Finasteride

—

evidence score

hormonal

Prescription Only

PropeciaProscar

Selectively inhibits Type II 5-alpha reductase, reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT by approximately 70%. DHT is the primary androgen responsible for miniaturization of hair follicles in androgenic alopecia. Also FDA-approved for BPH at higher doses.

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Approved

Last Sync

Not synced yet

Last Reviewed

Not reviewed yet

Physician Notes

Topical formulations (compounded) reduce systemic DHT suppression and side effect risk. Post-finasteride syndrome is rare but real. Discuss before prescribing. Monitor DHT levels.

FDA Status:FDA-approved (Propecia) for male pattern hair loss.

Monitoring

DHT levels baseline + q6mo
PSA (finasteride halves PSA, double the reading for screening)
Sexual function assessment

Contraindications

Women who are or may become pregnant
Liver disease

Velix Health

Want this prescribed by a board-certified physician?

Velix Health physicians review your labs, build evidence-based protocols, and monitor your progress. Every prescription is referenced.

Apply for Membership

Dosing

Typical

1 mg

0.5 mgRange5 mg

FrequencyDaily

Set height & weight in Settings to see your dose.

Pharmacology

Half-life6-8 hours

Onset3-6 months for visible hair results

Routes

oral

topical

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(24%)—

Quality(24%)—

Sample Size(12%)—

Consistency(14%)—

Replication(8%)—

Recency(18%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Finasteride is currently categorized as a hormonal compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Selective Type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor; reduces DHT by ~70% to prevent follicle miniaturization

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.

Elevated caution signals

1 severe/high side effect flag