If you’ve heard the name Proscar and wondered what it actually does, you’re in the right place. Proscar is the brand name for finasteride, a prescription pill that shrinks an enlarged prostate and can also slow down male‑pattern hair loss. It’s taken once a day, usually at 5 mg for prostate issues and 1 mg for hair loss, so it’s easy to fit into a daily routine.
The drug works by blocking an enzyme called 5‑alpha‑reductase. This enzyme turns testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone that makes the prostate grow and that causes hair follicles to mini‑shrink. By lowering DHT levels, Proscar reduces prostate size and can keep hair from thinning further.
Start by getting a prescription from your doctor. They’ll check your prostate size, PSA levels, and overall health before writing the script. Take the tablet with or without food, but try to take it at the same time each day to keep blood levels steady.
If you’re using Proscar for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), you might notice fewer nighttime bathroom trips, better flow, and less urgency after a few weeks. Full benefits often take 3‑6 months, so be patient and keep the appointment schedule for follow‑up blood tests.
Most men tolerate Proscar well, but some experience mild side effects like decreased libido, erectile difficulty, or a slight drop in semen volume. These usually improve after the first month. Rarely, mood changes or breast tenderness can appear—talk to your doctor right away if anything feels off.
Because finasteride lowers DHT, it can affect a small number of men’s hormone balance. If you notice persistent depression, anxiety, or unexplained weight gain, let your healthcare provider know. They may adjust the dose or suggest an alternative.
Women, especially those who are pregnant or might become pregnant, should avoid handling broken Proscar tablets. The medication can cause birth defects in a male fetus, so keep it out of reach.
When you stop taking Proscar, the prostate may gradually return to its previous size, and hair loss can resume. If you decide to quit, discuss a tapering plan with your doctor to monitor any rebound symptoms.
Overall, Proscar is a proven option for managing BPH and, at a lower dose, slowing hair loss. It’s cheap, taken once daily, and backed by decades of clinical data. As with any prescription, the key is a clear conversation with your doctor, regular check‑ups, and paying attention to how your body reacts.
Got more questions about Proscar? Our team at Healthy Forest Pharmacy is here to help you make sense of the facts, so you can feel confident about your treatment choices.
A clear, up‑to‑date guide on Proscar: what it does, how to take it, common side effects, and how it stacks up against other BPH options.
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