Propecia is a doctor given prescription-only medication that is taken once per day. This drug works by lowering the levels of the male hormone DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) that causes hair loss. The first three months of therapy hair loss is gradually slowed. Hair growth usually starts within the first six months of treatment. Not all hair that has been already lost will regrow, Propecia works best with men just starting to lose their hair. Most men experience no or minimal side effects. Less than two percent experience some form of sexual dysfunction such as a lower sex drive. This problem was fixed by simply stopping the medication.
Propecia is used to fight off androgenetic alopecia, which is also known as pattern baldness.
Androgenetic alopecia takes credit for 95% of all hair loss. Though men experience a much greater degree of hair loss, it can effect both sexes.. In women Androgenetic Alopecia appears as gradual thinning over of the scalp. In men, the pattern of loss often begins with a receding hairline which then continues to thin out the top of the head. Androgenetic Alopecia is called this because it usually begins with a receding hairline which then advances to thin the top of the head. Androgenetic Alopecia is called this because the hair loss is determined by male hormones (androgens) and hereditary factors (genetic).
Propecia treats a major cause of hair loss. Propecia works by decreasing the levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in men by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. This returns normalization of the hair growth cycle and a reversal of the hair loss process.
The dose of propecia for male pattern baldness is 1mg tablet (as per prescribed)once per day. Daily use of Propecia (finasteride) for a three month period is normal before an increase in hair growth or prevention of further hair loss is noticed. Propecia must be continued to maintain any beneficial results achieved while taking Propecia. If you stop, you will most likely lose the hair that has been grown within 12 months of stopping.
The manufacturers of Propecia have done extensive studies on Propecia. Studies in over which results on 1800 men were carried out. These tests were done over a one year period in men with different amounts of hair loss on all parts of their heads.. They concluded that "In general men who took Propecia maintained or showed an increase in the number of scalp hair growth". They also noted that in the same studies men who didn't take Propecia continued losing their hair.
Propecia, also known as Finasteride, is an effective treatment for an inherited condition called male pattern baldness. The prescription medication can help men prevent hair loss, and in some cases even reverse the effects by encouraging new hair growth.
Propecia belongs to a class of medications called 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors which block a particular enzyme known to contribute to male pattern baldness. It stops this enzyme called DHT or dihydrotestosterone from converting testosterone within the body. Within three months of taking the drug, affected individuals normally begin seeing positive results and some new hair.
You should take 1mg of Propecia orally at approximately the same time each day. You can choose to take the tablets with or without food. It’s essential that you maintain a regular routine for taking the medication in order to achieve positive results. Make sure you take the exact dose prescribed by your doctor as factors such as certain medical conditions, other medications you may be taking and your weight all determine the most suitable dose for you.
As with any drug, taking Propecia can cause various minor side effects. These may include symptoms such as:
If you experience any of the above, you can continue taking Propecia, but you should consult with your doctor.
More rare side effects include a skin rash, swelling of the lips or breast tenderness/enlargement. If you experience any unusual or persistent side effects, be sure to contact your doctor right away.