Reducing Propecia (finasteride) Dose And Catch Up Hair Loss

I’m 48 years old. I was on 1 mg per day of finasteride for some 13 years, with no loss of hair over this period. Last year, I perceived a reduction in libido, and consulted my prescribing doctor. Together we agreed that I would try a lower dose (0.25 mg) to see if my side effects subsided. It has now been 7 months since I started the new dose. My libido is comfortable for me, and I don’t believe that I have lost any hair. My question is, if I’m going to see any ‘catch up ‘ hair loss associated with a dose reduction, in your experience, within what time frame does this normally occur?

Propecia is a great drug (the only FDA approved oral drug) that really works for male pattern balding. But it doesn’t always completely stop the balding process. Your genetic predisposition will eventually win out. Some men do have great long term effects. The sexual side effect of libido or erection associated with Propecia is about 1 to 2 percent and after 10+ years of use it’s hard to imagine that one might start having the side effects of the drug after 10 years. (But it is possible) More probable is that men in their late 40’s would likely have issues with libido and erection due to their age. This is something that must be sorted out between you and your doctor. I am not disagreeing with your course of action as you are under the care of your doctor.

The short answer to your question is that catch up hair loss usually happens with in the first 6 months. It has been reported that a lower than the recommended 1mg dose of finasteride is still effective for the treatment of male pattern balding and the low dose may be working in your case. You really won’t know the subtle changes unless you have a metric to document the changes (such as a miniaturization test or bulk studies).