Finasteride Dosing: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been told to take finasteride, you probably wonder how much is right for you. The short answer? Most doctors prescribe either 1 mg a day for hair loss or 5 mg a day for enlarged prostate (BPH). Those numbers come from years of research and real‑world use, so they’re a solid starting point.
Typical doses for different purposes
Hair loss (male pattern baldness): The FDA‑approved dose is 1 mg taken once daily. Many men stick to the same pill every morning with food or water – it doesn’t matter much when you take it, just be consistent.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): For an enlarged prostate, doctors usually prescribe 5 mg a day, often split into two 2.5‑mg tablets taken at separate times or a single 5‑mg tablet. The higher dose helps shrink the gland and improve urine flow.
How to take finasteride safely
Start with the dose your doctor gave you; don’t adjust on your own. If you miss a pill, just take it as soon as you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose – then skip the missed one and continue regular timing.
Finasteride works best when taken consistently for at least three months. You might not see any change right away; hair growth often takes 6‑12 weeks, while BPH symptoms improve within a few weeks but keep getting better over several months.
Common side effects include reduced libido, mild erectile issues, or a small drop in semen volume. These usually fade after the first few weeks. If they persist or feel severe, talk to your doctor – sometimes switching to a lower dose helps.
Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant must avoid handling crushed finasteride tablets because of birth‑defect risks. Men should store the medication out of reach of children and keep it in its original container.
If you’re on other meds, check for interactions. Finasteride doesn’t usually clash with most drugs, but combining it with certain hormonal therapies or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors could change how your body processes it.
When you’re ready to stop finasteride, tapering isn’t required – you can simply discontinue. However, any benefits (hair regrowth or prostate shrinkage) may reverse over time, so discuss long‑term plans with your doctor.
Bottom line: stick to the prescribed dose, be patient for results, and keep an eye on side effects. With proper use, finasteride can be a reliable tool for both hair loss and prostate health.
Finasteride Oral vs Topical: How to Nail the Right Dose for Hair Loss
Get the lowdown on oral and topical finasteride doses for hair loss. Learn how your body absorbs it, DHT suppression, and practical facts for real-life use.
- Aug 12, 2025
- Guy Boertje
- 23
- Permalink