Male Pattern Baldness: Understanding Finasteride

Male pattern baldness affects approximately two-thirds of men by age 35, causing not just physical changes but often significant psychological impact. Fortunately, effective Hair Loss Treatments exist at Happy Pharmacy, with finasteride standing out as one of the most clinically proven options. Understanding how this medication works can help you make informed decisions about your hair loss treatment.

How Male Pattern Baldness Develops

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) occurs when hair follicles become increasingly sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. In susceptible men, DHT causes follicles to shrink progressively with each growth cycle, producing increasingly thinner, shorter hairs until they eventually stop growing altogether. [1]

This progressive miniaturisation typically follows a predictable pattern:

• Receding hairline at the temples.

• Thinning at the crown.

Early intervention is crucial for preserving existing hair.

How Finasteride Works

Finasteride is a prescription medication that directly targets the hormonal cause of male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into DHT.

• DHT Reduction: Finasteride reduces DHT levels in the scalp by approximately 60-70%.

• Protection: It helps protect hair follicles from further miniaturisation.

Originally developed to treat enlarged prostates, finasteride's side effect of hair regrowth led to the development of a lower-dose formulation for treating male pattern baldness.

Effectiveness and Expectations

Clinical studies demonstrate that:

• Hair Loss Stops: Finasteride prevents hair loss progression in approximately 90% of men.

• Hair Regrowth: About two-thirds of users experience actual regrowth.

Key Facts About Finasteride:

• Best for: Hair loss at the crown and mid-scalp regions.

• Consistency Required: Daily use is essential.

• Visible Results: Typically appear within 3-6 months.

• Maximum Benefits: Achieved after one year of treatment.

• Maintenance: Continued use is necessary to sustain results.

Accessing Finasteride Through Happy Pharmacy

At Happy Pharmacy, we offer professional hair loss consultations. Our healthcare practitioners will:

• Assess your suitability for finasteride treatment.

• Review your medical history and discuss potential benefits and considerations.

• Provide guidance on proper usage for the best possible outcomes.

For suitable candidates, we can prescribe finasteride as part of a comprehensive approach to managing male pattern baldness.

Take the Next Step

Complete a hair loss consultation today to discuss whether finasteride from Happy Pharmacy could be the right choice for your hair loss journey.

Blog medically reviewed by : Palvinder Deol, GPhC Registered Pharmacist, 19 May 2025

References:

1. Cranwell W, Sinclair R. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. In: Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.; 2016.

2. Adil A, Godwin M. The effectiveness of treatments for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(1):136-141.e5.