Can A Primary Care Doctor Prescribe Finasteride?

Finasteride has been proven to be an effective remedy for hair loss, especially in people who are genetically predisposed to this condition. Unlike certain other hair loss products like Minoxidil and Nutrafol that are available over-the-counter, the case is different with Finasteride. 

You need a prescription from a qualified health professional to get your hands on this medication. This article will help you know if a primary care doctor can prescribe finasteride for you.

Oral Finasteride tablet is the only FDA-approved form of the drug for use in the treatment of both male pattern baldness and enlarged prostate. However, there is also a topical formulation being prescribed for hair loss which is not FDA-approved. Topical finasteride is marketed as a compounded medication and also requires a doctor’s prescription. 

Both oral and Topical finasteride are effective in the treatment of male pattern baldness. The topical formulation is considered by many to have a better side effect profile than the oral tablets. However, more studies have to be done to ascertain its safety in this regard.

Can a Primary Care Doctor Prescribe Finasteride?

Yes, a primary care doctor, primary care physician, or general practitioner can prescribe finasteride. Before they do, they may require some information from one.

They would want to know the extent or progressive nature of your hair loss. And if finasteride is something that could help. If they establish that finasteride is right for you, then you’ll get a prescription to buy it from a local pharmacy or online.

The good thing is that you don’t even need to visit the hospital in person. There are PCPs and GPs offering their services online through telemedicine. 

All you need is to book a consultation session with them. Depending on the outcome of the meeting, you will either get a prescription for finasteride or a better recommendation that would best suit your hair needs. 

If your hair loss requires more specialized or expert care, your PCP or GP may refer you to a dermatologist.

How To Get The Best From Finasteride

Finasteride is effective in slowing down the loss of hair from your scalp as well as promoting its growth. It works by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase (5-AR). This enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is a more potent androgen.

DHT helps in the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty, some of which are the growth of pubic, facial and body hair. This effect changes as one advances in age. 

Dihydrotestosterone has been established to be the cause of male pattern baldness, especially in men who are genetically predisposed to it. This effect is a result of its ability to cause the shrinkage of the hair follicle. Thereby making it produce thinner and weaker hair strands that eventually fall off.

Finasteride is able to treat hair loss because it can lower the amount of DHT in the body. Since DHT is now lowered, this shrinking effect on hair follicles is prevented. Hence, resulting in the regrowth of hair in the affected parts of the scalp

To get the best from Finasteride, you have to take it consistently and for at least 6 months. It is available as a 1 mg tablet taken once a day. It is associated with side effects such as low libido and erectile dysfunction. These side effects are reversible and often disappear after the drug is discontinued.

Final Thoughts

Finasteride is an effective medication for hair loss. However, to reap its benefits, you need a prescription from a licensed health professional. And one of them is a primary care physician or general practitioner.

References

• Zito PM, Bistas KG, Syed K. Finasteride. [Updated 2022 Aug 25]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-. 
• Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2022 Oct 16]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan-.