Can I take finasteride the rest of my life? Understanding lifelong treatment for hair loss

October 7, 2025 •

5 min read

According to a Japanese study, 86% of men taking finasteride for 10 years continued to see a benefit, demonstrating its long-term efficacy. For individuals using this medication to manage male pattern baldness, a common question is: Can I take finasteride the rest of my life? The answer largely depends on a balance of sustained effectiveness against careful consideration of potential long-term risks.

Quick Summary

Long-term finasteride use is generally required to maintain its hair loss benefits, with discontinuation reversing its effects within months. While most men tolerate it well for years, potential risks, including sexual, psychological, and metabolic side effects, necessitate ongoing medical supervision and risk assessment.

Key Points

Lifelong Commitment: Finasteride must be taken indefinitely to maintain its effects on hair growth and prevent the return of hair loss.
Reversible Effects: If you stop finasteride, your DHT levels will rebound within weeks, and any hair gains or maintenance will likely be lost within 6-12 months.
Generally Safe Long-Term: Numerous studies support the long-term safety and tolerability of finasteride, with many men taking it for decades without serious problems.
Potential for Persistent Side Effects: While rare, a small number of men report Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), which involves persistent sexual, psychological, and physical side effects after stopping the drug.
Monitor Systemic Health: Long-term use might be linked to altered metabolic function (like insulin resistance or NAFLD) and mental health changes (depression), so consistent medical monitoring is important.
Not for Women: Finasteride is not for use in women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, due to risks of birth defects in male fetuses.
Regular Medical Consultation: Open communication with a doctor about potential side effects and health changes is critical for managing lifelong treatment safely.

The Lifelong Commitment of Finasteride

Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High levels of DHT in genetically susceptible men cause hair follicles to shrink, a process known as miniaturization. By blocking DHT production, finasteride effectively slows or stops this process. However, this effect is not permanent; it only lasts as long as the medication is in your system.

For those treating hair loss, this means that finasteride is a commitment for as long as you wish to maintain your hair. Stopping the medication allows DHT levels to return to baseline, and hair loss resumes at the rate it would have without intervention. Clinical data shows that any hair gained or preserved is typically lost within 6 to 12 months of discontinuing treatment.

Long-Term Safety and Efficacy: What the Data Shows

Numerous studies have explored the long-term effects of finasteride, with generally positive conclusions for its safety and effectiveness in most patients.

Sustained Hair Benefits: A Japanese study following men taking finasteride for 10 years for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) found that 86% continued to see a benefit, and hair was, on average, thicker than at the start of treatment. This suggests the drug's effectiveness does not significantly diminish over time.
General Tolerability: Large-scale clinical trials have found that finasteride is well-tolerated over long periods. One study that examined 19,000 men taking finasteride (at the higher 5mg dose for prostate issues) for seven years reported little evidence of long-term side effects. Another study tracking outcomes for former participants of the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial (PCPT) for a median of 16 years found no significant long-term consequences regarding cardiac or endocrine issues.
Predictable Efficacy: The response to finasteride within the first year of use is often a good indicator of its overall long-term effectiveness. For most, continued use maintains or slows the progression of hair loss, preventing it from returning to pre-treatment levels.

Potential Risks of Lifelong Finasteride Use

While considered safe for most, long-term finasteride use carries potential risks that require careful monitoring and consideration. These can be categorized as sexual, metabolic, and psychological.

Sexual and Reproductive Health

Common Side Effects: Some men experience sexual side effects, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume. These are typically seen in a small percentage of users and often improve after stopping the medication.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS): In rare cases, some men report persistent sexual, mental, and physical side effects that continue even after they have stopped taking finasteride. The existence and prevalence of this controversial syndrome are still being researched.
Fertility Concerns: Some men may experience reduced sperm count or motility. While this can affect fertility, studies suggest that for most, the effects are reversible upon discontinuation of the drug.

Metabolic and Systemic Health

Metabolic Changes: Some research suggests that inhibiting 5-alpha reductase could potentially lead to long-term metabolic issues such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance, and Type 2 diabetes. This is thought to be due to altered steroid metabolism and requires further investigation, especially in the context of the lower 1mg hair loss dose.

Psychological Well-being

Depression and Anxiety: There have been reports and warnings regarding a link between finasteride and psychological side effects like depression and, in rare instances, suicidal thoughts. One long-term analysis of PCPT participants noted a modest increase in new depression claims.

Prostate Cancer Considerations

Risk of High-Grade Cancer: The PCPT study found that while the higher 5mg dose of finasteride reduced the overall incidence of prostate cancer, it was associated with an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer among men aged 55 and older. Subsequent analyses, however, suggested this might have been a detection artifact and found no impact on overall survival. Consistent PSA testing is recommended for men taking finasteride, and any sustained increase should be thoroughly evaluated.

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Making a lifelong decision requires a careful assessment of the potential benefits versus the risks. The following table summarizes key points.


Aspect	Lifelong Finasteride Use: Benefits	Lifelong Finasteride Use: Risks
Efficacy	Sustains hair count and appearance, effectively preventing or slowing male pattern baldness.	Effects are temporary and benefits are lost upon discontinuation.
Safety	Generally well-tolerated by most men over many years. Long-term studies show no significant increase in mortality or other serious long-term consequences.	Potential for persistent sexual side effects (PFS), though rare. Possibility of metabolic or psychological side effects for some individuals.
Commitment	Requires consistent, daily intake for continued effect.	Requires long-term medical monitoring and weighing risks against benefits over many decades.

How to Manage Lifelong Treatment

For those who decide to pursue lifelong treatment, several strategies can help manage the journey effectively.

Maintain Consistent Communication with Your Doctor: Regular check-ups are crucial, not only to monitor hair and prostate health but also to discuss any potential side effects. Be transparent about any changes in sexual function, mood, or other physical symptoms.
Monitor Your Health: As finasteride can influence PSA levels, regular prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests should be part of your healthcare plan. This is especially important for men over 55. Some studies also suggest monitoring metabolic health markers.
Address Side Effects Proactively: If you experience side effects, do not stop taking the medication abruptly. Discuss options with your doctor. Strategies may include reducing the dose, trying an alternative like topical finasteride, or exploring complementary treatments like minoxidil.
Explore Other Options: Finasteride can be used in combination with other treatments to maximize results, such as minoxidil or hair transplants. Always follow a medical professional's guidance when combining treatments. You can learn more about finasteride here.

Conclusion: Making an Informed, Lifelong Decision

Yes, for many men, it is possible and generally considered safe to take finasteride for the rest of their lives. The medication provides a clear and sustained benefit for managing male pattern baldness, but this requires a lifelong commitment to daily use. The majority of men do not experience serious long-term issues. However, the decision should not be taken lightly. Before embarking on lifelong treatment, it is essential to have a thorough discussion with a healthcare provider to assess your individual health profile, understand the balance of benefits versus potential risks, and plan for consistent medical supervision. Continuous monitoring will help ensure the benefits continue to outweigh any potential drawbacks for decades to come.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting or stopping any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you stop taking finasteride, the benefits you have experienced will reverse. Your DHT levels will return to normal, and you can expect to lose any hair that was gained or maintained within 6 to 12 months after discontinuation.

Yes, many studies, including a 10-year study in Japanese men, support the long-term safety and efficacy of finasteride. Most men tolerate it well for many years, but ongoing medical supervision is advised.

For most men, sexual side effects like decreased libido or erectile dysfunction cease after stopping the medication. However, in rare instances, some individuals report persistent symptoms, a condition termed Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), which is still under investigation.

Taking breaks from finasteride is not recommended for maintaining hair benefits. Because its effects are not permanent, stopping the medication will cause hair loss to resume. For any planned pauses, always consult your doctor.

The Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial found that the higher 5mg dose of finasteride was associated with a lower risk of overall prostate cancer but a higher risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Follow-up analysis found no difference in overall survival, but regular PSA testing and discussion with your doctor are crucial.

If you stop finasteride after seeing results, the hair loss process will resume. You will likely lose any hair that was regrown or thickened within a year, and your hair will continue to thin from that point on.

Yes, other options exist for managing hair loss. These include topical minoxidil, combination therapies, and hair transplant surgery. Discussing your goals with a healthcare provider can help you determine the best long-term strategy for your needs.