Finasteride is approved to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).In the scalp, finasteride lowers the

levels of a male hormone, which is a major cause of male pattern hair loss. In this way, finasteride helps to slow

the balding process, preventing further hair loss, and leading to increased hair growth in some patients.
 

The improvement rate varies from person to person; it usually occurs after the medication has been used for at

least 3 months and lasts only as long as the medication continues to be used. Hair loss will begin again within 3

to 6 months after stopping the medication.