TLDR Finasteride helps treat male hair loss but may lower sex drive.
Finasteride was a Type II 5 α-reductase inhibitor used primarily for treating androgenetic alopecia in men by reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone in hair follicles. The recommended dosage for adult men was 1 mg taken orally daily, and it was not indicated for children. Common side effects included decreased libido, impotence, and decreased ejaculate volume, while no serious side effects were noted. It was contraindicated in individuals with hypersensitivity to the drug class or its components.
November 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Finasteride 1 mg every other month works as well as daily dose for hair loss maintenance.
June 2019 in “Journal of Drug Delivery and Therapeutics” Finasteride effectively treats hair loss and prostate issues with minimal side effects.
January 2013 in “China Medical Abstract of Dermatology” 
12 citations
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October 2004 in “PubMed” Finasteride, especially in a 1mg dose, effectively slows hair loss and improves hair growth in Japanese men with male pattern hair loss.
10 citations
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June 2001 in “PubMed” Finasteride is effective in growing hair and stopping hair loss in men with mild to moderate alopecia.
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.
3 citations
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October 1995 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Finasteride helps treat skin issues like acne and baldness by blocking testosterone conversion.
