Propecia is actually the tapered-down version of a prescription drug that helps with prostate problems in middle-aged men. This medication is recommended for daily use. Known to reverse male pattern hair loss in most men, Propecia also works to preserve existing hair. However, the only drawback is that Propecia must be used ad infinitum; if you do stop its use at any time during the treatment, you will gradually lose the re-grown within a year.

Male pattern baldness

Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss is a condition that has a genetic orientation and no known cure. While people in the past suffered for lack of legitimate treatment options, today things have changed. With the introduction of Propecia, people have found a new hope. Propecia is a tried and tested, orally administered medication that works well in overcoming male pattern hair loss. It is the only approved FDA treatment that has proven credentials. Both safe and effective over the long-term, Propecia is approved for the treatment of male pattern baldness in men only.

Propecia works two ways - it slows down hair loss and stimulates new hair growth. Propecia is proven to encourage new hair growth in the crown area; but, it may be less effective when used for a receding hairline. Propecia is effective because it works at the molecular level, selectively inhibiting the activity of testosterone in the hair follicles. Testosterone is responsible for multiple effects in the body, including its action in the skin, hair follicles and the prostate gland. Hair follicles and the sebaceous glands in the skin are particularly quick to respond to androgenic hormones, testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone or DHT, and hair fall ensues.

Testosterone, the most potent of the androgenic hormones, acts indirectly on the hair follicles. Responsive to a form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), testosterone is converted to DHT in the tissues by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. This is where Propecia comes in. It inhibits this very action of 5-alpha-reductase, restraining the conversion of testosterone into DHT, curtailing further hair loss and encouraging new hair growth.

Propecia side effects

Originally used for prostate problems, Propecia finasteride received FDA approval for use as hair loss medication in 1998. It can lower the production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that is said to be responsible for male pattern baldness. Propecia must not be used by women and children. Propecia may cause birth defects in the unborn male foetus. Propecia is known to work well in younger people with limited hair loss. Though many people use this drug without any serious side effects, this drug can cause:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Decrease in sexual desire
• Problems with erection
• Decrease in semen volume ejaculated
• Gynecomastia
• Allergic reactions such as rash
• Itching
• Lumps under the skin
• Swelling of the lips and face
• Swelling or tenderness of the breasts
• Pain in the testicles
• Fast heart beat
• Elevated liver enzymes

Who should not take Propecia?

Propecia is otherwise a safe drug but must be avoided by:

• Women, as it does not work for them
• Pregnant women, as it can cause birth defects in the unborn male foetus
• Children, as it is not recommended for use in ages below the age of 18 years
• Men who are allergic to the active and inactive ingredients in Propecia
• Men who suffer from lactose intolerance as Propecia contains lactose