Fincar (finasteride) is predominantly used to treat male pattern baldness or benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Though less common, Fincar is also sometimes used to help in other conditions.

The way Fincar works is complex. Briefly, it inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, which interacts with testosterone to produce dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone contributes to male pattern baldness and enlarged prostates, so inhibition of production helps these conditions.

Fincar should not be used by men who suffer from low testosterone or who are supplementing testosterone. It should not be used in young men who haven't reached sexual maturity or by women of any age without explicit doctor approval and instruction. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take this medication at all.

Male Pattern Baldness

Male pattern baldness (also sometimes called androgenetic alopecia) is usually a combination of hereditary factors and hormonal factors, and typically begins to affect middle-age or older men. There are exceptions, however.

Two out of three men who take Fincar experience hair regrowth; many of those left do not experience regrowth but will not have further hair loss during treatment. Some individuals simply don't respond to treatment and hair loss will continue; these men are encouraged to speak with a doctor about other treatments.

Treatment typically consists of:

• Take 1 mg once per day.
• Rarely some men will be prescribed 5 mg once per day.
• Provided no adverse effects develop, continue treatment for at least 3 months before assessing results.
• Treatment may continue indefinitely.

Most men will not notice significant results before the 3-month mark. Around 3 months hair regrowth should be visible, though it may take a bit longer for some individuals. Fincar is not a cure; if treatment ends, hair loss will likely resume within 12 months. For this reason treatment often spans years.

Studies indicate that there's no particular benefit to be had from taking higher doses when a small dose produces results; if experiencing regrowth on 1 mg per day, taking 5 mg per day will not cause faster or thicker regrowth.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an enlarged prostate, refers to non-cancerous enlargement. Prostate cancer is a separate issue.

BPH is thought by many to be a natural consequence of aging, but regardless it can produce uncomfortable and painful symptoms as the prostate becomes large enough to impede urine flow, including:

• Difficulty urinating
• Hesitation at the start of urination
• Frequent urge to urinate
• Sudden urge to urinate
• Decreased urine flow
• Urine retention
• Feeling like the bladder is full
• Urinary tract infections

If severe enough, surgery may be needed to release trapped urine. Again Fincar is not a cure, but will help alleviate symptoms. Fincar is often administered with other medications to further relieve symptoms or to shrink the enlarged prostate.

Treatment is usually:

• Take 5 mg once per day.
• Treatment may continue indefinitely.

It will take 3 to 6 months of treatment before effects are noticeable. Symptoms should be improved and the risk of surgical intervention is reduced. If no improvements are seen after 6 months, speak with a doctor about alternative treatments.

Warnings & Adverse Effects

Side effects associated with Fincar are rare and usually transient, meaning they stop occurring as the body adjusts to treatment. There are two exceptions; prostate cancer and sexual dysfunction.

There are many types of prostate cancer, and in most of them Fincar use appears to reduce the odds of developing cancer. However, there are a handful of types that are more likely to develop with Fincar use. This is a complex issue and men are advised to discuss it with a doctor, particularly if there is any family history of prostate cancer.

The other side effect is sexual dysfunction. To be clear, sexual dysfunction does not effect all men and in most cases it reverses if treatment with Fincar stops. Men taking Fincar are at increased risk of experiencing impotence, decreased libido, reduced ejaculate, and other sexual symptoms. In studies these symptoms affect 4 to 15 percent of men, and after the first year of treatment instances of sexual dysfunction became indistinguishable from those taking placebo.

If any concerning side effects develop while taking Fincar, don't hesitate to bring them to the attention of a doctor. There are alternative treatments that may be more suitable for an individual.