Although hair loss is common, it can affect your self-confidence, and many people with male pattern hair loss seek pharmaceutical solutions.
One option is the medication finasteride, which is also known by its brand name, Propecia.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first approved finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), it has now expanded the approval to include the treatment of hair loss. This expanded approval includes more appropriate dosing for male pattern hair loss.
Is it better to use finasteride when first waking?
To date, no research suggests that the daily timing of finasteride (Propecia) significantly affects its effectiveness.
The finasteride (Propecia) package label states that you should take it once per day. It does not suggest that taking it at a specific time of day improves how well it works.
A 2022 article explains that food does not affect the absorption of finasteride. So taking it before breakfast or later in the day after you’ve eaten should not make a notable difference.
Instead, the key is to take it consistently to get the best results from finasteride. That means the best time to take finasteride is whenever it is convenient and easily fits into your daily routine.
How does finasteride work?
Finasteride (Propecia) is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It blocks how much testosterone your body converts into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 70–90%. DHT is a hormone linked to hair loss, especially in cases of male pattern hair loss.
By curbing DHT production, finasteride helps slow hair loss, but since it works on a hormonal level, it can take 6–12 months to work.
As its effects are slow and cumulative, this is likely why it remains effective despite the time of day you take it.
What to know about male pattern hair loss
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition.
It is common, especially as you age. A 2019 review notes that it affects up to 80% of men by the age of 80 years.
The condition is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, often following a distinct pattern. Hormonal factors, especially DHT levels, play a big role in hair loss progression.
Because finasteride reduces DHT levels, it can help slow the progression of hair loss and may even stimulate regrowth in some people.
However, hair loss can have other causes, including:
- autoimmune conditions
- systemic conditions like diabetes
- nutrient deficiencies like iron
- hormonal imbalances like thyroid hormones
If you experience hair loss or baldness, consider consulting a healthcare professional for diagnosis and to learn whether any other health conditions could be a cause.
Alternatives to finasteride
While finasteride is a popular choice, it’s not the only option. There are several pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical alternatives to consider and discuss with a healthcare professional.
Medications
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): This is the only other FDA-approved medication for pattern baldness. It’s a topical solution you apply directly to the scalp. Unlike finasteride (Propecia), minoxidil (Rogaine) stimulates hair growth rather than inhibiting hormonal processes. You can purchase it over the counter (OTC), and it may work well if paired with finasteride.
- Dutasteride (Advodart): Dutasteride (Adovart) is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It is more effective at reducing DHT levels than finasteride (Propecia) and could benefit those who do not see results from other medications. However, it does not yet have FDA approval for treating hair loss, and if a healthcare professional prescribed it in this way, it would be considered off-label use.
- Hormonal therapy: If your hair loss is linked with hormonal imbalances, such as thyroid imbalances, hormonal therapy might improve hair growth and reduce hair loss.
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