Propecia

Male pattern hair loss typically occurs on the crown of the scalp or as a receding hairline, in genetically susceptible men when high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) are present. Propecia (finasteride) treats male pattern baldness by inhibiting the enzyme that is responsible for the production of DHT.

By inhibiting this DHT production, Propecia is able to help men retain the hair they have and re-grow some of the hair they have lost. Although Propecia is not able to cause total re-growth of all the hair that has been lost, in clinical trials 65% of men treated with Propecia (during the 5th year of the trial) had increased hair counts, while all the men in the placebo group had lost hair. In fact, Propecia outperformed expectations during the five year study with most of the men on Propecia expressing increased satisfaction with their hair growth.

In these studies, most of the men on Propecia did not experience any side effects. Less than 2% complained of sexual side effects such as decreased libido, difficulty achieving erection and decreased semen production. Once Propecia therapy was stopped, these side effects disappeared. Other rare side effects of Propecia use included: allergic reaction (including anaphylactic reaction), breast or pectoral tenderness, and testicular pain.
Propecia has been proven safe for the treatment of male pattern hair loss for men between the ages of 18 and 41. Women still capable of bearing children should never take nor handle broken or crushed Propecia tablets, since serious birth defects (especially in male infants) may occur. Those with advanced liver disease should not take Propecia, since Propecia is metabolized in the liver. Before prescribing Propecia, your physician needs to know your entire medical history as well as any medications you may be taking (including over-the-counter medications).

Propecia is usually taken in 1mg doses daily. Continue to take Propecia until your physician advises you to stop as it may take up to three months for any benefit to be seen and if you stop taking Propecia any benefits of the treatment will reverse within 12 months.
Propecia may not completely reverse your hair loss but it can help you maintain the hair you have and increase hair re-growth, so you’ll have a fuller head of hair. Contact your physician about Propecia to see if it can benefit you.