Is Hair Loss Treatment Worth It Long Term?

Hair loss can be a deeply personal and often distressing issue, but for many patients, treatments like finasteride offer hope. If you’re considering long-term hair loss solutions, you may be wondering about the potential side effects and effectiveness, especially given the considerable out-of-pocket cost. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know about finasteride and other treatment options.

Finasteride is a prescription medication approved in Australia for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and is covered by the PBS [3]. It works by inhibiting an enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is a key driver of androgenetic alopecia, a genetic condition in which hair follicles shrink over time. By reducing DHT levels by 60–70%, finasteride can slow hair loss and, in many cases, promote partial regrowth.

Clinical studies consistently show finasteride’s effectiveness for what’s called male pattern baldness. A landmark 1998 study found that 83% of men taking 1 mg daily experienced no further hair loss after two years, with 66% showing increased hair growth. Long-term use (up to five years) has been linked to sustained improvements in hair density, particularly at the vertex and mid-scalp. However, it’s less effective for frontal hairline thinning. And it has also been linked to mood changes, including depression, depressed mood and suicidal ideation in some users. (This information is already included in the product information for finasteride medicines. [4])

For women, research is limited, and finasteride remains off-label in many countries. There are other medicated hair loss solutions, such as Minoxidil, that are typically recommended for women. Due to its hormonal effects, it’s not recommended for women of childbearing age, during pregnancy or breastfeeding at all.

Finasteride doesn’t offer a quick solution to hair loss. Because hair takes time to return to its growth phase and regrow, progress with most hair loss treatments is slow. With Finasteride, if the treatment does work for patients, they typically notice a reduction in shedding within a few months.

Visible regrowth or thickening can take 6-12 months. These benefits can be maintained through continuous use. If you stop the medication, hair loss typically resumes within a year.

Finasteride works best in men with early to moderate hair thinning, especially those under 40, who use it consistently. You must be properly assessed before starting treatment. Finasteride will typically work for male pattern baldness. It is not suitable for scarring alopecia or non-hormonal hair loss.

Are There Side Effects?

While most users tolerate finasteride well, potential side effects include:

• Decreased libido or sexual function.
• Mood changes (e.g., depression or anxiety).
• Breast tenderness or enlargement.

If you start on Finasteride and experience depressed mood or suicidal ideation, you should discontinue and contact your doctor immediately. Most side effects resolve after discontinuation, but rare cases of persistent symptoms, the so-called post-finasteride syndrome, have been reported.

Finasteride is generally considered safe for long-term use, but regular check-ins with a healthcare provider are recommended [2]. Some patients also combine Finasteride with other treatments, such as Minoxidil (Rogaine), although under medical guidance.

Finasteride isn’t the only option for hair loss, of course. Other approaches – depending on your diagnosis - include:

• Minoxidil: An over-the-counter topical treatment that can slow hair loss and promote regrowth.
• Hair Transplants: A surgical option for permanent hair restoration.
• Laser Therapy: FDA-approved low-level laser devices may improve hair density, though long-term data is still limited.

Regardless of which option you are interested in, a GP consult is a crucial first step. Having your condition’s severity, progression and expression assessed helps determine the best treatment plan for you. MediCompare has vetted telehealth providers for hair loss, bearing in mind that you may need blood tests or a physical assessment in some cases. (Some of these services can be arranged through telehealth providers, too.) There are specialised providers, such as Mosh, that may have doctors, especially skilled in treating hair loss.

Choosing the right path for your hair loss needs is a deeply personal choice. If you’re wondering whether Finasteride is worth it or whether you should explore other avenues, it’s helpful to know that Finasteride is not only a valuable tool for many male patients, it is also covered on the PBS [3], reducing the cost significantly.

It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness depends on individual factors like age, hair loss stage, and your adherence to the treatment plan [1]. For women or patients with non-hormonal hair loss, alternatives like minoxidil or lifestyle adjustments may be more appropriate.

If you’ve been taking Finasteride for a few months and are not experiencing a change in your condition, you should discuss changing your treatment plan with your doctor.

This article is for informational purposes only and is no substitute for professional medical advice. Please choose your provider with care. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional regarding any health-related questions or concerns.

[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932
[2] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/description/drg-20063819
[3] https://www.pbs.gov.au/medicine/item/4233T
[4] https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/news/measures-minimise-risk-suicidal-thoughts-finasteride-dutasteride-medicines