How Does Propecia (Finasteride) Help In The Treatment Of Hair Loss?

Finasteride was initially marketed to treat prostate conditions under the name Proscar in 5mg pills. It was known to inhibit the formation of DHT, a major contributor to both prostate cancer and male pattern hair loss.

Subsequent research showed that a 1mg daily dose of the same drug was sufficient to control hair loss for 83% of men after two years of treatment. Since 1998 this version has been marketed under the brand name Propecia and it remains the only prescription drug approved by the FDA specifically to treat hair loss. This approval extends only to men's hair loss because of the dangers finasteride presents to unborn male fetuses. Women of child bearing age should therefore consult with their physician before considering the use of this drug.

The main purpose of Propecia is to halt hair loss and maintain what hair coverage is left. It is therefore popular with younger men who want to control hair loss at an early stage. Men of all ages use it in combination with minoxidil to achieve a hair loss strategy that both halts hair loss and encourages new growth.

Propecia works by interfering with the process of androgenetic hair loss which usually follows this process:

1. High levels of an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase occur in cells of the hair follicle.

2. This enzyme converts testosterone into DHT.

3. DHT causes miniaturization of robust terminal hairs.

4. This results in fine, soft vellus hairs that provide limited scalp coverage.

5. The growth phase gradually shortens until these hairs are lost permanently.

Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT and over a period of several months reduces levels of DHT sufficiently to minimize its effects on the hair follicle.

As with any drug, finasteride can cause side effects to a minority of users. The FDA trials reported a 2% incidence of varying side effects but these tended to lessen as the body adjusted to the drug over a period of months. Although Propecia or cheaper generic versions are easily obtained on the internet it is strongly recommended that you seek the advice of your doctor, at least in the first instance.

You can find out more about Propecia and other hair loss treatments at the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the myhairlossadvisor.com, website that provides information and guidance to those suffering from premature hair loss. Please go to Propecia to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

The Connection Between Diabetes and Hair Loss
Corsavoo.com, France - 10 hours ago
Before looking into the possible links between hair loss and diabetes, let us first examine and understand both their basics. Human head hair may seem to ...

Causes of Hair Loss in Woman
Corsavoo.com, France - Sep 6, 2008
They are always looking forward for great hair days. Hair fall can cause anxiety among women and trying to address your hair loss problem without any ...
Male Pattern Baldness and its Causes Corsavoo.com
all 2 news articles

Head on
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 17 hours ago
It’s not surprising that the billion-dollar hair-loss industry is booming. But what is at the root of all this hair loss? And why does it seem to happen to ...

Jamaica Gleaner
Getting to the root of hair loss
Jamaica Gleaner, Jamaica - Sep 2, 2008
I read your article about alopecia (hair loss) in the June 4, issue. I found it very interesting and informative. I thought that maybe I could get some more ...

Best Syndication
Hair Loss - 5 Natural Ways of Preventing Hair Loss
Best Syndication, CA - Sep 4, 2008
There Is Also A Chinese Beverage That Is Believed To Cure Hair Loss - The Detox Tea Chinese people believe that when the kidneys are detoxified, ...

Spencer Forrest Begins Clinical Trials On The X5 Hair Laser, Sets ...
Medical News Today (press release), UK - 1 hour ago
In yet another milestone for its line of products aimed at countering hair loss, Spencer Forrest Inc. has officially entered clinical trials with its X5 ...

Personal Journey: With loss comes a discovery
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA - 1 hour ago
It was also the day that I lost all my hair but gained a better understanding of myself. Neptune Day is a nautical tradition celebrated by pollywogs, ...

코리아타임즈
Oriental Route to Silky Hair
코리아타임즈, South Korea - Sep 4, 2008
Hanbang answer the woes of many young urbanites suffering from hair loss. The shampoos straddle the functional role of conventional medicated shampoos, ...

Take action against thinning hair and hair loss with new NaturVital
Response Source (press release), UK - Sep 1, 2008
NaturVital is a new, topical hair loss programme launching exclusively in Boots (1) that offers a scientifically-tested (2), affordable and naturally ...

Harvard Health: Hair replacement methods improve
Newsday, NY - Sep 2, 2008
The balding pate can be treated with drugs, hair transplants - or both. But the search for the ultimate solution to hair loss goes on. ...

Wind Chimes and more...

Windchimes for great gifts!

How To Reduce Stress That Causes Hair Loss and Bad Hair