TLDR Taking finasteride every other month can still help with hair loss but may be less effective over time compared to taking it daily.
The study involved 100 male patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), of which 36 completed the study. They were treated with finasteride, either daily or every other month (EOM), for 2 years. Both regimens maintained the therapeutic effect of finasteride, as assessed by global photographic assessment, hair density, and serum and urine concentrations of androgen hormones. However, the EOM group showed a decrease in hair density in the second year, while the daily group showed an increase. The difference in hair density between the two groups was not statistically significant. The study concluded that the EOM regimen could be a viable option for patients with AGA, potentially reducing the financial, physical, and psychological burdens associated with daily intake. Differences in DHT and DHT/T between the good and bad response groups were not statistically significant, but further investigation may reveal a correlation between therapeutic effect and androgenetic hormone.
Cited in this study
9 / 9 results
30 citations
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July 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology” 
11 citations
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February 2019 in “Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride effectively treats hair loss in Korean men for at least 5 years, with V type responding better.
131 citations
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April 2018 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” The document concludes that blocking the internal pathways that create androgens might help treat cancers that depend on sex hormones.
100 citations
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April 2018 in “Molecular and Cellular Endocrinology” Male hormones and their receptors play a key role in hair loss and skin health, with potential new treatments being explored.
51 citations
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August 2012 in “Annals of Dermatology” Asian hair loss differs from Europeans; consider individual needs and psychological well-being for treatment.
38 citations
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June 2003 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings” Finasteride effectively improves hair growth and slows hair loss in men with male pattern baldness.
46 citations
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October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride effectively treats male pattern hair loss with a 1 mg daily dose.
581 citations
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October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride safely and effectively treats male pattern hair loss, but may cause reversible sexual issues and harm male fetuses.
93 citations
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January 1996 in “Clinical Pharmacokinectics” Finasteride helps regrow hair and shrink prostate by reducing DHT, with some sexual side effects.
September 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”
March 2020 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)”
February 2020 in “Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research)” 
33 citations
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March 2016 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Taking 1 mg of finasteride daily can increase hair count and improve hair appearance, but it may have side effects on sexual function and a potential risk of prostate cancer. It may not be effective for postmenopausal women unless taken in higher doses.
November 2014 in “PharmaTutor” Finasteride may help postmenopausal women with hair loss but is not effective for all and should be used cautiously in premenopausal women.
January 2007 in “Inpharma Weekly” Dutasteride is more effective for male pattern baldness than finasteride, and black cohosh extract BNO 1055 is as effective as conjugated estrogens in treating postmenopausal symptoms, with added benefits in reducing sweating and mental symptoms.
June 2001 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology” Finasteride improves hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia.
5 citations
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January 1995 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” A trial found that using finasteride, a hair growth drug, can be effectively measured by comparing before and after photos.
