As many as 85% of the male population experience hair loss at some point in their lives, most due to male pattern baldness [1]. Finasteride is one of the most effective non-surgical hair restoration treatments available today. However, like all medications, it can also have unwanted side effects. If you are experiencing cardiovascular problems alongside alopecia, you may wonder whether Finasteride lowers blood pressure.
Fortunately for those who are already hypotensive, there is no evidence that Finasteride produces any change in blood pressure. However, it is still a good idea to let your trichologist know about all your health conditions, to ensure your hair loss treatment does not worsen your symptoms or interfere with existing medications.
This article will tell you all you need to know about Finasteride and heart health, such as:
Finasteride is a medication originally designed to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). However, scientists have since discovered that it is also very effective against androgenetic alopecia [2]. It has since become one of the most prescribed medications for male pattern baldness in the world.
Finasteride works in a similar way against both BPH and hair loss: it inhibits the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts some of your naturally occurring testosterone into a different androgen, called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a role in prostate enlargement, so reducing DHT levels can help shrink your prostate, preventing unwanted symptoms such as difficult urination.
At the same time, producing excess DHT (or having a particular sensitivity to it) can make it bind to androgen receptors in your hair follicles. This causes hair miniaturisation and, over time, the affected follicles stop producing hair altogether. Reducing your DHT levels can curb your alopecia and even reverse your hair thinning [2].
Benign prostatic hyperplasia treatment
Male pattern baldness treatment
Usual daily dosage: Finasteride 5mg
Popular brand name: Proscar
Prescription requirement: Yes
Usual daily dosage: Finasteride 1mg
Popular brand name: Propecia
At this time, there is no evidence that Finasteride can lower your blood pressure. Several studies performed to determine the effects of Finasteride – standalone or alongside alpha-blockers – on the body when treating BPH revealed no effect on blood pressure [3][4][5].
No specific studies have so far assessed the circulatory effects of Finasteride when used in lower doses to treat hair loss, as its mechanism of action does not call for any. Moreover, studies that assessed the safety and potential side effects of Finasteride didn’t mention any changes in blood pressure [6][7][8].
While Finasteride may not lower your blood pressure, there is some recent evidence that it may help to some extent with certain conditions that affect your heart health. However, the impact is likely small, if it exists at all. Most of the findings come from small animal studies so human clinical trials are needed to prove these effects.
A 2024 animal study [9] found that mice who received a dose of 2.5 mg of Finasteride per day for 12 weeks showed lower levels of cholesterol in their blood, as well as less substantial plaque buildup on their artery walls (atherosclerosis).
The authors then looked at data from a preexisting human study which included 155 participants who were taking Finasteride. Results revealed that they also had lower cholesterol than participants who did not take the medication, but more evidence is needed to prove that Finasteride use contributed significantly to this effect.
Researchers performed an animal study in 2015 [5] to test their theory that excess DHT buildup can contribute to heart enlargement which can result in heart failure. They treated mice who had DHT-induced enlarged hearts with Finasteride for 2 weeks. This significantly improved their heart function and reduced its enlargement, lowering their long-term mortality from heart failure.
However, human trials are needed to verify if the human heart responds the same way to lowered DHT levels.
One animal study conducted in 2023 [10] revealed that ageing, obese rats who received Finasteride showed improvements in their left ventricle function, as well as a better balance between the components of the nervous system that control heart function. However, the same findings did not apply to younger rats. This effect was attributed to the drug’s capacity to reduce oxidative stress in the animals’ system.
The authors concluded that Finasteride may also play a protective role for the heart of ageing, overweight people. However, clinical trials are needed to show whether this effect also occurs in humans who use Finasteride and at what dosage.
If you are experiencing any health problems, especially of a cardiovascular nature, it is vital to see a doctor and get the right treatment prescription. Self-medicating with any kind of treatment, Finasteride included, can have severe consequences. That is not necessarily because the drug itself would harm you, but because it might delay getting the treatment you need or interfere with preexisting medication.
Finasteride is only MHRA- and FDA-approved for BPH and male pattern hair loss. In some cases, it can also be prescribed off-label for postmenopausal women with female pattern baldness. However, it is not designed to treat cardiovascular conditions and should not be used for such purposes until it is licensed to do so.
Most studies have found that Finasteride is generally a safe medication, with mild and temporary side effects. Most of those adverse reactions are of a sexual or psychological nature, likely due to the drug’s effect on your hormonal balance. There have been no reports in the relevant literature of Finasteride causing heart or blood pressure problems [5].
Most Finasteride side effects are rare and temporary (most subside within one year of use). Here are some of the reported adverse reactions encountered by users [6]:
However, research shows that in many cases, the sexual side effects of Finasteride may be a self-fulfilling prophecy. That is because some men are so worried about post-finasteride syndrome that they experience a nocebo effect. In effect, they expect to encounter sexual side effects so their body triggers them [14].
If you are currently taking any medical treatments, be sure to let your prescribing physician know before using Finasteride. Here are some categories of medications that this drug may interfere with [11]:
High doses of oral Minoxidil can indeed lower your blood pressure, as this drug was originally designed as a blood pressure medication. However, the lower concentrations used to treat hair loss don’t have the same effect.
Research shows that neither topical Minoxidil, nor the low-dose oral form used to treat alopecia, will significantly lower the blood pressure of healthy patients [12][13][15].
However, if you have a history of clinically low blood pressure or any other cardiovascular disease, you should get a doctor’s recommendation before using Minoxidil. They can determine whether the medication is safe to use in your specific case and won’t interfere with other treatments you may be taking.
If you are experiencing health problems and are unsure how your hair loss treatment might impact them, don’t leave things up to chance. Book a consultation today with one of our expert trichologists.
Our dedicated hair doctors will ask you all about your medical history, your present state of health and any treatments you may be taking. Then, they may perform diagnostic trichology tests to evaluate the nature and extent of your hair loss. They can then recommend the best hair loss treatment for men which is safe for your health and does not interfere with your medication. This will give you peace of mind alongside fuller, more beautiful hair.
If you would like to know more about the relationship between Finasteride, blood pressure and other heart conditions, see the answers to these frequently asked questions.
Yes, it is generally safe to take Finasteride if you are using blood pressure medications. Finasteride doesn’t normally interfere with them or cause changes to your blood pressure. However, be sure to let your prescribing doctor know about your condition and any medications you’re taking before using this (or any) hair loss treatment.
Heart palpitations have not been reported as a side effect of Finasteride and this treatment is unlikely to cause them. However, if you are experiencing frequent or intense heart palpitations, be sure to let your GP or cardiologist know and mention all treatments you are taking (Finasteride included).
Finasteride is not known to cause heart problems. On the contrary, there is some evidence it may play a minor beneficial role when it comes to heart function. However, if you are concerned about using this medication with a history of cardiovascular disease, using topical Finasteride can keep you on the safe side, as it does not enter your bloodstream.
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