Male pattern hair loss can have several causes, including your genetics and hormones. Nutrition, stress, and age can also play a role, as hair growth naturally slows as men get older.

Drugs like finasteride (Propecia) work as a hair loss treatment by blocking enzymes that convert testosterone into DHT, a hormone that can cause hair follicles to shrink. By lowering DHT levels in the scalp, finasteride may help slow hair thinning and, in some men, support hair regrowth over time.

Ffinasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) both treat hair loss, but they work in different ways. Finasteride targets the hormonal cause of male pattern hair loss by lowering levels of DHT, which helps slow thinning and preserve existing hair. Topical [minoxidil (generic Rogaine)] (https://sesamecare.com/medication/minoxidil) works at the scalp level by improving blood flow and extending the hair growth phase, which can help stimulate new growth.

Oral finasteride is taken as finasteride tablets, while minoxidil is typically applied topically as a foam or solution. (Note that while there is no FDA-approved version of topical finasteride, compounding companies have begun to market their own formulas.)

Another prescription option, dutasteride (generic Avodart), also lowers DHT, but is typically prescribed for BPH rather than hair loss.

Men with liver problems or a history of prostate cancer should talk to their healthcare provider before starting finasteride (Propecia). Finasteride can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which may affect prostate cancer screening results, so providers should be aware of this before interpreting PSA tests.

Be sure to share any medications or supplements you take, including androgen treatments, herbal remedies such as St. John’s wort, and alpha blockers, to avoid potential interactions. Common alpha blockers include tamsulosin (generic Flomax), terazosin (generic Hytrin), and alfuzosin (generic Uroxatral).

Finasteride should never be used during pregnancy or handled by someone who is pregnant, due to the risk to a male fetus.

If you miss a dose of finasteride (Propecia), take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed one and return to your usual schedule. Do not take extra tablets to make up for a missed dose.

Missing a dose occasionally is unlikely to cause problems, but taking finasteride inconsistently can reduce its effectiveness over time. For hair loss in particular, daily use matters, since stopping or skipping doses may allow DHT levels to rise again.

Finasteride (Propecia) is currently only available via prescription. This means the use of this drug must be authorized by a licensed health care provider.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription or refill an existing one during a virtual or in-person visit. Depending on the medication, you can arrange for same-day pickup at a pharmacy near you. Book an online consultation with a real, licensed provider on Sesame today to determine whether or not finasteride is right for you.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your health care provider. Providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.