Question for Doc
Hi Doc, question for you. I have been using Finasteride for about 7 months now and around month 3 & 4 i started seeing a very good improvement without having a noticeable shedding phase. But around the month six I’m shedding now. Is it normal or did the medication stop working? I’m freaking out a little bit. Should I stop or should I continue?
Clinical Context & Educational Reference
This case report and community discussion pertains to ongoing hair restoration therapies, medication adherence, and scalp health protocols. When evaluating treatments for androgenetic alopecia, evidence-based dermatological guidelines highlight several key principles:
- Hormonal Mechanism: The primary driver of male pattern hair loss is follicular sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Daily administration of 1mg Finasteride reduces systemic DHT levels by up to 70%, halting hair follicle miniaturization.
- Growth Stimulation: Topical Minoxidil 5% stimulates microvascular circulation via ATP-sensitive potassium channels, extending the follicular anagen phase and enhancing hair shaft diameter.
- Shedding Phases: Accelerated shedding during the first 2 to 8 weeks of treatment is a normal physiological phenomenon indicating that resting telogen hairs are being replaced by active anagen fibers.
- Consultation & Verification: Patients should consult licensed healthcare providers and source medications exclusively through authorized pharmacies to ensure product purity and dosage accuracy.
⚕️ Medical Safety Disclaimer
Individual treatment outcomes and recovery timelines vary based on genetics, medication adherence, and practitioner expertise. Always seek the advice of a board-certified physician or dermatologist for professional diagnosis.