Finasteride

A common form of hair loss in men is the male pattern baldness. In this type of baldness the way the hair grows undergoes a change. The color of the hair becomes lighter and the texture becomes thinner resulting in baldness. Propecia, which is the brand name for Finasteride can help to reverse the process.

Finasteride is marketed under the brand name of Propecia and is an orally administered medication for male pattern hair loss. It is the only Hair Loss Treatment which has been approved by the U.S Food and Drug Administration for prescription by a doctor.

Investigations with this drug have been going on for a number of years and it has been proved safe in treating hair loss in men of all ages and all ethnic backgrounds. The drug is sometimes used alone or combined with Minoxidil to complement hair transplantation.

The drug should not be used by women. Men who have had extensive hair loss may not show much regrowth with Propecia, for them hair transplantation or other surgical methods would be preferable for hair restoration. The drug is most effective for early to moderate degrees of hair loss, because it can slow the process and at the same time help to stimulate hair growth.

Stimulation of hair regrowth with Propecia is best over the crown of the scalp. At the front of the scalp the stimulating regrowth is not that effective. This kind of hair loss is commonly termed a "receding hairline" or "frontal hair loss"

Propecia acts at the molecular level of the hair and can therefore stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth. The drug inhibits the activity of an enzyme that helps to convert the male hormone testosterone into a form which is active in hair follicles.

Testosterone is the most potent of the male hormones, and it has multiple effects on the body. It has specific effects on the skin, hair follicles and prostate gland. Hence this hormone is particularly affected by Propecia, and hair follicles and the oil-producing glands in the skin are particularly responsive to this hormone.

The drug should only be prescribed by a physician hair restoration specialist, after a thorough examination of the patient is done. Propecia may have to be taken for at least three months before any benefits are visible. Sometimes it can take longer, but as a general rule, it can work only if it is taken on a long-term basis.

There may be some side effects for Propecia, because a small number of men have experienced certain sexual side effects. They have complained about less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection or a decrease in the amount of semen.

But male pattern baldness can often be associated with a poor body image and make men feel old and unattractive, and they tend to develop a low self-esteem. Studies show that this psychological problem can be corrected if a treatment with Propecia is accentuated to stimulate hair growth and overcome the baldness.