Every year, more young Dutch men are taking finasteride. In 2024, there were 12,500 users, an increase of almost 17% compared to the previous year. Most are between 25 and 30 years old. This says something about how severely hair loss affects people, and how quickly they seek a solution.
Finasteride works. But there's more to it than most users realize beforehand. This article gives you an honest picture.
What exactly does finasteride do?
Hair loss in men is largely caused by DHT, a hormone that forms when testosterone is converted by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. DHT binds to hair follicles and causes them to slowly shrink. Hairs become thinner, shorter, and eventually fall out.
Finasteride blocks that enzyme, thereby reducing DHT production. Less DHT means less attack on the hair follicles.
The drug is available as a 1 mg tablet, specifically intended for hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). The 5 mg version is for prostate problems.
How well does it work?
Quite well. Studies show that finasteride prevents further hair loss in over 80% of men. About a third also see actual hair regrowth. Results become visible after three to six months, sometimes longer.
However: it only works as long as you use it. If you stop, the loss often resumes within a year. So it's not a one-time cure, but a long-term treatment.
The side effects you need to know about
This is often glossed over in most articles. Official clinical studies report sexual side effects in 2 to 4% of users. That sounds low, but it includes erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, or ejaculation problems.
What is less known: for some men, these symptoms persist after they stop taking the drug. This is called post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Science has not yet determined how often this occurs, but it is recognized enough to be taken seriously.
What was officially confirmed in 2025
In May 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA), followed by the Dutch CBG, made an official amendment to the product information for finasteride: suicidal thoughts are no longer only listed as a warning, but as a recognized side effect.
Most cases have been observed in users of the 1 mg variant, precisely the variant used for hair loss. How often it occurs is unknown, but it has been sufficiently demonstrated to be formally included.
As a result, patient cards will be added to packages, and healthcare providers will receive an information letter. Mood swings, depressive thoughts, and decreased libido are now explicitly described as signals where you should immediately stop and call a doctor.
This does not mean that you cannot or should not use finasteride. But it does mean that you should do so consciously, with proper guidance.
Who is finasteride suitable for?
That's not a question you can fully answer yourself, but a doctor can help you make an assessment.
In general, finasteride is recommended for men with a clearly visible and progressive hair loss pattern where the impact on well-being is high. The NHG (Dutch College of General Practitioners) refers to high psychological distress as a condition for prescribing. Furthermore, for men who are willing to use it long-term and monitor for side effects, and for men without a history of mood problems, where the risks may be greater.
What if you don't (yet) choose medication?
Finasteride is not the only effective treatment for hair loss. For men who are earlier in the process, want to avoid side effects, or prefer to start without hormones, there are alternatives that work directly on the hair follicles without affecting DHT production.
The Hairborn Growth Serum contains active ingredients such as Redensyl and caffeine, which stimulate hair follicles and inhibit hair loss without hormonal action. It is not a substitute for finasteride if hair loss is far advanced, but for men who start early or want to postpone medication, it is a serious first step.
What should you take away from this?
Finasteride works, and for some men, it's the right choice. But it is a medication with a side effect profile that goes further than most people expect when they start taking it.
If you are seriously considering it: talk to a general practitioner. Not because it is necessarily dangerous, but because then you will be doing it consciously and know what to look out for.
If you are still early in the process and want to see if you can slow down hair loss without medication, it is worth trying that first.