How long does Finasteride stay in your system?

Finasteride is a popular medication commonly used to treat hair loss in men, as well as to manage an enlarged prostate. It works by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into a hormone called DHT, which can cause hair follicles to shrink and result in hair loss. But how long does finasteride stay in your system? In this article, we’ll explore how long finasteride remains active in your body, how it works, and how long it typically takes to see results from the medication.

Key Takeaways

Finasteride Takes Time to Show Results

To see the effects on hair growth, you’ll need to take finasteride consistently for about 3 to 4 months, with full results often appearing between 6 to 12 months.

Consistency is Key

For finasteride to work effectively in preventing hair loss, it needs to be taken daily. If you stop, any hair regrowth or retention may gradually be lost, and hair loss could return to its previous state.

Potential Side Effects

Some users may experience side effects like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or decreased semen volume. In rare cases, more serious effects, like breast changes or allergic reactions, can occur, so it’s essential to consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

How Long Does Finasteride Stay in Your System?

The time it takes for finasteride to be cleared from your system depends on several factors, such as your metabolism and how long you’ve been taking it. On average, the half-life of finasteride (the time it takes for half of the medication to be eliminated from your body) is about 5 to 6 hours [1]. However, it may take up to 5 days for the drug to be completely cleared from your system after your last dose.

Even though finasteride may be out of your system within a few days, its effects on hair growth and hair loss can last much longer, as it continues to influence DHT levels in the body while you are taking it.

How Long Does It Take for Finasteride to Work?

While finasteride is effective at preventing further hair loss, it is not an instant fix. Most men will begin to notice improvements in their hair growth after about 3 to 4 months of continuous use. However, the full effects of finasteride can take between 6 to 9 months to become apparent, as new hair growth takes time.

It’s important to remember that finasteride works by stopping further hair loss and stimulating new hair growth, but it doesn’t always regrow all the hair that has been lost. In some cases, finasteride is used to halt hair loss rather than to completely reverse it.

To see the best results, you need to take finasteride daily for at least one year. If you stop taking the medication before this, you may not see significant improvement, and your hair could return to its previous rate of loss.

How Long Does Finasteride Stay in Your System After Stopping?

If you stop taking finasteride, the medication will gradually leave your system, typically within 5 days to a week. However, the effects of stopping finasteride on hair loss can be noticeable in the months that follow. After discontinuing the medication, any new hair growth that was stimulated by finasteride may gradually fall out, and your hair may return to the level of loss it was at before starting treatment.

It’s important to note that finasteride needs to be taken consistently to prevent hair loss. If you stop taking it, your hair will likely start shedding again, and any improvements may be lost.

What Are the Side Effects of Finasteride?

Like all medications, finasteride can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some of the common side effects include:

• Decreased libido or reduced sexual desire

• Decreased semen volume (amount of semen released during sex)

• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)

In some cases, these side effects may persist even after stopping finasteride. It’s important to speak to your doctor if these side effects become bothersome.

Serious Side Effects:

In rare cases, finasteride can cause more serious side effects, such as:

• Pain in the testicles

• Breast enlargement or tenderness

• Lumps in the breast

• Nipple discharge

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Although allergic reactions to finasteride are rare, they can occur. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:

• Itching or swelling, particularly of the face, lips, or throat

• Rashes or difficulty breathing

• Severe dizziness

If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention.

How Do You Take Finasteride?

Finasteride is typically taken once a day, with a recommended dose of 1 mg. It can be taken with or without food. You may need to continue taking finasteride for at least 3 to 6 months before seeing any visible improvements, and 12 months to see full results.

It’s important to take the medication consistently every day to prevent hair loss. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, but never double up on doses to make up for a missed one.

Precautions and Considerations for Finasteride Use

Before starting finasteride, be sure to discuss your medical history with your doctor, especially if you have:

• Prostate cancer or a family history of it

• Liver disease

• Urinary problems or infections

Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken finasteride tablets, as it can be absorbed through the skin and potentially cause harm to a male fetus. Finasteride is only approved for use in adult men and should not be taken by women or children.

Final Thoughts

Finasteride is an effective treatment for hair loss, particularly for men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). The medication stays in your system for around 5 days, but its effects on hair growth can take several months to show visible results. Consistent use is key to achieving the best results, and it may take 6 to 12 months to see full benefits. If you stop taking finasteride, you may lose any hair gained during treatment, and your hair loss could resume.

If you’re considering finasteride as a treatment for hair loss, speak to your doctor to ensure it’s the right option for you. Regular monitoring and following your doctor’s advice will help you manage any potential side effects and get the most out of the treatment.

Sources

[1] Finasteride 1mg tablets - EMC