What is Propecia used for?

Propecia is used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia, which is also known as pattern baldness.

What is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia accounts for 95% of all hair loss. It can effect both men and women although men experience a much greater degree of hair loss. In women Androgenetic Alopecia appears as diffuse thinning over most of the scalp. In men the pattern of loss usually starts with a receding hairline which then advances to thin the top of the head. Androgenetic Alopecia is called this because it usually starts 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). It is more specifically the male hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is converted from the testosterone hormone by the enzyme 5 alpha reductase which contributes to androgenetic alopecia in those who are genetically disposed.

How does Propecia work?

Propecia treats a major underlying cause of hair loss. Propecia works by lowering the levels of DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) in the body by blocking the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. This contributes to a normalization of the hair growth cycle and a reversal of the hair loss process.

How Should Propecia be taken?

The dosage of propecia in the treatment of male pattern baldness is 1mg tablet which is taken once per day. Daily use of Propecia (finasteride) for a three month period is generally necessary before an increase in hair growth or prevention of further hair loss is observed. Also Propecia must be continued to maintain any beneficial results achieved. If you stop taking Propecia you will most likely lose the hair that has been gained within 12 months of stopping.

What type of Results should be expected?

Merck, the manufacturers of Propecia have carried out extensive studies on Propecia. Studies in over 1800 men were carries out. These studies were done over a 12 month period in men with different amounts of hair loss at both the front and the back of the head. Merck concluded that "In general men who took Propecia maintained or showed an increase in the number of scalp hairs". They also noted that in the same studies men who did not take Propecia continued to lose their hair.

Does Propecia have any side effects?

Merck concluded from their studies that "Propecia (finasteride) is well tolerated in men". However some side effects have been reported in a small percentage of men taking Propecia, these side effects are: Decrease in Libido Difficulty achieving an erection Decrease in the amount of semen released during sex.

Are there other Precautions that should be taken?

Propecia is contradicted for use in women when they are or may potentially be pregnant. Because if the ability of 5 alpha reductase inhibitors to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to DHT in some tissues these drugs including finasteride may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia of the male fetus when administered to a pregnant woman

Propecia can also effect the most common test for prostrate cancer. If you have any medical conditions or prostrate problems please advise your doctor of this before taking Propecia.

Studies involving Propecia/finasteride

STUDY:Finasteride: a clinical review.

STUDY: The effect of finasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor, on scalp skin testosterone and dihydrotestosterone concentrations in patients with male pattern baldness.

STUDY: Finasteride: a new drug for the treatment of male hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia?

STUDY: Finasteride: the first 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.