Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral medication used primarily to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. For hair loss, finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps to slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
For BPH, finasteride is prescribed to reduce the size of the prostate gland and alleviate symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate during the night. By blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, finasteride reduces the amount of DHT in the prostate gland, which helps to shrink the gland and improve urinary flow.
Finasteride is typically taken once daily as a 5 mg tablet. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not exceed the recommended amount. Finasteride may cause side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume. These side effects are usually temporary and resolve once the medication is discontinued.