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
Autoimmune Response
Clinical Applications
An autoimmune response is a malfunction of the immune system in which the body mistakenly attacks its own healthy tissues, including hair follicles.
Insulin Resistance
Clinical Applications
Insulin resistance occurs when the body’s cells become less responsive to insulin.
Lichen Planopilaris
Clinical Applications
Lichen Planopilaris (LPP) is a rare inflammatory condition that results in scarring alopecia.
Balding Pattern
Clinical Applications
A balding pattern refers to the typical progression of hair loss, often influenced by genetics and commonly classified using scales like the Norwood-Hamilton or Ludwig scales.
