What is finasteride?
Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers DHT. It is used for androgenetic alopecia and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Full answer
Finasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5-alpha-reductase, reducing scalp DHT exposure and supporting hair retention. It is also used for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Side-effect profile includes potential sexual side effects in a minority of users, which usually resolve with discontinuation but in rare cases persist (post-finasteride syndrome). Within oMeds review, finasteride is provider-prescribed after candidacy review and is monitored over time alongside DHT, total testosterone, and symptom assessment.
Educational. Not a substitute for individualized provider review.
- Hair Restoration pathway — Primary source · oMeds
- Reviewed by Dr. Laura Purdy, MD, MBA · Clinical Director, oMeds · Last reviewed 2026-05-29