Finasteride is a medication commonly prescribed to treat androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Its mechanism involves inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a primary hormone implicated in both conditions; its reduction slows hair loss and prostate growth. Discontinuing the medication interrupts this inhibitory process, allowing DHT levels to gradually return to baseline.
Consistency in maintaining lowered DHT levels is key to the drug’s efficacy. Consistent medication intake yields the intended therapeutic effect. The duration of effectiveness can vary depending on individual metabolism and the specific condition being treated. Any interruption to the prescribed regimen alters the hormonal balance, potentially leading to a resurgence of the underlying conditions symptoms.
