What is finasteride?
Finasteride is an oral prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair follicle miniaturization in male pattern baldness.
It is FDA-approved for treating androgenetic alopecia in men and can slow or even reverse hair loss in some individuals by reducing scalp DHT levels. Side effects are possible and should be reviewed with a physician.
Red light therapy is often used alongside finasteride to provide a synergistic effect — reducing DHT’s damage while enhancing follicular regeneration and cellular energy metabolism.
Related terms
Crown Thinning
Clinical Applications
Crown thinning refers to hair loss that occurs at the top rear portion of the scalp, often an early indicator of male pattern baldness.
Estrogen
Clinical Applications
Estrogen is a hormone that plays a critical role in regulating hair growth in women, particularly by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
Insulin Resistance
Clinical Applications
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.
Trichology
Clinical Applications
Trichology is the branch of dermatology that focuses on the scientific study of hair and scalp health.
