Male pattern baldness (MPB), androgenetic alopecia, male pattern hair loss – call it what you will. If you have a receding hairline or balding crown, the single most common cause is your hormones. Specifically, that’s dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone your body converts from testosterone. DHT binds to your hair follicles and causes them to shrink, weaken, and stop producing hair. And that’s MPB in a nutshell.

Finasteride works by tackling the root source of DHT. An enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase (5AR) normally converts testosterone into this androgen that causes hair loss. But Finasteride blocks the activity of 5AR, meaning that much less DHT is produced. With less DHT in your system, your hair follicles are able to recover – and, as a result, they start producing thicker, stronger, healthier hair again.

There are no better 5-alpha reductase inhibitors on the market for hair loss. Finasteride causes DHT levels to drop by 60%. Meanwhile, three 5-year Finasteride studies showed 9/10 participants saw their hair loss stop – and more than 3/4 experienced hair regrowth. So, yes, Finasteride does really reverse hair loss. It is an FDA-approved treatment for MPB, and it is used by thousands of men in the UK.

It typically takes 3-6 months before you see any changes, and at least 12 months before you notice significant hair growth. Finasteride works with the natural cycle of shedding and growth – and, unfortunately, these things just take time. Stay committed and take your daily dose – and you’ll see noticeably better hair within a year. When you use Finasteride, persistence and patience are key.

When tackling MPB, the key is to start early. DHT, the hormone behind MPB, can cause your hair follicles to stop producing hair completely – and no medication can help once you’ve reached this stage. That’s why it is crucial to start treatment before you become completely bald – because at that stage there’s no guarantee that Finasteride will work. Catch MPB early and keep your hair for longer.