Finasteride is a prescription oral medication used to treat male pattern hair loss by blocking the hormone responsible for follicle shrinkage. Dr Joel Foo offers confidential consultations in Singapore to assess whether finasteride (alone or in combination with topical treatment) is suitable for your situation.
Medically Reviewed By: Dr Joel Foo MBBS (Singapore), MRCS (Ed), DWD (CAW), GDFM Men's Health Doctor & Family Physician
Last updated: Apr 30, 2026
Finasteride is an oral medication used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). It belongs to a class of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, which reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body — the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in genetically susceptible men.
Finasteride at 1 mg daily was approved for male pattern hair loss in the late 1990s and has been widely studied since. It is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore — a doctor must review your medical history before prescribing. Finasteride is not suitable for women of childbearing potential and requires careful discussion for men planning to conceive.
Finasteride addresses the hormonal root cause of male pattern baldness:
Unlike topical treatments that stimulate follicles locally, finasteride works systemically — it reaches hair follicles across the whole scalp through the bloodstream. This is why it addresses both crown thinning and hairline recession, though results at the hairline are typically more modest than at the crown.
Finasteride is a prescription medicine, so suitability is determined by your doctor after a proper clinical assessment.
A consultation with Dr Joel Foo helps confirm whether finasteride is the right option for you, review your medical history, and set realistic expectations before starting treatment.
Finasteride is simple to take — a single tablet once a day — but consistency is critical for results.
Finasteride is generally well-tolerated and most men experience no side effects, but there are recognised risks to understand and discuss before starting. Some reported effects can be serious and have been acknowledged by the US FDA and health authorities in Canada, the UK, Korea and New Zealand.
Clinical trials report these effects in around 2% to 4% of men, though real-world pharmacovigilance data suggests rates may be higher. For most men, these effects are mild and resolve after stopping the medication. However, a subset of men report persistent sexual dysfunction that continues after discontinuation — a phenomenon sometimes referred to as "post-finasteride syndrome" and acknowledged by multiple national regulators. The exact frequency remains under study.
The FDA label for finasteride includes depression and suicidal ideation as postmarketing adverse events, and several studies and meta-analyses have reported an increased risk of these symptoms in men taking finasteride. If you have a history of depression or mood disorders, or if you develop new or worsening low mood, anxiety or suicidal thoughts while taking finasteride, speak with Dr Joel promptly. Do not ignore mental health changes that coincide with starting or taking the medication.
If you experience side effects that concern you, speak with Dr Joel before stopping — adjusting the dose or a temporary pause may be options, but do not ignore serious symptoms.
Finasteride works gradually. Visible benefit takes months rather than weeks, and consistent daily use is critical.
Important: benefit is maintained only while taking finasteride. If you stop, DHT levels return to baseline and hair loss typically resumes at the previous rate within 6 to 12 months, with gained hair gradually lost. Long-term daily use is needed.
Dr Joel Foo offers confidential consultations to assess whether finasteride is suitable for you, review your medical history, and discuss whether to combine it with topical treatment. Finasteride 1 mg starts from $31.61 per box of 30 tablets. Same-day consultation and delivery available on request.
Book Your Appointment TodayConsultation and finasteride pricing at our Jurong clinic. For the full list of hair loss screening options (iron, vitamin, thyroid), see the Hair Loss pricing table.
| Service | Price* |
|---|---|
| Consultation | From $49.05 |
| Finasteride 1 mg | $31.61 (per box of 30 tablets) |
* Prices are NETT and inclusive of GST.
Last updated: Apr 30, 2026. While every effort is made to keep pricing information up to date, please WhatsApp 8893 3757 to confirm the latest rates.
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What men in Singapore most often ask about finasteride and oral hair loss medication.
Finasteride is an oral medication used to treat male pattern hair loss. It belongs to a class of medicines called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in men with genetic sensitivity to DHT.
Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, it slows the shrinking of hair follicles, helps existing thinning hairs thicken, and reduces the rate of further loss. It addresses the hormonal cause of male pattern baldness rather than just stimulating follicles.
Yes. Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine in Singapore. A doctor must assess your suitability before prescribing, as finasteride is not appropriate for all men. A consultation helps confirm the diagnosis, review your medical history, and discuss potential side effects before starting treatment.
The standard dose for hair loss is 1 mg taken orally once daily, with or without food. Consistency is important — taking it at the same time each day improves adherence. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the next dose; do not double up.
Most men notice reduced shedding within 3 months. Visible regrowth and improved density usually appear at 6 months, with maximum benefit reached at 12 months. Baseline and follow-up photos are the most reliable way to track progress.
Clinical trials report sexual side effects (reduced libido, erectile difficulties, decreased ejaculate volume) in around 2% to 4% of men, though real-world data suggests rates may be higher. Most men experience resolution on stopping, but a subset report persistent symptoms ("post-finasteride syndrome") — acknowledged by the FDA and several national regulators. Finasteride can also affect mood: the FDA label lists depression and suicidal ideation as postmarketing adverse events. Dr Joel will discuss your personal risk factors and monitor for symptoms during follow-up.
Yes. Combining oral finasteride with topical minoxidil is a common approach for moderate to advanced male pattern baldness. They work through different mechanisms — finasteride blocks the DHT that shrinks follicles, while minoxidil stimulates follicles directly — so combination therapy often produces better results than either alone.
Finasteride is not suitable for women of childbearing potential (it can cause birth defects if handled or taken during pregnancy), men planning to conceive (discuss with your doctor), or anyone with a known allergy to finasteride. Men with liver conditions or planning a PSA test should also inform their doctor, as finasteride lowers PSA levels.
If you stop taking finasteride, DHT levels return to normal and hair loss typically resumes at the previous rate within 6 to 12 months, with gained hair lost gradually. Finasteride does not permanently change follicle biology — it suppresses the hormonal driver while taken. Long-term use is needed to maintain benefits.
Consultations start from $49.05. Finasteride 1 mg is $31.61 per box of 30 tablets. Please WhatsApp 8893 3757 to confirm the latest rates based on your specific needs.
Dr Joel practises at our Jurong clinic. Medication from telemedicine consultations can be collected at any location, with other male physicians also available.
Message us on WhatsApp for a private consultation with Dr Joel Foo — in person at Jurong or via telemedicine follow-up.