Losing Hair While Taking Propecia (Finasteride)?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums: 

Roughly 6 months ago I started taking Propecia (finasteride) for my hair loss. However, I’m concerned because I feel like I’m still losing hair. Each day, I notice that I shed somewhere between 15-20 hairs in the shower. Is this normal? Am I continuing to lose hair while taking the finasteride?

First, it is important to understand that finasteride use can be associated with an “initial shedding phase.” During the first 3-4 months of taking the medication, many Propecia users report a nerve-racking period of accelerated hair shedding. However, this shed is a normal (and temporary) response to the medication, and will soon normalize and result in hair preservation and potential regrowth. Most hair restoration experts recommend staying on the medication during this initial shed and giving the drug 6-12 months before assessing whether it is effective or should be discontinued. Of course, this should all be discussed and monitored by an experienced hair loss physician.

Continuing to shed 15-20 hairs in the shower daily while taking Propecia is normal. In fact, shedding 50-150 hairs a day is completely natural and seen in individuals with no signs of androgenic alopecia (“male pattern baldness”) or any other type of hair loss pathology. As long as Propecia users are experiencing shedding within these normal limits, there is no reason to panic or immediately assume the medication isn’t working properly. As previously stated, however, all these concerns should be reviewed by the prescribing physician.
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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning

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