Finasteride 1mg tablets box of 28 with blister strip of round tablets

Finasteride

How it works

Blocks DHT, the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink

Effect

Stops hair loss in 90% of men, with 66% experiencing regrowth

From

£14.99

/month

This treatment option is subject to a consultation followed by clinical review.

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What is Finasteride?

Finasteride 1mg is a prescription tablet used to treat male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). It’s the generic version of Propecia and works by blocking the hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

First approved in 1997, Finasteride has over 25 years of clinical data proving its safety and effectiveness. It’s the most studied and widely prescribed hair loss treatment in the world, with millions of men using it successfully.

Unlike topical treatments, Finasteride works from the inside out — addressing the root cause of hair loss rather than just treating symptoms. Most men see hair loss stop within 3 months and visible regrowth within 6-12 months.

How effective is Finasteride?

Finasteride is backed by over 25 years of clinical evidence and is the most studied hair loss treatment available. Here’s what the data shows after 2 years of treatment:

  • 9 out of 10 men (90%) stop or significantly slow hair loss with continued use.
  • 2 in 3 men (66%) experience visible hair regrowth, most noticeably at the crown and mid-scalp.
  • Long-term studies show sustained results for 10+ years with continued daily use.

Best results are seen when treatment starts early, before significant hair loss has occurred. The sooner you start, the more hair you can save.

Slim man and a heavier man standing back to back, showing different body shapes

How does Finasteride work?

Finasteride targets the root cause of male pattern baldness — a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that shrinks hair follicles over time.

By blocking DHT production, Finasteride protects your follicles and allows them to recover. Here’s what that means for you:

01

The cause — DHT: Male pattern baldness is caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone made from testosterone. In men genetically prone to hair loss, DHT shrinks hair follicles until they stop producing visible hair.

02

Blocks DHT production: Finasteride blocks the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that converts testosterone to DHT. This reduces scalp DHT levels by around 70%, protecting your hair follicles from further damage.

03

Follicles recover: With DHT levels reduced, miniaturised hair follicles can return to their normal size, producing thicker, healthier hair. Most men see visible improvement within 6-12 months.

04

Testosterone unaffected: Finasteride doesn’t lower testosterone — it actually slightly increases it because less is being converted to DHT. It won’t affect your ability to build muscle or your athletic performance.

05

Combine for maximum results: For the best outcome, many men combine Finasteride with topical Minoxidil. Finasteride stops the cause (DHT) while Minoxidil stimulates follicle growth externally — studies show the combination produces better results than either alone.

Smiling woman with curly hair in a turquoise vest top exercising outdoors in the sunshine
Smiling woman with curly hair in a turquoise vest top exercising outdoors in the sunshine

Who is eligible for Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription treatment for men experiencing male pattern baldness. If you’ve noticed your hair thinning or your hairline receding, it may be the right option to stop further loss and promote regrowth.

Here’s what’s involved:

  • Eligibility: You must be a man aged 18 or over experiencing male pattern baldness (receding hairline, thinning crown).
  • Long-term commitment: Finasteride works best as a continuous treatment. Stopping will reverse the benefits within around 12 months.
  • Start early: Best results are seen when treatment begins early, before significant hair loss has occurred. The sooner you start, the more hair you can save.
  • Assessment process: To be considered, you’ll complete an online questionnaire about your health and hair loss history.
  • Clinical review: A Trimu clinician will review your answers and medical history to decide if Finasteride is the right option for you.

Who shouldn’t use Finasteride?

Finasteride isn’t suitable for everyone. It should not be used if you:

  • Are female — Finasteride can cause birth defects. Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets.
  • Are under 18 years old.
  • Have liver disease.
  • Are allergic to finasteride or any of its ingredients.
  • Have prostate cancer or have PSA testing planned.
  • Have hair loss from other causes (e.g., stress, illness, medication).

Instructions

How to take Finasteride

Taking Finasteride couldn’t be simpler — it’s one small tablet taken once a day, with or without food. Take it at roughly the same time each day to build a consistent routine. There’s no need for injections, topical application, or special storage. Just swallow the tablet whole with water and get on with your day.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1

Take one tablet daily

  • Take one 1mg Finasteride tablet every day, at roughly the same time each day.
  • Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or break the tablets.
  • You can take Finasteride with or without food — it doesn’t affect absorption.

Step 2

Be patient with results

  • You may experience temporary increased shedding in the first few weeks — this is normal and indicates the treatment is working.
  • Hair loss typically stops within 3 months. Visible regrowth usually begins between 6-12 months.
  • Results continue to improve up to 2 years, so stick with it even if you don’t see immediate changes.

Step 3

Continue long-term

  • For best results, continue taking Finasteride indefinitely. Stopping treatment will cause DHT levels to return to normal within about 2 weeks.
  • If you stop, any hair you regained will gradually be lost over 6-12 months. Long-term studies show sustained results for 10+ years with continued use.
  • Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and direct sunlight.

Step 4

If you miss a dose

  • If you miss a dose, simply skip it and take your next dose as normal the following day.
  • Don’t take a double dose to make up for the one you missed.
  • Missing the occasional dose won’t significantly affect your results, but try to be as consistent as possible for the best outcome.

FAQs

Things you should know about Finasteride

Yes, Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia. They contain exactly the same active ingredient (finasteride 1mg) and work identically. The only difference is the brand name and price — generic Finasteride is significantly cheaper.

Finasteride is most effective at the crown (top/back of head) and mid-scalp. Hairline regrowth is possible but less predictable. The hairline area has different characteristics that make it more resistant to treatment. For many men, Finasteride helps maintain the hairline and prevents further recession, even if full regrowth doesn’t occur.

If you stop Finasteride, DHT levels return to normal within about 2 weeks. Hair loss will resume and any hair you regained will gradually be lost over 6-12 months. You’ll return to where you would have been without treatment. This is why Finasteride is considered a long-term commitment.

No. Finasteride doesn’t lower testosterone — it actually slightly increases it because less testosterone is converted to DHT. It won’t affect your ability to build muscle or your athletic performance. DHT isn’t needed for muscle development; testosterone is.

Initial shedding is common and actually a good sign. It means the treatment is working. Weak, miniaturised hairs are being pushed out to make way for thicker, healthier hair growth. This “shedding phase” typically lasts 2-4 weeks and should be followed by visible improvement.

Finasteride can reduce sperm count in some men, though this typically reverses after stopping. If you’re actively trying to conceive and concerned, discuss with your doctor. Many men father children while on Finasteride without issues, but it’s a personal decision based on your circumstances.

Yes, combining both is often recommended for maximum results. They work through different mechanisms — Finasteride blocks DHT internally while Minoxidil stimulates follicles externally. Studies show the combination produces better results than either alone. Many men start with Finasteride and add Minoxidil later if they want more regrowth.

Most men experience no side effects. Uncommon effects (1-2%) include decreased libido, erectile difficulties, and reduced ejaculate volume — these usually resolve when stopping treatment or often improve with continued use. Rare effects include breast tenderness, testicular pain, depression, and skin rash. In clinical trials, side effect rates were only slightly higher than placebo, meaning many reported effects may be unrelated to the medication. If you experience any concerning symptoms, stop taking the medication and consult a doctor.

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About Trimu

Meet the team

Clinicians, pharmacists, and founders building a better way to get treatment.

  • Dr Babatunde Osarumwense

    Doctor & Pharmacist

    GMC: 7950243 · GPhC: 2074533

  • DaizLee Ahmad

    Independent Prescribing Pharmacist

    GPhC: 2230743

  • Babar Arshad

    Superintendent Pharmacist

    GPhC: 2074066

  • Charles Cook

    CTO & Co-founder

  • Mitchell Anderson

    Co-founder

Why you can trust Trimu

Regulated care from a registered UK pharmacy

Safe, discreet treatment — reviewed by qualified clinicians and dispensed by our own UK-registered pharmacy.

Registered UK pharmacy

Dispensed by a GPhC-registered UK pharmacy (premises 1037748).

Reviewed by registered clinicians

GMC-registered doctors and GPhC-registered pharmacists check every case before any treatment is approved.

Discreet, ongoing support

Free, discreet delivery and clinical support throughout your treatment.

Our mission

Trimu began with a simple belief: getting safe, effective treatment shouldn’t be expensive, complicated, or embarrassing. We pair UK-registered clinicians with our own regulated pharmacy to offer honest advice, fair prices, and genuinely discreet care — so you can get on with feeling better.