How Does Propecia (Finasteride) Help In The Treatment Of Hair Loss?

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.

---

Coping With Male Pattern Baldness

Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is by far the most common cause of hair loss amongst men and a serious problem for many women. For it to... Read More

Herbal Hair Loss Remedies That Offer Hope

Herbs hold an obvious appeal for many people because they support the body's natural healing mechanisms to target the cause of the problem, as opposed to merely... Read More

Hair Care Tips by Nadeem

It's surprising the way some people treat their hair. Instead of giving it the respect it deserves, they tug at it with their hair brush, secure it... Read More

Why Don?t We Hear So Much About Female Baldness?

Female baldness is not as common as male baldness, which is probably why we don't hear as much about it. Women are more self-conscious about baldness when... Read More

A Better Understanding Of Laser Hair Removal In 5 Minutes

Men and women from all walks of life are turning in increasing numbers to laser to remove unwanted hair from their bodies. The most popular areas are... Read More

Find Out The Latest Methods Of Hair Loss Prevention

Since baldness is hereditary, many people think that there are no methods of hair loss prevention available for them. According to geneticists, a male whose maternal grandfather... Read More

Laser Hair Removal New York

One thing is very obvious. You wouldn't be reading this page if you did not want to benefit from the knowledge of permanent hair removal solutions for... Read More

Which Hair Regrowth Product Will I Use Today?

When you decide to select a hair regrowth product off the store shelves without first doing research about it, you could be throwing your money away. Every... Read More

Help for Alopecia:The Story of Locks of Love

There are many companies who make custom fitted real hair cranial prosthesis. Locks of Love (LOL) was first started in Dec. 1997 in connection with a for... Read More

Hair Removal Products and Services - What You Should Know

There are places you should go and places you shouldn't when trying to find a company that specializes in hair removal or when looking for hair removal... Read More

Female Hair Loss

Some of the "legends" I have heard over the years about female hair loss are : Wigs and hats may cause female hair loss, Female hair loss... Read More

Everything You Wanted To Know About Hair

In order to treat hair loss successfully, it is necessary to know about hair. This article discusses general facts about human hair, hair structure and growth.The average... Read More

The Truth About Hair Loss

It is normal to shed hair every day and the truth is we loose between 100-125 hairs on any given day. Hair that is shed falls out... Read More

Womens Hair Loss Treatment

Most of the modern day hair loss treatments articles and researches tend to relate almost exclusively to men. What about womens hair loss treatment ? What is... Read More

Painless Hair Removal

Laser hair removal is rapidly growing to be the most popular quick painless hair removal treatment of all time. This is largely because of the immense benefits... Read More

Coping With Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is a condition that is typified by patchy hair loss over the scalp or body. It comes in several forms ranging from a single patch... Read More

Hair Transplantation: A Great Option for Dealing with Hair Loss

Hair Loss is an issue troubling many males and females regardless of age. Hair transplants is one method for dealing with hair loss.In this article, I discuss:1.... Read More

Do Natural Hair Loss Remedies Have Any Real Relevance?

The effectiveness of modern hair loss treatments is clear for all to see, but many people simply prefer not to use strong chemicals or non-natural substances. If... Read More

Carefully Scrutinize The Hair Transplant Cost Before You Commit

Hair transplant cost is quite high so before you commit to anything, make sure that this is want to you want. Surgical techniques can be painful, so... Read More

Counseling at a Hair Transplant Centre, is It All that Essential?

Men and women visiting a hair restoration centre or clinic have many different motives for desiring hair restoration. Whatever the motive, the decision to undertake hair restoration... Read More

Latest Techniques Deliver Painless Hair Transplants

The recent development of improved hair transplant techniques ensures that patients can now benefit from pain-free surgery. Unlike the older techniques that could be painful and cause... Read More

Hair Loss Prevention- Why Do Castrated Men Never Go Bald?

Note-This content only presents overviews of hair loss prevention research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a professional physician.The best start to preventing... Read More

Causes of Hair Loss

The normal cycle of hair growth and loss means that some amount of hair loss will occur in every individual's life. It is said that at any... Read More

Treatments That Offer Hope To Hair Loss Sufferers

Many people experiencing premature hair loss simply resign themselves to a process that is as inevitable as growing old. This is a positive and healthy reaction to... Read More

What Is The Role Of Minoxidil (Rogaine) In Treating Hair Loss Conditions?

Minoxidil is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss and is the only anti-baldness drug approved for women. Originally introduced as a medicine to treat... Read More

Hair Loss In Women - The Role of DHT & Sebum

Hair Loss In Women - The Role of DHT & Sebum - According to some estimates, Hair loss in women affects one in four women in the... Read More