When to Stop Taking Finasteride?: A Guide to Informed Decisions

October 7, 2025 •

4 min read

Approximately 90-95% of men on finasteride see their hair loss controlled, but for some, the time comes to consider discontinuation due to side effects, family planning, or personal choice. Understanding when to stop taking finasteride is a critical decision that should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Quick Summary

Deciding to discontinue finasteride involves evaluating reasons such as side effects, desire for pregnancy, or lack of efficacy. Understand the consequences, including the potential return of hair loss and rare persistent adverse effects, such as Post-Finasteride Syndrome. Always consult a healthcare provider for a safe plan.

Key Points

Consult your doctor before stopping: Abruptly stopping finasteride should always be discussed with a healthcare provider to assess your individual health needs and develop a plan.
Expect treatment benefits to reverse: When you stop finasteride, your DHT levels return to normal within weeks, and the hair growth benefits or BPH symptom relief will gradually be lost.
Consider stopping for family planning: If you and a partner are trying to conceive, doctors recommend stopping finasteride for at least three months to avoid potential, temporary effects on sperm health.
Evaluate for side effects: If you experience persistent sexual, mental, or physical side effects, a doctor may recommend stopping or adjusting your dosage.
Discuss alternatives with your doctor: If finasteride is no longer effective or suitable, alternatives like topical minoxidil or other treatments can be explored with your healthcare provider.
Do not taper off the medication: Unlike some drugs, there is no need to gradually reduce your dose; finasteride can be stopped abruptly under a doctor's supervision.
Be aware of Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS): While rare and controversial, be aware that some individuals report persistent side effects after stopping, and any lasting issues should be reported to your doctor.

Considering Discontinuation: Key Factors

Finasteride is a widely used medication for both male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). For the treatment to be effective long-term, it must be taken consistently. However, a range of factors can lead someone to consider stopping the medication. Consulting a doctor is a non-negotiable first step, as they can help weigh the pros and cons based on your specific health profile and treatment goals.

Unwanted Side Effects

Side effects are one of the most common reasons individuals decide to stop finasteride. While relatively rare, a small percentage of men experience adverse reactions.

Sexual Side Effects: The most reported side effects include low libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased semen volume. These often appear within the first few weeks of treatment and typically resolve when the medication is stopped. For some, adjusting the dosage under medical supervision may be an alternative to complete cessation.
Neurological and Mental Side Effects: A small number of users report mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or suicidal ideation. The rare and controversial condition known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) describes persistent sexual, physical, and mental side effects that continue for months or years after stopping the drug.
Allergic Reactions: Though rare, a severe allergic reaction (rash, hives, difficulty breathing) is a medical emergency and a definitive reason to stop immediately.

Family Planning

Finasteride can temporarily affect fertility by impacting semen quality and sperm count.

Washout Period: It is generally recommended that men stop taking finasteride for at least three months before trying to conceive to allow the body to clear the medication and for sperm production to return to normal. The effects on semen are usually reversible.
Risk to Female Partner: Finasteride is contraindicated for pregnant women and can be harmful to a male fetus. Pregnant partners or those who could become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken tablets.

Lack of Efficacy

Finasteride does not work for everyone. If you have been taking the medication consistently for 12 months for hair loss and see no improvement, it may not be an effective treatment for you. In this case, your doctor might suggest considering alternatives, such as switching to a more potent 5α-reductase inhibitor like dutasteride or exploring other options.

Changed Personal Preferences

Over time, some men may become more comfortable with their hair loss and decide that taking a daily medication is no longer a priority. A change in cosmetic preference is a valid and personal reason to stop treatment.

The Repercussions of Discontinuing Finasteride

Stopping finasteride is not like stopping an addictive substance, so there are no classic withdrawal symptoms. However, there are significant pharmacological and cosmetic consequences to be aware of.

The Reversal of Treatment Benefits

Finasteride only works while the drug is in your system. Once you stop:

DHT Levels: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels will return to their pre-treatment state within approximately 14 days.
Hair Loss Resumes: Without the medication suppressing DHT, the hair follicles that were previously protected will begin to shrink again. The hair you gained or preserved will likely be lost over the next 6 to 12 months.
BPH Symptoms Recur: For those taking finasteride for BPH, symptoms and prostate volume typically return to pre-treatment levels within months of stopping.

Table: Comparison of Discontinuing Finasteride for Hair Loss vs. BPH


Feature	Stopping Finasteride for Hair Loss (1mg)	Stopping Finasteride for BPH (5mg)
Effect Reversal Timeline	Hair loss likely to resume within 6-12 months.	Prostate size and BPH symptoms return to baseline within ~3 months.
Symptom Recurrence	Resumption of male pattern baldness.	Return of urinary symptoms associated with enlarged prostate.
Medical Supervision	Crucial, especially if transitioning to alternative treatments.	Essential, as monitoring for BPH and prostate cancer screening may change.
Fertility Concerns	Primarily a concern when actively trying to conceive; requires a waiting period.	May also have implications for fertility, requiring discussion with a doctor.
Tapering Protocol	No tapering needed; can be stopped abruptly under medical guidance.	No tapering needed; can be stopped abruptly under medical guidance.

How to Safely Discontinue Finasteride

The most important step in deciding to stop finasteride is to speak with a healthcare provider. They can help you evaluate the best path forward, especially if side effects are a concern or you plan to start a family.

Here's what a safe transition might involve:

Discuss Your Reasons: Be open with your doctor about why you want to stop. They can help you assess if your side effects are truly caused by the medication and discuss potential management strategies, such as lowering the dose or switching to a topical version.
Explore Alternatives: If you are stopping due to lack of efficacy or want to continue managing hair loss, discuss alternative treatments. Options include topical minoxidil, a more powerful 5α-reductase inhibitor like dutasteride, or surgical procedures like hair transplants.
Monitoring and Follow-up: If you stop treatment for BPH, your doctor will need to resume regular monitoring, including PSA tests, which are affected by finasteride. For hair loss, consistent monitoring can help track the rate of hair loss reversal.

Conclusion

The decision of when to stop taking finasteride is a personal one, driven by individual circumstances related to side effects, efficacy, family planning, and personal preference. While the cessation process is generally safe, the reversal of finasteride's benefits is a near-certain outcome. For those with hair loss, this means the gradual return of shedding and thinning. For those treating BPH, it means the return of prostate-related symptoms. Always consult a medical professional before discontinuing to ensure the best possible outcome for your health and to navigate any potential consequences.

For more detailed information on finasteride, consult reliable resources such as the U.S. National Library of Medicine through MedlinePlus.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, your hair will not fall out faster. When you stop taking finasteride, your hair loss will gradually return to the rate it was at before you started the medication, typically over a period of 6 to 12 months.

Yes, finasteride is not addictive and does not require tapering. However, it is crucial to consult your doctor before stopping so they can monitor your condition and discuss what to expect.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in your body will typically return to pre-treatment levels within approximately 14 days of stopping the medication.

Yes, you can typically restart finasteride. However, you should not expect to regain the hair you lost in the time you were off the medication. Any decision to restart should be discussed with your doctor.

No, finasteride does not cause withdrawal symptoms. Any side effects experienced while on the medication, like sexual dysfunction, usually resolve once you stop taking it, although it can take some time.

Post-Finasteride Syndrome is a rare and controversial condition where some individuals report persistent sexual, mental, and physical side effects for at least three months after stopping finasteride. The exact cause and prevalence are not fully understood.

Yes, there are alternatives available. Many people transition to topical minoxidil or, in some cases, consider switching to dutasteride, a more potent DHT blocker. Surgical options like hair transplants are also an alternative.