Finasteride is primarily used to treat two conditions in men:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlarged prostate): Finasteride helps improve urinary symptoms such as frequent or difficult urination, reduces the risk of acute urinary retention (sudden inability to urinate), and decreases the likelihood that prostate surgery will be required. It works by shrinking the enlarged prostate through inhibition of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which contributes to prostate growth[1][2][3][4][5][6][7].
- Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia): Finasteride is used to treat hair loss on the scalp, especially in men experiencing gradual thinning or balding at the crown or middle of the scalp. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which is involved in hair follicle miniaturization and hair loss[1][2][3][4][5][6].
These indications are prescription-only, and the different dosages (typically 5 mg for BPH under the brand name Proscar, 1 mg for hair loss as Propecia) suit the condition being treated. Finasteride is not recommended for use in women or children, except in rare specialist circumstances[2][4][5].
References
- [1] DrugBank: Finasteride: Uses, Interactions, Mechanism of Action
- [2] MedlinePlus: Finasteride
- [3] WebMD: Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar): Uses, Side Effects
- [4] NHS: About finasteride
- [5] Healthline: Finasteride: Side Effects, Dosage, Uses, and More
- [6] Drugs.com: Finasteride: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Warnings
- [7] Cleveland Clinic: Finasteride (Proscar): Treatment for Enlarged Prostate