For many men, the reality of hair loss can appear much sooner than anticipated, sometimes even in their twenties. Often, it begins with slight changes: a hairline that starts to retreat, more strands clogging the shower, or a thinning area at the top of the scalp. Like men worldwide, Irish men may find these changes quietly impacting their confidence, sense of self, and overall wellbeing.
As awareness of men’s health issues has increased, so has the interest in treatment options. One name that frequently surfaces is finasteride. But can it truly halt hair loss permanently? And what does “permanently” even mean when dealing with a gradual and genetic condition such as male pattern baldness?
This article delves into the science of finasteride, how it operates, who it benefits, and why, while it may not be the miracle some hope for, it remains a significant aid to many.
The Core Problem: Understanding DHT
To appreciate how treatments like finasteride work, it’s crucial to first understand the primary culprit behind most men’s hair loss: DHT, or dihydrotestosterone.
DHT is a hormone that derives from testosterone. While it’s essential during puberty and plays a role in male characteristics, it also attaches to hair follicles on the scalp in men who are genetically inclined to hair loss. Over time, DHT causes these follicles to shrink—a process known as follicular miniaturisation—leading to finer, weaker hair until the follicle ceases to produce visible hair.
Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, results from this process. This is where finasteride proves beneficial.
The Functionality and Limitations of Finasteride
Finasteride is a DHT inhibitor. By hindering the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase (which converts testosterone to DHT), it lowers DHT levels in the body. Reduced DHT equates to less harm to hair follicles, which helps to slow or even stop the progression of hair loss in …
