Is Propecia (Finasteride) effective for hair regrowth?

What is hair loss?

Shedding a few strands of hair every day isn’t something you need to worry about. However, if you’re noticing significantly more hair fall than usual, it’s only natural for you to feel concerned. Hair loss is commonly caused by male pattern baldness but there could be other factors at play. If you are concerned with your hair loss, you should speak with a doctor about whether Propecia (finasteride) may help you either regrow your hair or slow the amount of your hair loss.

What are the different categories for Hair loss?

Following are different types of hair loss in individuals.

• Telogen effluvium: hair loss happens after two to three months after suffering from a serious infection, major surgery, prolonged illness, and body stress.

• Drug side effects: hair loss can also be triggered by certain medications like heparin, levodopa, amphetamines, warfarin, and beta-blockers.

• The hair loss could be a symptom of a health problem: or indicate a medical illness like syphilis, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or lupus.

• Tinea capitis (or fungal infection of the scalp): this hair loss happens when fungi infect the scalp.

• Alopecia areata: an autoimmune disease that could lead to hair loss. Its actual cause is still unknown.

• Traumatic alopecia: hair loss that is caused by hairdressing techniques that involve exposing the hair to extreme heat, pulling the hair too tightly, and using strong chemicals.

• Hereditary pattern baldness: the common cause of hair loss especially among men. It can happen any time and is commonly due to heredity, increasing age, and male hormones.

What is Finasteride?

Finasteride is indicated for hair loss due to hereditary pattern baldness. It will not typically be prescribed for other types of hair loss. If you are losing hair due to stress, illness or taking certain medication, then your hair may regrow once you resolve the underlying issues that are causing the hair loss.

What is Propecia?

Propecia is the most common Hair loss treatment

Many new hair loss treatments are introduced every year. However, there’s one specific medication that’s commonly used to treat hair loss, especially among men. It’s called Propecia, also known by its generic name, finasteride. What makes it the preferred choice for hair loss? Here are a few things you should know.

How did Finasteride became a popular hair loss medication?

Finasteride, the generic name for Propecia, was developed by Merck as a drug for treating enlarged prostate glands.

When finasteride was being tested on men suffering from prostate problems, researchers noticed that it triggered hair growth. Since the drug was already approved to treat prostate enlargement, the company decided to conduct a further study to determine if it could treat male pattern baldness. In 1997, finasteride became the first pill to treat androgenetic alopecia in men.

How does Propecia / Finasteride work?

Propecia is effective at treating hair loss due to its unique way of targeting the source of the problem. Pattern baldness among men, for example, occurs when hormone testosterone turns into DHT or androgen dihydrotestosterone, which is responsible for the miniaturization of the hair follicles. Then, it leads to hair thinning and hair loss. Propecia works by limiting the transformation of testosterone into DHT, which results in the continued growth of the hair follicles.

Is Propecia effective?

The simple answer is yes. Unlike many treatments that are available these days, Propecia delivers on its promise. It is effective at preventing hair loss. One study found that 83% of those men who took finasteride during the course of several months noticed that they stopped losing hair. Another research discovered that 66% of men even noticed their hair grow back while taking Propecia for two years. These are only two of the many studies that support the effectivity of Propecia, or finasteride, in hindering and slowing the progress of pattern baldness.

If you have decided to use Propecia to help you with your hair loss problems, you have to understand that this drug requires consistency in order for it to be effective. Keep in mind that although it has been proven to be helpful among men who have problems with hair loss, it is not a magic pill that you only need to take once.

If preventing hair loss is important to you, finasteride will need to become a daily regimen. Propecia prevents DHT transformation, so if you decide to stop taking it or if you constantly miss taking the pill, then there’s nothing that prevents the DHT to once again begin forming in your system and you’ll continue to suffer from hair loss. Before you decide to start taking Propecia, you need to be sure that you are ready to commit to taking the pill every day.

Do Propecia / Finasteride have any side effects?

Just like any other drug, propecia also has its own set of potential side effects. Some users noted that they have experienced erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, and reduced sex drive. In very rare circumstances, the sexual-related side effects continue even after discontinuing the use of finasteride. There are also a few who reported having rashes and depression. But keep in mind that these cases are rare. Most users of finasteride do not experience any of the side effects mentioned above.

When to consult your doctor about hair loss?

Consult your doctor if you want to know if Propecia and/or Finasteride is the best treatment for your hair loss problem. This drug has been proven effective and this could very well be the solution that you’ve been looking for. Propecia doesn’t only prevent hair loss or stimulate hair growth, it will also help you regain your confidence and self-esteem.