Understanding Finasteride-Induced Hair Shedding

As one of the most essential compounds in our treatment strategies, Finasteride could be a major factor in stopping your loss of hair. In some men however Finasteride may cause a temporary increase in hair loss, due to a proces called hair shedding.

Despite what you might think, this shedding proces is actually a pretty good indicator that Finasteride is working as it should. In this article we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the shedding phase caused by finasteride.

What is Finasteride and how does it work?

To understand why finasteride causes hair shedding, it is vital to know how finasteride itself works. Hair grows in a cycle. This cycle consist of phases in which hair grows, rests and sheds. On average, a person sheds between 50 and 150 hairs a day after which it is replaced by new hair strands.

Now, once you start taking Finasteride it causes a “shift” in your hair growth cycle. It does so by reducing the amount of DHT (the hormone that destroys the hair follicles) thereby preventing the hair miniaturization process - a phenomenon in which hair becomes thinner, shorter and more brittle with each successive cycle.

Finasteride causes your miniaturized hair to shed and to be replaced by thicker, longer and stronger hair strands.

When will I begin to notice my hair falling out after starting treatment wit finasteride?

If you are committed to your treatment by taking Finasteride each day, you will notice shedding in the initial few months of your treatment plan. Some men might be shedding earlier, with damaged hair rapidly transforming into stronger hairs. Although it may seem unexpected at first, it’s worthwhile remembering that it’s a sign of the treatment working effectively.

How long can finasteride shedding last?

The shedding pase last up to around 1 or 2 weeks. . Although it might seem worrying at first, it’s important to remember that the shedding phase is a sign of the treatment working effectively - so try not to be too concerned about your hair loss during this phase.

Is shedding on finasteride good a thing?

Yes, it’s totally normal. Te shedding phase on finasteride is a normal part of the treatment process and is actually a sign that the treatment is doing it’s job, as it should. It’s therefore important to not stop treatment during the shedding phase. If you have concerns about your shedding phase, it’s important to talk with your health care provider and speak about any concerns you might have.

Are there other causes that could cause sheds?

While the shedding phase while undergoing treatment with Finasteride is totally normal, there could be other causes for temporary loss of hair. Stress or excessive brushing or styling are two causes of hair falling out. If you havve had a cold or your diet is poor, you could observe an unusual amount of hair on your pillow and hair fall under the shower. Similar to Finasteride sheds, these effects are only temporary and will end within weeks.

There’s one thing you need to be aware of in the event of Finasteride sheds - don’t be worried. The rapid growth phase Finasteride can cause can be crucial to revitalizing your hair.