A viewer named Prabhas asked Dr. John Watts, a dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad, whether increasing his Finasteride dose from three times a week -- as prescribed -- to five times a week would reduce the chances of a recurring hair-shedding phase.
What Finasteride Does
Finasteride works by blocking DHT, the hormone responsible for pattern hair loss. It's an effective treatment for baldness, but Dr. Watts is emphatic that it should only ever be taken on a doctor's prescription -- never adjusted on your own.
Increasing the Dose Won't Help
"Usually, hair shedding does not occur when taking Finasteride. This is more common with Minoxidil users," Dr. Watts explains. In rare cases, some Finasteride users may experience temporary hair shedding, but this isn't a cause for concern. His advice: if your dermatologist prescribed it three times a week, there's no need to increase it to five. And if your doctor already prescribed five times a week, you can continue that without worry -- it won't cause shedding either way.
Never Stop Without Medical Advice
"However, you should never stop taking Finasteride unless you experience adverse side effects," Dr. Watts advises. While Finasteride can occasionally cause side effects related to sexual function, he recommends checking in with a dermatologist or physician every three months to review its use and flag any issues. Even if baldness appears to have stopped progressing, patients -- especially those with a family history of baldness -- should not discontinue the medication on their own, based on self-decision.
The broader lesson Dr. Watts offers is that hair loss medications work on a schedule determined by clinical evidence, not by how often or how much a patient decides to use on their own. Sticking to the prescribed frequency -- whether that's three times or five times a week -- gives the medication the best chance to work as intended.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Will taking more Finasteride than prescribed give faster results?
No. Dr. Watts advises against increasing the dose beyond what your dermatologist prescribed -- it won't speed up results and should never be self-adjusted.
Does Finasteride cause hair shedding?
Hair shedding is uncommon with Finasteride and more typically associated with Minoxidil. Rare, temporary shedding with Finasteride isn't a cause for concern.
Can I stop taking Finasteride once my hair loss has stopped?
No, Dr. Watts advises against stopping on your own, especially if you have a family history of baldness -- only stop if advised by your dermatologist or if you experience adverse side effects.
How often should Finasteride users check in with their doctor?
Dr. Watts recommends consulting your dermatologist or physician about once every three months to review use and any side effects.
