Finasteride was initially marketed to treat prostate conditions under the name Proscar in 5mg pills. It was known to inhibit the formation of DHT, a major contributor to both prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss.
Subsequent research showed that a 1mg daily dose of the same drug was sufficient to control hair loss for 83% of men after two years of treatment. Since 1998 this version has been marketed under the brand name Propecia and it remains the only prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically to treat hair loss. This approval extends only to men's hair loss because of the dangers finasteride presents to unborn male fetuses. Women of child bearing age should therefore consult with their physician before considering the use of this drug.
The main purpose of Propecia is to halt hair loss and maintain what hair coverage is left. It is therefore popular with younger men who want to control hair loss at an early stage. Men of all ages use it in combination with minoxidil to achieve a hair loss strategy that both halts hair loss and encourages new growth.
Propecia works by interfering with the process of androgenetic hair loss which usually follows this process:
1. High levels of an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase occur in cells of the hair follicle.
2. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT.
3. DHT causes miniaturization of robust terminal hairs.
4. This results in fine, soft vellus hairs that provide limited scalp coverage.
5. The growth phase gradually shortens until these hairs are lost permanently.
Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT and over a period of several months reduces levels of DHT sufficiently to minimize its effects on the hair follicle.
As with any drug, finasteride can cause side effects to a minority of users. The FDA trials reported a 2% incidence of varying side effects but these tended to lessen as the body adjusted to the drug over a period of months. Although Propecia or cheaper generic versions are easily obtained on the internet it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of your doctor, at least in the first instance.
You can find out more about Propecia and other hair loss treatments at the site listed below.
Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Propecia to learn more about the issues covered in this article.
The desire to avoid hair loss is not confined to... Read More
Hair is a crucial part of our identity. Although we... Read More
Note-This content only presents overviews of hair loss prevention research... Read More
The more you know about your hair, the better you... Read More
The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for... Read More
A healthy lifestyle supplemented with proper diet is the magic... Read More
Hair, though often overlooked, plays an important role in our... Read More
If you are getting 'harried' by unwanted hair, if you... Read More
Hair Loss Remedies are big business, especially on the internet.... Read More
There is such excitement in this cutting edge technology for... Read More
We know that many factors contribute to thinning hair. The... Read More
There are places you should go and places you shouldn't... Read More
The hair loss treatments outlined here cannot provide definitive cures... Read More
Hair loss is widely accepted as a man's problem and... Read More
Many people suffering from hair loss prefer not to use... Read More
Women have problems with thinning hair and baldness, just as... Read More
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by far the most... Read More
There is nothing about hair loss that is okay. In... Read More
Hair loss causes a great deal of stress and anxiety.... Read More
1. Eat adequate amounts of protein. Protein is composed of... Read More
It is normal to shed hair every day and the... Read More
Getting the decision to start shaving your pubic hair is... Read More
Dandruff is one of those conditions that is infinitely more... Read More
1. NOT TRIMMING YOUR HAIR EVERY 6 WEEKS.The tip of... Read More
Hair loss and male-pattern baldness is an affliction suffered by... Read More
Male Pattern BaldnessOn average, there are 90,000 to 150,000 hairs... Read More
Technically known as alopecia, baldness means thinning or loss of... Read More
Shaving is the most common removing pubic hair method. However,... Read More
Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they... Read More
Hair transplant surgery is very common these days. As hair... Read More
The normal cycle of hair growth and loss means that... Read More
Research shows that up to two thirds of women experience... Read More
Since baldness is hereditary, many people think that there are... Read More
It's surprising the way some people treat their hair. Instead... Read More
There is again no sure-fire way to prevent all hair... Read More
Don't you envy those young men in the streets with... Read More
General: Hair is constantly going through cycles of growth, resting,... Read More
Trying to find out what causes hair to fall out... Read More
Hair loss is widely accepted as a man's problem and... Read More
Much has been said and written about modern day hair... Read More
Hair loss usually occurs because of hormonal factors. As a... Read More
At a research study held in a university in Norfolk,... Read More
Since baldness is hereditary, many people think that there are... Read More
So, you've just looked in the mirror and realized that... Read More
Hair loss is a genetic/hormonal process that can affect both... Read More
Losing hair is not only a cosmetic problem though it... Read More
Normally, about 10 percent of the hair on your head... Read More
Some of the "legends" I have heard over the years... Read More
One of the most common reasons why men and women... Read More
Hair transplant cost is quite high so before you commit... Read More
Medical hair restoration in the literal sense includes the hair... Read More
One a day will keep the depression away.To many men... Read More
Laser hair removal is the best available method for hair... Read More
One key factor in maintaining a growing protein on a... Read More
Laser hair removal is supposed to be a safe process,... Read More
The normal cycle of hair growth and loss means that... Read More
Laser hair removal is rapidly growing to be the most... Read More
One thing is very obvious. You wouldn't be reading this... Read More
If you are reading this, you are probably wandering in... Read More
Are you losing more than 20-100 strands of hairs a... Read More
While there are vitamins you can take for healthy hair... Read More
Alopecia areata is a condition that is typified by patchy... Read More
Hair transplantation as a means of treating hair loss has... Read More
The nature of hair is to grow. That's why laser... Read More
Whether you are a professional or a home user it... Read More
Getting the decision to start shaving your pubic hair is... Read More
Hair Loss |