Finasteride: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives Exist

When you hear finasteride, a prescription medication used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia by blocking the hormone DHT. Also known as Propecia or Proscar, it’s one of the few FDA-approved drugs that actually slows hair loss and shrinks an enlarged prostate. Unlike topical solutions or supplements that promise results without proof, finasteride works by stopping your body from turning testosterone into dihydrotestosterone — the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and swells the prostate. It’s not a miracle cure, but decades of real-world use show it works for a clear majority of men who stick with it.

People often mix up finasteride with other treatments like minoxidil or saw palmetto, but they work in completely different ways. minoxidil, a topical solution that stimulates blood flow to hair follicles is applied directly to the scalp and doesn’t touch hormone levels. DHT blockers, a category that includes finasteride and natural options like saw palmetto aim to reduce the hormone itself. Finasteride is the strongest DHT blocker available by prescription, and studies show it’s more effective than over-the-counter alternatives. But it’s not for everyone — some men report side effects like lowered libido or fatigue, and those concerns are why many start looking at other options.

That’s why the posts below cover real comparisons: how finasteride stacks up against other hair loss treatments, what happens when you stop taking it, and which alternatives actually deliver results without the same risks. You’ll find guides on topical treatments, natural supplements, and even newer drugs being studied for hair regrowth. There’s also info on how finasteride affects prostate health — something many don’t realize until they’re prescribed it for both issues. Whether you’re just starting to notice thinning hair or you’ve been on finasteride for years, the content here gives you clear, no-fluff facts to make smarter choices.