What is the recommended dosage for Propecia (finasteride) for male pattern baldness?

The recommended dosage for Propecia (finasteride) in treating male pattern baldness is 1 mg daily. This dosage has been established through clinical studies demonstrating its effectiveness in promoting hair regrowth and preventing further hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia. At this dose, finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone linked to hair loss.

Taking 1 mg daily strikes a balance between efficacy in treating hair loss and minimizing potential side effects. Higher doses, such as 5 mg or 10 mg, are typically associated with the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia rather than hair loss, highlighting that the specified lower dosage is both adequate and recommended for addressing male pattern baldness specifically.