A guide to Finasteride

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is a prescription medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness, particularly at the crown and the middle of the scalp. It is currently the most effective hair loss treatment available.
 

How does Finasteride work?

Hair loss in MPB is primarily caused by DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone formed when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (5AR) converts testosterone into DHT. Elevated DHT levels shrink hair follicles, leading to thinning and eventual loss. Finasteride works by blocking 5AR, significantly reducing DHT levels. This allows hair follicles to recover and produce thicker, stronger hair.

Why is Finasteride so effective?

Finasteride is one of the most powerful 5-alpha reductase inhibitors approved for hair loss treatment. 

Research shows it can:

-Up to 60% reduction in DHT levels
-Hair loss halted in around 90% of men
-Noticeable regrowth in over 75% of users across long-term studies

Is Finasteride medically approved?

Absolutely! Rest assured Finasteride is FDA-approved for treating MPB and is used by thousands of men across the UK. It is considered one of the most reliable treatments available for hair loss.

UK Licensed – Approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) 
FDA Approved – Cleared for use in the United States since 1997 
Globally Recognized – Approved by medical authorities worldwide 

It is a first-line treatment prescribed by hair loss specialists worldwide, and recommended in clinical guidelines for male pattern baldness.
 

When will I see results?

Finasteride typically takes 3–6 months of consistent daily use to show visible improvement. To maintain results treatment must continue long-term. If stopped, any regrowth usually reverses within 12 months.
Starting early is key—the longer DHT, hormone responsible for male pattern baldness, affects the hair follicle, the harder it is to revive, and it can eventually cause hair follicles to stop producing hair altogether.To give yourself the best chance of regrowing and maintaining hair, it’s important to begin treatment before hair loss becomes severe.

Why should I choose MANUAL for Finasteride?

Alongside your medication with MANUAL, you also receive:

-Expert oversight from UK-licensed clinicians
-Personalised treatment plans
-Ongoing support throughout your hair restoration journey
-Regular monitoring to help you achieve the best possible results

How to take Finasteride

We offer Finasteride in a 1mg oral tablet. It should be taken once daily, with or without food, and at the same time each day for the best results.
 

Learn more about using Finasteride

To find out more on how to use Finasteride, watch the video below:
 

Ingredients in Finasteride

Active Ingredients

Finasteride 1mg (per film-coated tablet)

Other Ingredients
Tablet Core:
Lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose (E460), pregelatinized maize starch, sodium starch glycolate (type-A), lauryl macrogolglycerides, magnesium stearate (E572)
Film Coating:
Hypromellose (E464), titanium dioxide (E171), macrogol 6000, iron oxide red (E172), iron oxide yellow (E172)

What are the Side Effects of Finasteride?

Finasteride is well-tolerated by most men, with 98.6% of men reporting no serious side effects in clinical trials.

Common Side Effects
A small percentage of men may experience these mild side effects that often resolve on their own and are generally temporary:
Dizziness
Slight weakness
Mild swelling in the hands
Sexual Side Effects

Sexual Side Effects are rare:
-Occur in under 2% of men
-Usually resolve with continued use or after stopping

May include:
Reduced libido
Changes in erectile function
Changes in ejaculation

It’s important to note that most cases of reported sexual side effects involve the higher 5mg dose used for prostate conditions—not the 1mg dose for hair loss, and no statistically significant link has been found between the 1mg dose and sexual side effects .
 

Monitoring and Support with MANUAL

-Regular check-ins with clinicians

-Easy messaging access through your account

-Adjustments to your treatment plan when needed
 

When to seek help

While serious side effects are extremely rare, support is always available. For mild concerns, contact the MANUAL clinical team via your account

For urgent medical issues, contact your GP or speak with one of our clinicians directly:
Call 020 4538 8411 → Option 3 (Mon–Fri, 09:00–17:00)