Finasteride: How It Works, What It's Studied For & Safety
Finasteride is a 5α-reductase type II inhibitor that blocks conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Clinicians consider it for androgenetic alopecia in men (FDA-approved at 1 mg). Compounded variants are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network only after a clinician evaluation.
Also known as: Propecia, Proscar
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride selectively inhibits 5α-reductase type II, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - the androgen most directly responsible for male pattern hair loss and prostate growth. Serum DHT decreases approximately 70% on therapeutic doses.
What is Finasteride studied for?
- Androgenetic alopecia in men (FDA-approved at 1 mg)
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (FDA-approved at 5 mg)
- Adjunct in male hair-restoration protocols paired with topical minoxidil
How is Finasteride taken?
FDA-approved as oral tablets (1 mg Propecia, 5 mg Proscar). Compounded topical solutions and combination preparations exist for clinician-directed protocols.
Is Finasteride FDA-approved? Is it safe?
FDA-approved as a finished drug product when prescribed under its labeled indications. Compounded variants on this site are separate from the branded product and are dispensed only when a clinician determines a compounded preparation is appropriate. Sexual side effects (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction) occur in a small percentage of users and may persist after discontinuation in rare cases (post-finasteride syndrome). Not for use in women who are or may become pregnant. Compounded prescription-only preparations are dispensed by Wells Pharmacy Network. Eligibility is decided by a licensed clinician based on intake and labs, not by checkout. Compounded products on this site are not FDA-approved and are not generic equivalents of any branded medication.
In the Regen Therapy catalog
This compound does not currently appear in an active Regen Therapy protocol. Browse the full catalog for adjacent options.
What does the research say about Finasteride?
Long-term clinical-trial program supported the FDA approvals; PCPT showed reduction in low-grade prostate cancer with possible increase in high-grade detection.
Citations & further reading
Considering Finasteride as part of a protocol?
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