Finasteride: What It Is, How It Works, and What Alternatives You Should Know

When you hear Finasteride, a prescription medication used to treat male pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia by blocking the hormone DHT. Also known as Proscar or Propecia, it’s one of the few FDA-approved drugs that actually slows hair thinning and reduces prostate size. Unlike lotions or supplements that promise results without proof, finasteride has decades of clinical data behind it. But it’s not magic—it works for some, doesn’t work for others, and comes with side effects you need to understand before starting.

Finasteride targets DHT, dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and enlarges the prostate in genetically sensitive men. That’s why it’s used for two very different conditions: hair loss on the scalp and urinary issues from an enlarged prostate. The same pill, different doses. A 1mg tablet is for hair, 5mg for the prostate. Many men don’t realize they’re taking the same active ingredient—just in different amounts. And because it’s been around so long, there are dozens of generic finasteride, lower-cost versions of the brand-name drug made by other manufacturers that contain the same active ingredient available, often at a fraction of the price.

But finasteride isn’t the only option. Men looking for alternatives often turn to minoxidil, a topical solution that stimulates blood flow to hair follicles, or explore natural supplements like saw palmetto—even though the science isn’t as strong. Others consider newer drugs like dutasteride, which blocks more types of DHT-producing enzymes. Some even look into lifestyle changes, stress reduction, or laser therapy. The posts below dig into real comparisons: how finasteride stacks up against other treatments, what side effects people actually report, and when it’s worth the risk.

You’ll find honest breakdowns of generic vs. brand, what the long-term effects really look like, and how men manage the trade-offs between results and side effects. No hype. No marketing. Just what the data and real users show. Whether you’re considering finasteride for the first time or wondering if there’s something better, the guides here give you the facts you need to decide—without the confusion.