Finasteride 1 mg – 30 Tablets

Finasteride 1mg is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone directly responsible for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). For steroid users, Finasteride is the primary pharmaceutical defence against accelerated hair loss caused by androgenic compounds. According to the British National Formulary, Finasteride at 1mg/day reduces scalp DHT levels by approximately 60-70%, significantly slowing or halting hair miniaturisation in genetically predisposed men.

Why Steroid Users Lose Hair

Male pattern baldness is driven by DHT binding to androgen receptors in hair follicles on the scalp. In genetically predisposed individuals (those with a family history of hair loss), DHT causes follicle miniaturisation: hairs become progressively thinner and shorter until the follicle stops producing visible hair entirely. This process is gradual under natural testosterone levels but accelerates dramatically when supraphysiological doses of testosterone or other androgenic steroids are introduced.

The acceleration is compound-dependent. Steroids that convert heavily to DHT or are themselves DHT derivatives cause the most rapid hair loss:

• Highest hair loss risk: Trenbolone, Masteron, Winstrol, Dianabol, Anadrol, Testosterone at high doses
• Moderate risk: Testosterone at moderate doses (300-500mg/week)
• Lowest risk: Anavar, Nandrolone (Deca/NPP), Primobolan (though Primo is DHT-derived, its androgenic activity is low)

How Finasteride Protects Hair

Finasteride works by inhibiting the Type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which is responsible for converting approximately 70% of circulating testosterone to DHT. By blocking this conversion, Finasteride reduces the amount of DHT reaching hair follicles, slowing or stopping the miniaturisation process.

Critical limitation: Finasteride only blocks the testosterone-to-DHT pathway. It does not protect against hair loss from compounds that are already DHT derivatives (Masteron, Winstrol, Proviron) or compounds that cause hair loss through non-DHT mechanisms (Trenbolone). For these compounds, the only hair protection is avoiding them entirely or using topical treatments like minoxidil and ketoconazole shampoo alongside Finasteride.

Suggested Protocol

• Dose: 1mg per day (standard). Some users use 0.5mg/day with similar efficacy and fewer side effects
• Timing: take at the same time each day. Morning or evening, consistency matters most
• Duration: throughout the cycle and for 2-4 weeks after PCT completion. DHT levels will rebound when Finasteride is stopped
• Most effective with: Testosterone-based cycles where DHT conversion is the primary hair loss mechanism
• NOT effective against: Trenbolone, Masteron, Winstrol-induced hair loss (these are not mediated by 5-alpha reductase)

Complementary Hair Protection Stack

For maximum hair protection during steroid use, many users combine:

• Finasteride 1mg/day (systemic DHT reduction)
• Minoxidil 5% solution (topical scalp application, stimulates hair growth via vasodilation)
• Ketoconazole 2% shampoo (Nizoral, used 2-3x per week, has mild local anti-androgenic activity on the scalp)
• Compound selection: choosing low-androgenic steroids like Anavar or NPP over high-androgenic options

Side Effects of Finasteride

• Reduced DHT levels: this is the intended effect but DHT plays roles beyond hair. Some users report reduced libido, mild erectile difficulty, or reduced ejaculate volume. These effects are dose-dependent and reversible upon discontinuation
• Finasteride and Nandrolone warning: do NOT use Finasteride with Nandrolone (Deca/NPP). Nandrolone is reduced by 5-alpha reductase to a less androgenic metabolite (DHN). Blocking this conversion with Finasteride causes Nandrolone itself to act on hair follicles, actually worsening hair loss on Deca/NPP
• Mood changes: a small percentage of users report depressive symptoms. Discontinue if this occurs
• Generally well-tolerated at 1mg/day based on decades of clinical use for both hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia

Key Facts

• Active ingredient: Finasteride 1mg per tablet
• Class: 5-alpha reductase inhibitor (Type II)
• Half-life: 6-8 hours (but DHT suppression lasts 24+ hours, allowing once-daily dosing)
• DHT reduction: approximately 60-70% at 1mg/day
• Onset: DHT levels drop within 24 hours. Visible hair benefits take 3-6 months

For a full breakdown of androgenic side effects by compound, read our Steroid Side Effects Guide. Also available: Accutane for steroid-related acne management.