Starting treatment is a big step towards taking control of hair loss, and taking a few minutes to read this guide carefully will help you get the most out of it. Understanding how your treatment works, what to expect, and how to use it properly will help you get the best results. Rest assured, you’re not alone on this journey—our team is here to support you every step of the way.

Hair restoration is a process that takes time and consistency. For most men, this is at least a 12-month commitment, but it’s worth it. Many patients see meaningful improvements with patience, whether it’s slowing hair loss, keeping the hair they have, or regrowing some of what was lost. Stay the course, and if you have any questions or concerns, just reach out—we’re here for you.

Is it possible to treat hair loss?

It’s a common myth that nothing can be done about hair loss, but the truth is, science disagrees! In fact, around 90% of men with male pattern baldness (MPB) respond positively to treatment. Here’s what finasteride can do for you:

1. Slow down your hair loss significantly.
2. Put a stop to the hair loss and help you maintain the hair you already have.
3. Potentially regrow some lost hair and prevent further thinning.

So, there's hope yet! Let's tackle this together.

How does Finasteride work?

Male pattern baldness happens when the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) weakens hair follicles over time, causing thinning and shedding. Finasteride works to lower DHT levels by up to 70%. This protects your hair follicles, helping you to retain existing hair and potentially regrow some of what was lost.

Will Finasteride work for me?

Put simply, finasteride is one of the most effective and widely used treatments for MPB. It is the only licensed DHT blocker specifically approved for treating male pattern baldness.

Finasteride demonstrates efficacy in 90% of men with mild to moderate male pattern baldness. With optimal outcomes seen after at least 12 months of consistent use.

While it’s less effective at reversing a receding hairline at the temples, it can prevent further thinning in the middle of the scalp. For men with advanced hair loss, combining finasteride with other treatments—such as a hair transplant—may be worth considering.

When and how is it taken?

For the best results, it is important to start treatment early to minimise hair loss. It is easier to maintain the hair you currently have than to regrow what has already been lost.

• Take one (1mg) tablet daily, with or without food.
• If you forget a dose, don’t take a double dose—just take the next one as normal.
• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not use or handle this medication.
• For oral use only.
• Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label.

How long should I take it for?

Consistency is the key to success with finasteride. Here’s what you should know:

• Timeline: Some men notice stabilisation of hair loss within 3–6 months, but the best results typically appear after 12–24 months.
• Ongoing use: This treatment works for as long as you take it. If you stop, DHT levels will rise again, and hair loss may resume.

Think of this as a long-term plan to stabilise and manage hair loss, with the added potential for regrowth.

When will I see the Results?

The moment you've been anticipating: When will you start noticing changes? It's natural to be eager for results, but it's crucial to understand that success takes time. Finasteride gets to work as soon as you begin treatment, yet visible results might not appear immediately. While some early signs can surface within six months, we recommend committing to the treatment plan for at least a year to fully appreciate its effects. Keep in mind, restoring hair isn't a quick fix—it's a journey that requires patience and persistence.

NOTE: Temporary hair loss (or shedding) may occur during the first 2-8 weeks of use. This is likely to result from a change in the natural hair growth cycle, promoting old hair to fall out and new hair to come through; it should stop within a couple of weeks. This is an expected shedding and indicates the treatment is working for you.

What are the side effects?

Finasteride is a highly effective treatment with a strong safety profile backed by years of clinical data. In fact, 98.6% of men who participated in clinical trials continued taking the medication without experiencing adverse effects.

However, all medications have potential side effects, and it is important to be aware of those associated with finasteride. Stop taking the medication and consult a clinician, your doctor, or a pharmacist if you experience any of the following:

Allergic Reactions:

• Symptoms may include fainting, shortness of breath, a sudden drop in blood pressure, and swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, face, or neck.
• In rare cases, anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction) can occur.

If you feel seriously unwell or experience severe or persistent side effects, please seek immediate medical attention by going to your local Accident & Emergency department or calling 999 in an emergency.

Side EffectsStop using this treatment plan and talk to a clinician, your own doctor or a pharmacist if you experience any of the following potential side effects include:

Decreased libido

This may involve a decrease in sexual desire, which is typically temporary, but there have been some rare cases of long-term effects, including a lack of sexual fantasies or a persistent low sex drive that may not resolve.

• Typically less than 1.8% of patients are at risk of suffering from a drop in libido
• Exercising and implementing a balanced diet may help to improve the effects on sex life. It also helps to cut down on cigarettes and alcohol
• If you encounter any sexual function issues, such as difficulty maintaining an erection or a decrease in sex drive, please discuss this with your prescriber or doctor

Erectile Dysfunction

This is when a man struggles to get or keep an erection firm enough for sex.

• Typically less than 1.8% of patients are at risk of suffering from erectile dysfunction
• Exercising and implementing a balanced diet may help to improve the effects on sex life. It also helps to cut down on cigarettes and alcohol
• If you encounter any sexual function issues, such as difficulty maintaining an erection or a decrease in sex drive, please discuss this with your prescriber or doctor

Testicular Pain

The feeling of pain, aching or discomfort in one or both testicles.

• It’s not very common, and it usually goes away, but if you notice it, let your clinician know.
• Should you have sudden, severe testicular pain that doesn’t go away or any of the symptoms listed here, it could be a serious condition. Seek immediate medical assistance by calling 999 or going to A&E.
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician.

Ejaculation disorders

Ejaculation disorder is where you may have persistent trouble ejaculating, either too quickly, too slowly, or not at all, causing distress and impacting sexual satisfaction. This also may also involve low sperm/ejaculate volume, which can potentially impact fertility.

• Low risk typically less than 2% of patients are at risk of suffering from sexual side effects
• If you encounter any sexual function issues, such as difficulty maintaining an erection or a decrease in sex drive, please discuss this with your prescriber or doctor

Depression

Depression is more than feeling sad or down. It's a serious mood disorder that causes persistent sadness, loss of interest, and affects how you feel, think, and handle daily activities for at least two weeks.

• Finasteride can increase the risk of depressive symptoms in a small percentage of users, though this is considered an uncommon side effect. While some studies suggest a link between finasteride and low mood, others find no significant difference
• Most men tolerate finasteride well, but if you have a history of depression, you should carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits
• 281 reports of mood disorders, including depression and suicidal behaviour, associated with finasteride since 1993
• This represents a very small fraction of the large number of people who have used finasteride over the years, indicating that the risk of depression is quite low
• You may not notice some changes in your mood and behaviour, so it is very important to tell your friends and family that you are taking this medicine and that it can have effects on psychological well-being
• If you have these symptoms, support and help are available. Please follow this link for more information.
• If you experience depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts, stop taking finasteride immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible

Suicidal Ideation

Suicidal thoughts involve thinking about ending your own life. These thoughts can range from fleeting to detailed plans..

• 281 reports of mood disorders, including depression and suicidal behaviour, associated with finasteride since 1993
• This represents a very small fraction of the large number of people who have used finasteride over the years, indicating that the risk of depression is quite low
• You may not notice some changes in your mood and behaviour, so it is very important to tell your friends and family that you are taking this medicine and that it can have effects on psychological well-being
• If you're feeling like you want to end your life, it's important to tell someone. Please call NHS - 999 or A&E. For more supportive measures please callthe Samaritans on 116 123 or follow this link for more information.
• If you experience depressive symptoms or suicidal thoughts, stop taking finasteride immediately and contact your doctor as soon as possible

Breast tenderness/enlarged breast tissue

This is the development of larger than usual breast tissue, making breasts appear bigger around the nipple area, possible symptoms can include increased nipple sensitivity, breast pain..

• Gynecomastia from finasteride is very rare, with some reports suggesting a 0.4% incidence rate. However, this figure is uncertain and more studies are needed.
• Finasteride induced gynecomastia is often one-sided but can be both sides
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician

Palpitations

Palpitations refer to the feeling that your heart is beating too hard, too fast, fluttering, or skipping a beat.

• It’s not very common, and it usually goes away, but if you notice it, let your clinician know.
• If you have any symptoms of or currently have heart palpitations with any of these symptoms: chest pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint, or fainting, call 999 or go to A&E immediately. For more information, see the symptoms listed here.
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician

Anxiety

A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease, which can be accompanied by physical changes such as an increase in heart rate and restlessness.

• It’s not very common, and it usually goes away, but if you notice it, let your clinician know.
• Although feelings of anxiety at certain times are completely normal, see a GP if anxiety is affecting your daily life or causing you distress.
• If you have any worries about side effects, please book a call to speak with a clinician

Increased Hepatic Enzymes

That the levels of certain enzymes produced by your liver. are higher than normal in your blood. This can indicate liver damage or inflammation

• This is typically a rare side effect, and its frequency is not well known
• If you experience any of the following symptoms: fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), dark urine, abdominal pain, or nausea, stop your treatment and see your GP.

You can either book a consultation with a clinician using the link below or start a live chat through your account. If you experience any side effects, no matter how minor, please discuss them with your clinician or coach.

You can also report side effects through the government’s Yellow Card scheme at https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/. Your feedback helps to improve medication safety for everyone.

Who should not take it?

Our hair treatment plans are not suitable for women or males under 18 years of age.

While finasteride tablets are film-coated to protect handlers from direct exposure, crushed or broken tablets must never be handled by:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Females of childbearing age, due to the potential risk to an unborn baby.

Men who take finasteride may have traces of the medication in their semen. Current evidence suggests this poses little risk to an unborn child, but we recommend:

• Avoiding this medication if you are actively planning a pregnancy.
• Using a barrier form of contraception such as a condom if engaging in sexual activity with a woman not using regular contraception.

Finasteride is not suitable for:

• Men with complete hair loss.
• Men currently receiving treatment for benign prostate enlargement (BPE) with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (e.g., finasteride 5mg tablets or dutasteride).
• Individuals with a history of male breast cancer or prostate cancer.
• Those with galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
• Men suffering from chronic liver or kidney disease.
• Individuals allergic to finasteride or any of its components.

Fertility or Pregnancy information

Men taking finasteride may have traces of the medication present in their semen. Current evidence suggests this is unlikely to pose a risk to an unborn child. The amount of finasteride excreted following a 1mg dose is too small to be harmful, and there is no known risk to the foetus.

However, foetal abnormalities can sometimes occur without an obvious reason. From an emotional perspective, should this happen, you may question whether anything you did contributed. While this concern may be unscientific, it is a natural response. Therefore, the conservative advice is to use a condom during intercourse with a woman who is known or potentially pregnant while taking finasteride-containing treatments (e.g., our All-in-One Capsule). This advice is precautionary, and you can decide how to apply it based on your own comfort and risk tolerance.

Fertility:

• Long-term data on the impact of finasteride on human fertility is limited.
• Specific studies on subfertile men have not been conducted, and male participants planning to father a child were initially excluded from clinical trials.
• Animal studies do not show significant negative effects on fertility. However, there have been spontaneous reports of infertility and/or poor seminal quality in men taking finasteride.
• In many of these cases, other risk factors contributed to infertility, and normalisation or improvement in seminal quality was observed after discontinuing finasteride.

We believe in providing our patients with comprehensive information to make informed treatment decisions. While most studies support the safety and effectiveness of finasteride 1mg, and this aligns with our experience with thousands of patients, we understand the concerns of prospective users.

If you are actively trying to conceive, consider the above information when deciding whether to proceed with treatment. If you are undergoing fertility treatment or have a known low sperm count, we advise against using finasteride-containing treatments to avoid unnecessary worry about potential impacts.

Changes in medical status changes or I am due a blood test?

No need to worry—studies show that finasteride doesn’t have significant interactions with other medicines.

However, finasteride can affect the results of a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test, which is sometimes used to check for prostate issues. If you’re having this test, let your doctor know you’re taking finasteride so they can interpret the results correctly.

If you start any new medications, experience significant side effects, or have any changes in your medical history, please update our clinicians through your patient account messaging facility.

It’s also important to inform your GP about the medicines you take, as this helps them make the best decisions for your care. You can download a letter from your account page to share with your GP, ensuring they have all the relevant details about your treatment.

The Men's Manual Podcast

In this episode, following his conversation with renowned barber Dan Gregory, Shaun sits down with MANUAL’s hair loss expert, Mike Yorke. Mike will break down the science behind hair loss, debunk common myths, and tackle the biggest misconceptions surrounding hair loss and its treatments.

Episode 02: Demystifying Hair Loss