Tag: Dht

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment that has been used for hair loss for decades. A key concern for many users is whether **minoxidil alters hormones**, particularly since other hair loss medications work by affecting hormone levels. This article separates fact from fiction regarding minoxidil's mechanism and its relationship with the endocrine system.

Dutasteride works by blocking the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). For men asking *what will happen if I stop taking dutasteride?*, the answer depends on the treated condition, but generally involves a gradual reversal of therapeutic effects and a return of DHT levels to baseline.

Clinical trials have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of finasteride for male pattern hair loss. It is a medication specifically used for treating this condition by targeting the hormonal cause of hair thinning.

About 50% of men aged 51 to 60 have an enlarged prostate, or Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) [1.9.1]. A common question is: **does 1 mg finasteride shrink the prostate**, or is it only for hair loss?

Approximately 50% of men experience some degree of male pattern baldness by age 50. This raises a critical question for many: **should you take finasteride before balding** or wait until thinning is visible? Understanding finasteride's mechanism is crucial for determining the right time to start treatment and achieve the best long-term outcomes.

Finasteride can reduce serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels by over 70% [1.5.1]. A common question is: do DHT levels go back to normal after stopping finasteride, and what is the timeline for this hormonal reversion?

Studies have shown that for the majority of men, the hair growth benefits of finasteride cease within 6 to 12 months after stopping the medication, leading to the reversal of hair gain. This raises a key question for many: **Do you need to take finasteride forever for hair loss?**

While finasteride has a short terminal half-life of 5 to 7 hours, its biological action of suppressing DHT can persist for up to 30 days after the last dose. This duration varies depending on whether you are tracking the drug's physical presence or its biological impact on your body. Understanding this distinction is key to knowing **how long before finasteride is out of your system**.

Finasteride, a widely prescribed medication for male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia, is known to significantly reduce the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Understanding how **finasteride affects male hormones** is essential for any man considering or currently undergoing treatment.

While many mistakenly believe finasteride lowers testosterone, this medication's main function is to block the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By doing so, it causes a significant reduction in DHT levels, the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).