Initiation of hair fallout as a side effect of finasteride use, often referred to as finasteride shedding, is a temporary phenomenon experienced by some individuals. It typically manifests as increased hair loss shortly after commencing the medication. The exact timing of this initial shedding phase varies, but it is commonly observed within the first one to three months of treatment.
Understanding the timeline of potential side effects is crucial for patient adherence and managing expectations. While experiencing increased hair loss can be concerning, it is generally indicative of the medication’s mechanism of action. Finasteride works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in androgenetic alopecia. The shedding phase represents the hair follicles adjusting to the reduced DHT levels and cycling through the telogen (resting) phase before entering a new, healthier growth cycle.