miniaturized hairs, it takes up to 6-12 months.
Please understand that you may experience additional shedding over the first couple months. This is actually normal and an indication that the hair loss medication is working.
Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog
Technorati Tags: Propecia, DHT, Finasteride, hair loss, miniaturized hairs, hair loss medication
- Is Transplanted Hair Dependent on Hair Loss Treatment Propecia?
- Propecia side effect; Will it go away?
- On Propecia for 12 Days and Still Losing Hair! Is This Normal?
- Will Hair Loss Continue if I Stop Taking Propecia?
- Propecia (Finasteride) Dosing Chart
October 27th, 2009 at 2:09 am
I started taking propecia May 27th and its October 27th so for five months total. I still have slight hair loss continuing at the same rate as when I started. Should I be worried that I am one of the few it will not work for? I know you cannot give me a definite answer due to everyone being different but can you give me an educated guess from your knowledge? Thank you.
October 28th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Warren,
It’s recommended that you take Propecia for at least a year before evaluating the effectiveness of the results. Unless you are experiencing side effects or have been advised to stop taking it by a doctor, in my opinion, take Propecia for at least a year before determining whether or not it’s successfully treating your hair loss.
Best wishes,
Bill Seemiller
Associate Publisher/Editor
November 27th, 2010 at 9:28 am
does propecia work on the hairline as wel as the crown? and also does laser treatment work?
November 29th, 2010 at 8:20 pm
Danny,
Although Propecia (finasteride) is only tested and proven to work in the scalp/vertex area, there is nothing scientific which states that it cannot work in the hairline. Most patients seem to see the best improvement in the mid-scalp and vertex, but this doesn’t mean that it won’t work in the hairline, nor does it mean that stabilizing your hair loss through Propecia won’t help maintain the current fullness of your hairline.
Laser therapy is a point of controversy within the hair restoration community. At this time, it seems to lack some necessary research and objective results, and sticking with proven therapies like Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride) is likely more beneficial. I hope this helps.
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
March 9th, 2011 at 1:03 pm
hi ive been taking propecia for six months now and i yet to see any improvments my hair is still shedding hair realy fast about 70 hairs a day and my hair looks thiner then beffor, should i stop or switch to avodart thank you
March 10th, 2011 at 6:00 am
Cameron,
If Propecia (finasteride) is not working for you after 6 months then Avodart (dutasteride) may be an option.
I highly recommend discussing this with your prescribing physician. Avodart is not FDA approved for use as a hair loss treatment and some doctors will not prescribe it for that purpose.
David (TakingThePlunge)
April 6th, 2011 at 8:09 pm
ive now been on propecia for 3 months, over the last couple of weeks ive noticed my hair is shedding/thinning a lot more, which fingers crossed this means it’s working. does anybody reccomend a specific time of day to take the pill for it to be most effective in your system or does it not matter? ?
April 8th, 2011 at 5:01 am
Adam,
There are no studies to support that any particular time of day is superior to another when it comes to taking Propecia (finasteride).
The most important factor is to take it regularly. Having a set schedule, be it morning or evening, helps to avoid missing a dose.
David (TakingThePlunge)
April 22nd, 2011 at 9:10 am
I’ve only been taking Propecia for a few weeks. I’m still thinning which is bothering me. I’m taking Zinc and Saw Palmetto hoping this will help in addition to the Propecia. I’m curious to know how wearing a loose fitting hat might affect hair loss. I spend a great deal of time outdoors. Does wearing a hat speed up hair loss in your opinion? Thank you.
April 26th, 2011 at 1:56 am
D,
Wearing a hat does not increase or affect hair loss. Individuals have assumed this in the past, but the fact of the matter is that it’s simply not true.
As far as the fact that you’re still thinning is concerned …
Propecia (finasteride) does not begin working instantly, and it’s likely that you will see a ‘shedding phase’ for the first few months (usually around 3-4) after which you will begin to see stronger regrowth. Additionally, you should utilize the product for 6-12 months before making an assessment on whether or not it is working.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistnat
May 10th, 2011 at 5:09 am
I have been taking 1mg Finasteride cutting from 5mg Proscar. I’m not quite sure that I am cutting it accurately but at least cutting them in 5′s from a 5mg Proscar tablet. Do I get same result as Propecia as taking from (Proscar) Finasteride 1mg? I have been using it for a month now and I noticed that I’m getting an acne over my head ever since. Thanks
May 11th, 2011 at 5:06 am
Darrick,
Most patients that take generic Proscar for hair loss cut the 5mg pill into 4 pieces. While this results in a marginally higher dose (1.25mg) than Propecia’s 1mg, it is much easier to cut into fourths. However, if you are having success in cutting your 5mg tablet into fifths, there is no harm in that.
The pieces do not need to be accurately cut. You may get a little more finasteride one day and a little less the next but the difference will be negligible.
Your results will be the same as if you were taking Propecia.
David (TakingThePlunge)
July 6th, 2011 at 8:08 am
I have been cutting finasteride 5mg, in half as directed by my doctor. Is that to much dosage? I am still shedding after 2 months. Should I be concerned?
July 7th, 2011 at 4:25 am
Bryan,
The clinically proven and FDA approved dosage of finasteride for treating hair loss is 1mg daily. This dose is commonly known by the brand name Propecia. In order to cut costs, many patients opt to purchase generic 5mg finasteride and quarter the pill. This results in an approximate dose of 1.25mg. While slightly higher in finasteride than Propecia, the difference is negligible.
Cutting a 5mg pill in half results in more than two times the recommended dosage for treating hair loss and this higher dose may lead to a greater risk of side effects.
Quartering your pills will not only better approximate Propecia’s 1mg dose but it is also more cost effective.
David (TakingThePlunge)
July 22nd, 2011 at 1:44 am
I have been taking 5mg finesteride for about 4 months now and not cutting the pills. Should I cut the dosage down now because I did not know you can do that to the 5mg Pill.Or should I keep taking the 5mg pills daily? I just wanted to prolong the pills but if I can’t cut down the dosage since I have been on 5mg for so long its ok too. Just wanted your advice.
July 25th, 2011 at 7:28 pm
Ben,
The normal amount of finasteride in a Propecia pill is 1 mg. The 5 mg finasteride pills go by the brand name “Proscar” and because the active ingredient is the same (finasteride), hair loss sufferers sometimes obtain these pills and cut them into fourths or “quarters.” These quarter pills then contain 1.25 mg of finasteride which is sufficient and comparable to the 1 mg dosage in Propecia.
However, in the 5 mg amount, Proscar is usually prescribe to treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (enlarged prostate gland), and it’s highly likely that you do not need to be on this dosage for treating your hair loss.
I recommend taking the pills to your personal physician, discussing what you’re using them for, and making sure that you should be cutting the pills down to a more reasonable dosage for treating male pattern baldness.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
August 15th, 2011 at 5:55 pm
I have been taking the generic equivalent now for 4 months. My wife and others have noticed and commented my hair is thicker than it has ever been the improvement in this short time is very noticable
August 26th, 2011 at 12:28 pm
i have been taking proscar for 3 months and i noticed some thick hair growing on my scalp area but now shedding is the problem , some thick hair is fallen down . is that normal and does that mean medicine is working?
August 30th, 2011 at 3:24 am
Javad,
You may be experiencing a shed from Propecia. Typically this is a sign that the miniaturized hairs will soon be replaced by new, thicker and stronger hair.
While it may be tempting to quit at the first sign of increased hair loss, patients are advised to use Propecia for between 6 and 12 months before assessing their results.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 8th, 2011 at 6:07 am
I have a couple questions:
1) I took Propecia a few years ago, but had to stop when I moved & had no insurance to go to a dr. for an Rx. I was wondering if there are any negative or positive issues w/ taking it, stopping, & resuming over the period of a few years?
2) I do have an appt. w/ a dermatologist soon, but wanted more input: I’m pretty sure my eczema has begun attacking my scalp (which it hasn’t previously affected), exacerbating my hairloss, prompting me to resume Propecia. Do you know if there’s any info regarding the use of Propecia w/ eczema as a factor (not sole reason, just contributing)?
3) As I’ve been making marginally more than minimum wage in net income, I really can’t afford Propecia & have considered using an online pharmacy (international – Canadian?). Do you have any input or suggestions on these? I don’t want to order it & have my $$$ disappear or have them send some sugar pill masked as the real thing.
Thank you very much for your help with this info & the above!
September 13th, 2011 at 3:02 am
Jeffrey,
The negative impact of stopping Propecia is what is known as catch-up hair loss. Once you quit taking it you likely lost any hair that the drug had grown or preserved. Restarting Propecia will probably not bring back your initial results. However, it should slow the progression of further hair loss.
There is no harm in treating genetic hair loss with the presence of eczema but, of course, finasteride will not regrow hair lost to complications arising from eczema.
The most economical way of purchasing finasteride is obtaining a prescription for generic Proscar (5mg) and quartering the pill. This results in a slightly higher dose (1.25mg compared to 1mg) but the difference is negligible and the cost savings are substantial.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 14th, 2011 at 8:26 am
I have been buying Proscar tablets for nine years now, I cut the pills in half then take on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This has worked out perfectly well for me and I have experienced no side effects whatsoever. I hope this is of some help to somebody.
September 19th, 2011 at 9:12 am
I’ve been cutting my Propecia pills in half. I’ve been taking them for almost 3 months now. Is it going to take double the amount of time to regrow hair by doing this? Is the Propecia going to be ineffective at this dosage?
I’ve already noticed hair growth.
September 20th, 2011 at 3:10 am
Josh,
The clinically proven and FDA approved dosage of finasteride for treating hair loss is 1mg daily. However, whether or not this is the minimum dosage necessary to effectively treat hair loss is hotly debated. Some experts believe that a smaller dose can be equally effective.
Some patients who experience side effects on a full dose opt to cut their pills as you are or switch to taking Propecia on alternating days. Doing so should not affect the time it takes to see new hair growth.
If the treatment is working for you and you are regrowing hair then I see no reason why you should increase your dose. However, I am not a doctor and I always recommend that patients discuss any changes to their medication with their prescribing physician.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 23rd, 2011 at 6:43 am
Have a question. Have been doing it for 4 1/2 months. Heavy shedding started at 1 1/2 months. Slowed down substantially after that. Since then I’ve seen phases of very little shedding for 2 weeks then increased shedding for a few days. There are days barely anything falls of. This cycle repeats. Had increased shedding a couple of days ago and I know it will reduce again in a day or two. What on earth is going on? Someone please help. Is there any hope? Is this normal?
September 23rd, 2011 at 12:46 pm
David,
I am 22 and I started finasteride 3 months ago. In the past 1 week I noticed significant hair loss. But before that I saw my hair fall decrease considerebly.So I thought that the shedding phase was over until last week when there was heavy shedding.
Can please you explain this?
Thanks
September 26th, 2011 at 4:11 pm
Hi I have been using finasteride 1mg for 9 months , I have jumped from 4c to 3a on the norwood chart , but i havnt seen any additional regrowth in the past 3 months . Will my hair continue to grow further and will I ever regain the wholey dense teenager scalp I once had
September 27th, 2011 at 1:41 am
ConfusedReally,
It’s generally agreed upon that it’s the weak and miniaturized hairs that fall during this period only to be replaced with more robust follicles later. While I have to admit that I have not heard of another patient with your experience, I don’t see it as an area of concern at this stage.
Unfortunately, while Propecia is clinically proven and FDA approved to treat male pattern hair loss, it’s impossible to predict if and how it will work with any given individual. Some experience no shedding while others are devastated by the initial balding phase. The good news is that your “permanent” hair (hair that is not genetically vulnerable to the effects of DHT) will not become dependent on finasteride. So you won’t end up balder for having taken it.
Generally, a patient should take Propecia for up to one full year before assessing his results. I suggest taking monthly photos for a more objective evaluation of your progress. As with any drug treatment, I also recommend discussing any concerns no matter how insignificant with your prescribing physician.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 27th, 2011 at 1:48 am
Kramer,
The shedding phase typically lasts through months three and four. If you wait it out, I think you find that it will ultimately come to an end.
See my response to “ConfusedReally” above (#27) for more detail.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 28th, 2011 at 3:19 am
adam,
First, let me congratulate you on your hair growth. You’ve already seen substantial growth and may continue to see minor improvements over the coming months. However, it is highly unlikely that Propecia (finasteride) will restore your hair to its teenage glory. Also be aware that Propecia is not a hair loss cure. Instead, it may dramatically slow the progression of hair loss over the coming years allowing you to enjoy the hair you have for much longer than otherwise possible.
You may find that adding Rogaine (minoxidil) to your regimen will add even more density.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 29th, 2011 at 8:26 pm
I just started taking Propecia a month ago, and am now just beginning to shed more and more. My hair loss was brought on by accutane, so with that said, I don’t know if its just normal hair loss, stress, or just me thinking my hair keeps shedding.
I have see a lot of regrowth in just one month, but much of it is still just peach fuzz. Will it get better?
October 6th, 2011 at 12:06 pm
I’ve used propecia before (year ago) and it worked good, but since then I stopped and had a hair transplant. Just recently Started taking proscar 1.25 along with minoxidil for about 2.5 weeks. Its been about four months since the transplant, my hair is shedding a lot. I’m not sure if the products are working, or if its physiological?
October 10th, 2011 at 3:54 pm
hi i am 42 years of age and suffered hair loss for about ten years around the vortex area there is still hair there but its thinning was wondering if it is to late to use propecia and regaine to thicken my hair or are the hair roots dead after the lenght of time i know its better to start has earlier has possible but the products are quiet new to the market and werent available when my hair loss started . thanks dan
October 20th, 2011 at 7:35 am
Hi,
I was just after a few bits of advice if possible? I’ve been taking propecia now for approx 11 weeks and have experienced no dramatic side effects. However I was wondering:
1) does having alcohol in your system mean the propecia will be less effective? I rarely drink (2 nights out a month) but was wondering of this effected the effectiveness on either the night I’m drinking or the morning after when I take the tablet?
2) on occasions (max twice a month) I take a small amount (2/3 x 10mg) of propranolol for ‘performance anxiety’ – will this have any impact on the effectiveness of propecia or have any adverse effects?
Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!
October 20th, 2011 at 10:22 pm
Andrew,
While I have not heard of either of these compounds interacting with Propecia (finasteride), this is definitely something you need to verify with the physician who prescribed the medication.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
November 13th, 2011 at 4:17 pm
i have been taking minoxidil for four years. the results were brilliant for first two years then slowly my hair loss resumed. i started taking finestaride five months ago, i suffered the usual sides but they cleared after few weeks. my problem is that over the five months i have taken finestaride my hair seems to shed then get thick again- i was very happy with the overall four month result but now seem to be shedding again for one month and even worse than started. is this normal?
November 15th, 2011 at 2:15 am
bp,
What you are experiencing is perfectly normal. The shedding that occurs when starting Propecia (finasteride) may last from a few weeks to a few months. The hair that is shed during that time will then begin a new growth cycle. Thus, it will take up to four months to regrow that hair.
It’s recommended that patients continue to take Propecia for between six months and one year before assessing their results. During this time you may, in fact, look balder that you did prior to starting the drug.
Hang in there!
David (TakingThePlunge)
November 15th, 2011 at 1:52 pm
Thanks for your time David,
I will definitly see Finestaride through for two years as people have mentioned. Just getting a bit frustrated as just when you think something is working- BANG!!-another shed! I started to thicken up nicely, even in the frontal area and going around with a spring in my step thinking finally something is working again – people where noticing my thickened hair. I had a similar pattern when i started taking minoxidil – initial heavy shed (or general thinning out-I could never tell) and it continued to shed/grow back for a ages till it finally peaked and even then I still had some months when I noticed more hair on my hand when applying it.
November 26th, 2011 at 5:32 pm
Does buzzing my hair affect my hair loss? I usually buzz my hair pretty short but have started taking propecia so I wanted to make sure buzzing my hair would not affect the results. Can I keep buzzing it or should I let it grow out for best results?
November 29th, 2011 at 3:02 am
JK,
Buzzing your hair will not negatively impact Propecia’s effectiveness.
David (TakingThePlunge)
January 24th, 2012 at 3:02 am
is it a good idea to combine viviscal with propecia? my dermatologist told me i would see maximum results if i did so.. does this sounds correct?
January 25th, 2012 at 6:59 pm
Bill,
Viviscal is a natural supplement containing; Vitamin C,, Magnesium Stearate, “AminoMar C Marine Complex polysaccharides” and a variety of other fish ingredients. There is certainly no harm in combining Viviscal with Propecia (finasteride).
However, I’m not convinced that natural hair loss treatments like
Viviscal offer a significant improvement in hair growth or density.
In my opinion, it would be much more effective to add Rogaine (minoxidil) to your hair loss regimen for maximizing your results. Finasteride and
minoxidil are the only two clinically proven and FDA approved, non-surgical treatments
for male pattern balding.
David
January 25th, 2012 at 7:01 pm
Viviscal is a natural supplement containing; Vitamin C,, Magnesium Stearate, “AminoMar C Marine Complex polysaccharides” and a variety of other fish ingredients. There is certainly no harm in combining Viviscal with Propecia (finasteride). However, I’m not convinced that natural hair loss treatments like Viviscal offer a significant improvement in hair growth or density.
In my opinion, it would be much more effective to add Rogaine (minoxidil) to your hair loss regimen for maximizing your results. Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two clinically proven and FDA approved, non-surgical treatments for male pattern balding.
January 30th, 2012 at 11:54 pm
Hello Mr. David,
I’ve read all posts from above and want to thank you for all the information. You seem to be VERY knowledgeable about hair loss and such. Anyway I’ll get to the point.
I’m a 24 year old male who is starting to experience some hairloss at the vertex and the sides of the frontal area. It’s not too bad but last year it was not even noticeable. My hairline is still largely intact but it’s shaped a bit more like a ‘U’ pattern because of the hairloss on the sides. I’m afraid that in another year it will start to become very obvious to anyone that I’m losing my hair. All generations of men my family have experienced male pattern baldness in their 20s and eventually became bald. I, of course, want to put a stop to this.
I recently ordered a product on amazon that blocks DHT. It contains saw palmetto and pygeum and a host of other vitamans and nutrients. It’s called hair omega 3 in 1… I must take the pill three times a day after each meal.
For a few days now I’ve been alternating between onion juice and olive oil on my scalp and massaging it in. (I plan on doing this for at least a few months to see how it goes) Along with using this DHT blocker supplement everyday. I’m well aware of the side effects of blocking DHT but I’m ready to accept them.
My question is what do you think of my plan of attack? Do you have any suggestions? I’ve been like a sponge the past few days just soaking up as much info as I can about preventing hair loss!
Will
I hope your answer helps many other younger folks who are in the same boat as me.
January 31st, 2012 at 3:55 am
Hi, I am 18 years old and in the past 6 months, my hairline from the eyes to the temples on only my left side had gradually receded about to 2 cm. My right side at the area had only thinned a little and receded about 0.75cm. 5 weeks ago, I started taking 1.25mg of fin everyday and my left side has gone back to approximately 3 cm and my right has jumped to about 1.5cm; receding at a much quicker rate.
I assume this is shedding, but I have not really noticed an excess of hair falling out (I only notice the difference in the mirror).
Is it normal for the left and right recession to be so different?
And is shedding so soon after beginning Fin normal?
Thank you for your response!
January 31st, 2012 at 3:17 pm
Hi guys, im 21 years old and have been taking Propecia for about 4+ months. The results are simply amazing as my hair looks like it did years ago before it started thinning rapidly. What i have noticed, being a heavy weight lifter, is that my muscles have softened, not necessarily lost size though. Have there been any studies or does this seem to be a heard of side effect of taking Propecia?
Also, after taking Propecia for a certain time period, does there come a time where when you stop taking the Propecia, the hair you have regrow will stay? (or atleast fall out at a normal slow pace)
Thanks
February 2nd, 2012 at 5:15 am
Will,
Given your family history, you are wise to begin treating your hair loss now while it is in the early stages. Today’s medical hair loss treatments are much better at retaining existing hair than regrowing hair that has already succumbed to the effects of androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). However, the treatments that you have chosen are unlikely to regrow hair or slow the progression of your balding.
The only two clinically proven and FDA approved non-surgical hair loss treatments for men with thinning hair are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These drugs, when used in combination, offer the best treatment available today for combating male pattern hair loss.
I recommend discussing with treatment option with your physician or a dermatologist specializing in hair loss. Rogaine is available over the counter but you will need a prescription if you choose to add Propecia to your regimen.
David
February 2nd, 2012 at 5:27 am
Josh,
It’s normal to begin shedding in the first few weeks after starting Propecia. Typically, miniaturized hairs that were on the verge of dying will shed and then regrow thicker and fuller than they were before. In some cases, very weak hairs may not regrow at all.
It’s also important to note that finasteride is not known for growing or retaining hair in the hairline as well as it does in the crown. Unfortunately, there may be little you can do to retain your juvenile hairline. However, with such aggressive hair loss, you should fare much better with the drug than without it. I suggest using it for a minimum of 6 months and up to one year before assessing your results. If you experience side effects or have other concerns, discuss them immediately with your prescribing doctor.
David
February 2nd, 2012 at 5:33 am
Mike,
Softening of the muscles is not a documented side effect of Propecia (finasteride) but some men do claim to have experienced a noticeable softening of the muscles while taking it.
Unfortunately, Propecia must be taken for life in order to maintain its effects. Stopping finasteride will eventually result in catch-up hair loss. In other words, your hair will rapidly take on the balding pattern you would have developed had you never started using the drug in the first place.
David