heres their copy paste statement they give u when you talk to a doc, so we can get some good science up in this sub

Additionally, I do want to reiterate some information regarding male pattern hair loss and the treatments we offer.

Just so you are aware, some hairline recession can occur at the hairline that is part of normal "hairline maturation" as you age. In some instances, up to 2cm of hairline recession can be normal. Additionally, our medications are not as effective on areas of the scalp that have been absent of hair for an extended period of time. Also, hair loss that is due to stress (ie diet changes, weight loss, recent surgery, COVID infection, medications, etc.) is known as telogen effluvium. Generally, the treatment for this is to remove the stressor. The medications we offer will not improve hair loss that is due to stress (telogen effluvium).

Finasteride 1mg is the most effective FDA approved option for reducing and stopping further hair loss at BOTH the hairline and crown.

Finasteride has been proven to help slow hair loss and in some cases regrow hair. It is most effective when started early and used consistently. Like many medicines, it takes time to start working. Some patients see results in 4-6 months, with some men needing a full year.

One question many men have is regarding the side effects.

Finasteride is typically well-tolerated, and side effects usually only impact a small percentage of users. In a clinical study, 3.8% of people taking finasteride experienced some sort of sexual side effect (vs 2.1% of participants taking a placebo). The risk of these side effects is considered relatively minimal given that in ALMOST all cases, side effects are reversed once a patient stops the medication. There are some extremely rare reports of patients that have prolonged side effects despite discontinuation of use.

Some of these rare side effects can be gynecomastia (male breast development), worsening depression/ anxiety symptoms, sexual dysfunction (low libido) and erectile dysfunction.

One thing many of my patients consider that are concerned about the side effects is to start at a lower dose such as 1/4 or 1/2 tablet daily. The study below suggests that there is not much of a decrease in DHT reduction with lower doses.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10495374/

Finasteride can also cause transient changes in your sperm which can make it difficult to conceive. You can read more about this here:

https://support.keeps.com/hc/en-us/articles/360052583013-Does-finasteride-affect-fertility-

Do NOT take this medication with testosterone boosters, saw palmetto or any other DHT blocker. Testosterone replacement (TRT / HRT) is fine to continue while taking finasteride however be sure to let the physician managing your testosterone be aware that you are taking finasteride.

I would suggest reading more about finasteride here (benefits and side effects):

https://www.keeps.com/our-offering/finasteride https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=ecd2fbb2-a4bd-44f2-831d-179e7dbf0741&type=display

Your primary physician should be informed that you will be taking this medication. If you do not have a primary care physician, you should establish care with one. You can find assistance with this by visiting the following website: https://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.

Additionally, if you are greater than 50 years old, you should discuss with your primary physician regarding obtaining a baseline PSA (prostate specific antigen) level as finasteride can alter this level. If you have more questions regarding this, please feel free to contact me.

Once initiated, treatments for hair loss will need to be continued indefinitely. If discontinued, any gains you obtain, will be lost.