Overview
Finasteride stops hair loss in about 90% of men after six to 12 months of taking it. The side effects of finasteride may also be a problem for some people, so today we’ll discuss how to minimise these side effects.
How to Reduce Side Effects of Finasteride?
Finasteride is a medication used to treat an enlarged prostate and male pattern baldness. There are several common side effects associated with finasteride, including loss of libido and erectile dysfunction. However, there are several ways to reduce the side effects of finasteride. Here are some tips:
- Take finasteride as directed: Finasteride should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the recommended dose.
- Take it with food: Taking finasteride with food may help reduce the likelihood of experiencing stomach upset or other gastrointestinal side effects.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help reduce your chances of experiencing dehydration, which is a potential side effect of finasteride.
- Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction and other sexual side effects associated with finasteride.
- Consider taking a lower dose: If you are experiencing side effects from finasteride, talk to your doctor about lowering your dose. A lower dose may be just as effective for treating your condition and may reduce the risk of side effects.
- Talk to your doctor about alternative treatments: Consider alternative treatments if you are uncomfortable with finasteride side effects. In some cases, you may be able to treat your condition with other medicines or treatments without experiencing any side effects.
- Be patient: Some side effects of finasteride may subside over time as your body adjusts to the drug. If you are experiencing side effects, be patient and give your body time to adapt. However, if your side effects persist or worsen, call your doctor right away.
What does finasteride do for the body?
Finasteride is a medication that works by blocking the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone, a male hormone, into a more potent form called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can cause hair follicles to shrink and eventually lead to hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. Overall, finasteride can help reduce hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Conclusion
Finasteride is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia, but it can have potential side effects. However, there are several ways to reduce the side effects of finasteride.
By taking the medication as prescribed, taking it with food, staying hydrated, exercising regularly, managing stress, talking to a doctor, and considering topical finasteride, one can minimise the risk of experiencing side effects.
FAQs
Yes, finasteride can cause sexual side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume. These side effects can occur in a small percentage of men who take the medication. However, the majority of men who experience these side effects will see improvement or complete resolution of symptoms once they stop taking finasteride.
Finasteride is not recommended for use by women, especially pregnant women, because it can cause birth defects in male fetuses. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets of finasteride.
No, finasteride does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. In fact, studies have shown that finasteride can reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in men who take it for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The safety of finasteride use in the long term is not entirely clear. Studies have shown that finasteride is safe to use for up to five years, and some men have taken it for much longer without experiencing significant side effects.
Abruptly discontinuing Finasteride may cause hair loss to resume within a few months. It is important to continue taking finasteride as prescribed by your doctor, as stopping it may reverse any progress made in hair growth. If you are considering stopping finasteride, you should talk to your doctor first to make sure that it is safe to do so.