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.







Related News



Hair care - Kerala Online

Hair care
Kerala Online, India -21 hours ago
If you shed more than 100 hairs a day or more than 10% of your hair follicles enter a resting phase, then you may suffer from hair loss. ...


Low Level Laser Therapy Study - MarketWatch

Low Level Laser Therapy Study
MarketWatch -Oct 11, 2008
This blood supply is necessary to heal or restore damaged hair follicle cells. LLLT has been used effectively to treat hair loss as well as many other ...

Nurses Charged To Guard Elders - New Haven Independent

New Haven Independent

Nurses Charged To Guard Elders
New Haven Independent,  USA -9 hours ago
Symptoms include bite marks, bruising on both sides of the body, bite marks and hair loss. “Hair loss?” asked one nurse. “With my mother, it’s hereditary. ...

Nourish Your Hair With Your Diet - HealthNewsDigest.com

HealthNewsDigest.com

Nourish Your Hair With Your Diet
HealthNewsDigest.com, NY -5 hours ago
According to hair expert and tricologist Vetta Thompson, “Viviscal decreases hair loss and regenerates new hair growth by nourishing hair follicles with a ...

Hair loss now predictable with gene scan - National Business Review

TheMedGuru

Hair loss now predictable with gene scan
National Business Review, New Zealand -Oct 13, 2008
The study, published in the journal Nature Genetics, finds that one in seven has both genetic variants, and argues that early hair loss prediction may ...
لماذا يصاب بعض الرجال بالصلع؟بي بي سي العربية
Gene scan to predict hair lossBBC News
HIt & Run: Follicular folliesIndependent
HealthNews - AFP
all 184 news articles

PR Pitch of the Week - New York Times

PR Pitch of the Week
New York Times, United States -12 hours ago
Dr. Armani continues to offer the latest scientific advancements through its own dedicated research in the hair loss field and is available for interview to ...

Hair Loss 'Success Stories' Give Hope to Hair Loss Sufferers World ... - PR Web (press release)

PR Web (press release)

Hair Loss'Success Stories' Give Hope to Hair Loss Sufferers World ...
PR Web (press release), WA -Oct 9, 2008
The Belgravia Hair Loss Centre launches its 'hair loss success story' blog featuring comments written by former hair loss sufferers reporting their ...

Tackling male hair loss at a young age - Irish Times

Tackling male hair loss at a young age
Irish Times, Ireland -Oct 6, 2008
I have noticed a lot of adverts for hair restoration treatment. Which would you advise? A Male pattern hair loss (balding), also called androgenic alopecia, ...

Important New Hair-loss Gene Discovered - Science Daily (press release)

Important New Hair-loss Gene Discovered
Science Daily (press release) -Oct 12, 2008
ScienceDaily (Oct. 12, 2008) — Scientists at Bonn and Düsseldorf Universities have discovered an important hair-loss gene. ...
Blame Dad: scientists discover paternal baldness geneMonsters and Critics.com
all 13 news articles

Fathers responsible for hair loss in sons - Times of India

Fathers responsible for hair loss in sons
Times of India, India -Oct 13, 2008
A team of scientists from Bonn and Dusseldorf Universities has identified “hair loss” genetic variants that can be passed from a father to his son. ...
New Hair-loss Gene DiscoveredIvanhoe
all 10 news articles