Finasteride: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives Really Work

When you hear Finasteride, a prescription medication used to treat male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia by blocking the hormone DHT. Also known as Propecia, it’s one of the most studied drugs for stopping hair thinning in men. But it’s not magic. It doesn’t regrow hair everywhere—it slows loss and sometimes thickens existing strands, mostly on the crown. And it only works as long as you keep taking it. Stop, and the hair you kept starts falling out again within months.

Finasteride doesn’t work the same for everyone. Some men see clear results in 3–6 months. Others notice little change even after a year. That’s why so many people compare it to other options like minoxidil, a topical treatment that stimulates blood flow to hair follicles. Also known as Rogaine, it’s often used alongside finasteride for better results. Then there’s laser therapy, a non-drug option that uses low-level light to encourage follicle activity. Also known as LLLT, it’s less proven but has fewer side effects. And let’s not forget hair transplants—permanent but expensive and invasive. Finasteride is often the first step because it’s oral, affordable, and backed by decades of data.

It’s not just about hair. Finasteride is also used to shrink an enlarged prostate, helping men urinate easier and reducing the risk of complications. That’s the same drug, same dose (5mg), just sold under a different brand name like Proscar. The 1mg version for hair loss is lower because you don’t need to shrink the prostate—you just need to block enough DHT to slow follicle miniaturization.

Side effects? They’re rare but real. Some men report lowered libido, erectile issues, or mood changes. These usually go away after stopping, but a small group says they persist. That’s why doctors don’t hand it out like candy. You need to know your goals: Are you trying to stop thinning? Preserve what you have? Or grow back lost hair? Finasteride is great for the first two. Less so for the third.

What you’ll find below are real comparisons—how finasteride stacks up against minoxidil, laser devices, PRP, and even natural supplements. No hype. No ads. Just clear, side-by-side breakdowns from people who’ve tried them. You’ll see costs, timelines, success rates, and what actually works for different body types and hair loss stages. Whether you’re just starting out or tired of wasting money on products that don’t deliver, this collection gives you the facts you need to decide.