Finasteride for Male Pattern Hair Loss

admin    Finasteride, Hair Loss Treatments    

Finasteride is most often marketed under the brand names Proscar and Propecia.  While Proscar is generally prescribed in 5mg strength for treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), Propecia is Finasteride in 1mg strength and is prescribed for the treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in men.  Finasteride is the only approved once daily oral treatment (pill) for Androgenetic Hair Loss, commonly referred to as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) or Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL).

How Finasteride Works to Treat MPHL

The mechanism through which Finasteride works to treat pattern baldness is much the same as its use for BPH.  It works by reducing available levels of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.  Whereas DHT is known to be a contributory factor in an enlarged prostate, this male hormone is also linked to genetic hair loss.  An over abundance of DHT causes the hair follicle to shrink, and eventually disintegrate altogether.  Finasteride inhibits the production of DHT which prevents further damage to follicles.  It is an oral treatment taken in coated pill form.  The usual dosage administered to prevent hair loss is 1mg.

Results with Finasteride

While Finasteride goes to work immediately in the body, it takes a few months before the effects can actually be seen in terms of hair re-growth.  The first thing that needs to happen is for the follicle to stop shrinking and then enlarge again through healing.  Also, hair only grows at approximately ½ inch per month when it is healthy and there are stages in the growth cycle, such as the resting phase, that need to be accounted for.  Most men who are taking the prescription, Finasteride, report that the see visible improvement by the third month.  If no results are apparent by the twelfth month then it Finasteride is probably not going to be effective and can be safely stopped.  However, if Finasteride is effective, it needs to be taken over the long haul because results will cease if the medication is stopped.  Hair loss will revert back as before taking the medication.

Finasteride Side Effects

Finasteride should not be taken by women and most especially by women who are pregnant or can become pregnant.  It should not even be handled by women because it is known to promote severe birth defects in relation to the male sex organs of the fetus.  In some men it is reported that Finasteride can cause erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, abnormal (reduced) ejaculation and enlarged breasts.  All of those side effects in men are evidenced in fewer than 3% of users except erectile dysfunction that can be noted in approximately 18% of males.  Side effects are known to abate when taking Finasteride is halted.

Since Finasteride is the only oral medication that has been approved by the FDA for use in Male Pattern Hair Loss, which should speak for itself as to the efficacy of the product.  It gets results but there may be side effects that should be taken into consideration.  Also, since Finasteride is only available through a prescription, there will be a physician to monitor any and all results, including the potential for side effects.

If you enjoyed this article please consider sharing it!