Propecia is the first and only FDA-recommended medication confirmed to treat male pattern hair loss (MPHL) on the top of head and anterior mid-scalp area in men only. It is an antiandrogen which works by slowing down 5-alpha reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone.
What is Baldness?
The problem of baldness is a major problem among many men due to which they develop a kind of inferiority complex. One hair usually lasts for two to six years. In one month, each hair shows a growth of around one centimeter. During the hair cycle, some are in the process of growing while as some are in the resting phase. After few months, new hair growth replaces old hair that falls out. Though you lose some hair everyday, it should be considered as a part of normal hair cycle process. But, if you see high hair loss, then you ought to look out for remedial measures. Propecia (Finasteride) for Hair Loss
According to a photographic assessment by an expert panel of dermatologists following 5 years of clinical studies, nearly all men treated with this medication experienced an improvement in hair. The majority men see results 3 to 12 months after starting Propecia (Finasteride).
Propecia Working Process
Propecia treats underlying cause of male pattern hair loss by blocking the production of DHT. DHT is a major cause of hair loss. The enzyme Type II 5-alpha-reductase produces DHT. Propecia blocks the action of Type II 5-alpha-reductase, thus reduces DHT concentrations in treated men.
Male pattern hair loss is occurred by progressive miniaturization of hair follicles and finasteride inhibits a key factor responsible for this miniaturization. This results in a turnaround of the process of scalp hair loss in many men.
Limitations of Propecia
Propecia has not been proven effective to return hair in the front areas. For reasons yet unknown these drugs, generally only work in recovering thinning hair in peak area of the scalp. Only hair transplant surgery has been useful in restoring hair in the frontal hairline area once it has been lost. Propecia is also less useful in older men. These hair loss drugs work best for men who have been balding for less than five years.
Side Effects
Although studies have shown a 2% incidence of side effects in men using propecia, before taking any kind of medication you should be aware of the side effects and what to do in case they take place.
The side effects noted from a scientific study are as follows:
- Impotence
- Breast tenderness or Enlargement
- Erectile Dysfunction (1.3%)
- Decreased Libido (1.8%)
- Decreased volume of ejaculation (0.8%)
There are many people who have taken finasteride for a number of reasons including hair loss have experienced common, mild, and some severe side effects. The side effects they report are slight itching, total reduce in sexual function, loss of libido or sex drive, loss of sensitivity of sexual organs, mental confusion, depression, lack of energy, sleep disorders, among other side effects.