Varun Malhotra Varun Malhotra Asked 6 months ago

Can finasteride cause hair loss?

I started taking finasteride a few weeks ago for my hair, and I actually feel like I'm losing more hair now, which is quite concerning. Is it possible for finasteride to cause hair loss, especially in the initial stages?

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8 answers

Meera Joshi Meera Joshi Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago
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Actually, it is meant to save your hair, but some people say they face a temporary shedding phase first. For mild hair issues, I always suggest using onion juice or a gentle coconut oil massage. But since finasteride is a proper prescription hormonal drug, please consult your skin doctor before stopping or starting.

Vikas Gupta Vikas Gupta Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

Wait, really? I just started it last week and now I am getting so nervous. I noticed a few extra strands in the shower today and my heart just sank. Has anyone else actually faced more hair loss after starting this? Please let me know, I'm really tensed.

Prerna Sharma Prerna Sharma Joined Feb 2026 6 months ago

Oh god, I know exactly how you feel, I also overanalyze every single side effect on the leaflet! From what I know, there can be an initial 'shedding phase' where weak hairs fall out to make way for stronger ones. Try not to panic, but maybe send a quick text to your dermatologist to make sure everything is on track?

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Consult a dermatologist

Ananya Sen Ananya Sen Joined Jun 2026 4 months ago

Excuse me, I am very new to all this hair treatment stuff and was thinking of asking my doctor about it. Does this shedding phase happen to everyone who takes it? It sounds a bit scary to lose more hair when you are already trying to save it.

Siddharth Das Siddharth Das Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

Man, I completely understand the panic when you see hair falling out after starting a treatment meant to fix it. I used to lose sleep over my hair fall and check my pillow every morning. Just know that this temporary shedding is a known thing for many, but definitely check with your doc to ease your mind.

Kabir Kapoor Kabir Kapoor Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

Hey bro, don't stress too much about this. It is actually super common to see some shedding in the first few weeks because the old hairs are cycling out. It feels scary but it usually means the medicine is starting to work. Keep your head up and let the doc know if it goes on for too long!

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Rahul Verma Rahul Verma Joined Jan 2026 6 months ago

I’ve read about this initial shedding on finasteride too. While you monitor that, try to keep your stress levels down by going for a nice 30-minute walk or a light jog daily if your body feels up to it. Regular exercise really helps with scalp blood circulation and keeps your hormones balanced.

Arjun Rao Arjun Rao Joined Mar 2026 6 months ago

Along with whatever prescription you are taking, don't ignore your basic fuel. Make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet and keeping up with your workouts. Good nutrition and physical activity play a huge role in hair health, no matter what meds you are on.

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