Why is Propecia an effective pill for male pattern hair loss?
Most men with premature hair loss are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia – a condition that is commonly known as male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness occurs because of the effects of testosterone-the primary male sex hormone- on your hair follicles. This hormone is present in high amounts in your body after puberty, and is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) because of the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT works on he hormone receptors present in your hair follicles and slows the production of scalp hair. This results into hair which is shorter and weaker than normal, and sometimes your hair will stop growing completely. This gradual process will eventually results into total or partial baldness.
Stages of male patten hair loss
The onset of androgenetic alopecia usually begins at the end of puberty and is usually determined by your genetic inheritance.
Most men start experiencing hair loss during their late 20s or early 30s. Hair loss initially occurs as a receding hairline and gradually progresses to thinning hair at the top of the head. Finally both areas will converge to form a U shape around the sides and back of the head. The remaining hair, if any, becomes finer in texture and the growth rate slows down. Moderate hair loss that occurs due to hormonal causes affects most men by age 50. This hormonal condition can be hereditary in nature.
What is Propecia?
Propecia (active ingredient finasteride) is a popular prescription pill used in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. This clinically tested medication has been proven to prevent further hair loss and to promote hair growth in about 80% cases. Propecia is quite suitable for long term treatment in most cases of androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride, the active ingredient present in Propecia, helps in the reduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalps of genetically predisposed men.
How does Propecia work?
As testosterone is converted to DHT because of the action of 5-alpha reductase, finasteride blocks the action of this enzyme and lowers DHT levels in the scalp. This reduces the negative effect of DHT on the hair follicles and prevents or even reverses hair loss. Finasteride has been reported to reduce DHT levels by about 60%. Treatment with Propecia must be continued for about 3-6 months for optimum benefits.
Possible side effects of Propecia
Like other drugs, Propecia too can produce side effects your body, which might include sexual problems such as temporary impotence and low libido. But most of these side effects are temporary in nature and usually disappear without treatment. Pregnant women, in particular, need to avoid any kind of contact with finasteride, as it is known to cause birth defects in an the male foetus. It is advisable to follow your doctor’s instructions while taking this hair loss medication. Propecia has been specifically formulated to treat the symptoms of pattern baldness in men. It cannot be taken by women with female pattern baldness, nor can it be prescribed for men who experience hair loss because of cancer or chemotherapy.
Propecia An Effective Pill For Male Pattern Hair Loss
Baldness is a very common problem affecting both men and women in the world , at a truly alarming rate. Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. It usually follows a typical pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition. Baldness effects the emotional as well as the physical wellbeing witch affects a persons self-confidence and also can cause depression with the sufferer.
Causes Of Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss is an inherited condition, caused by a genetically determined sensitivity to the effects of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT has an adverse affect on the hair follicles. Acting on a hormone receptor on the hair follicle it slows down hair production and produces weak, shorter hair, sometimes it stops hair growth from the follicle completely. This process gradually depletes your stock of hair and is normal hair loss.
Generic Medication for Male Pattern Hair Loss
Propecia is the first and only FDA-approved pill proven to treat male pattern hair loss in men. Propecia (active ingredient finasteride) is a popular prescription pill used in the male pattern treatment. It has been clinically proven that Propecia successfully puts an end to hair loss and significantly increased the density of hair in the affected areas. Finasteride, the active ingredient present in Propecia, helps in the reduction of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalps of genetically predisposed men. Propecia blocks the formation of DHT and, in this way, appears to interrupt the development of male pattern hair loss. It helps reduce further hair loss and regrow visible hair. Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY and should NOT be used by women or children.
Side Effects of Propecia
Propecia is generally known to be a recommended and very safe medicine for the treatment of male pattern hair loss and very few people have reported its side effects. Some of the lesser reported Propecia side effects reported are a dizziness, weakness, headache, skin rash, runny nose, decreased libido or sex drive, erectile dysfunction and decrease in the ejaculate amount or semen. These were not permanent changes, and when those affected discontinued the use of Propecia, their symptoms disappeared.
More about male pattern hair loss
Male pattern hair loss occurs when hair loss exceeds growth of hair. It is a genetically inherited condition. Some women also suffer from male pattern hair loss and this is because of excessive levels of androgen in their bodies. These women also suffer from irregular menses, acne and more facial hair than others.
There are various reasons for hair loss but if you are in the age range of 20 to 40 and you suffer from baldness, there are high chances that you are suffering from male pattern baldness. As the name suggests, this health condition follows a typical pattern of hair loss. You can start losing hair in different areas, but it usually starts around the crown of your head. Your hair starts thinning and over a period of years, you may become totally bald. Almost 50% of the men experience hair loss at some point in their life.
Cause of male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness depends mainly on hormones and genetics.
Testosterone, a hormone present in males after puberty is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Several tissues in the body, including the scalp have DHT, which affects the hair follicle adversely. It slows down hair production, and produces weak and shorter hair. Gradually, this process depletes your hair totally.
Lupus and diabetes lead to hair loss. Fungal infections are also known to cause hair loss. Excessive intake of vitamin A in the form of medicines is also a factor along with intake of birth control pills and antidepressants. Hormonal fluctuations, overactive or underactive thyroid gland, side effects of medications for chronic diseases, and stress are some of the factors that cause hair loss.
Hair loss can have a significant psychological impact, depending on the severity of the same. Many men who experience hair loss suffer from low self-esteem and reduced confidence. If you lose hair suddenly, you should visit a doctor and take expert advice. Hair loss can occur because of many reasons, and it can be treated successfully using medications such as Propecia.
Propecia
Finasteride, marketed as Propecia, is an FDA approved oral medication that treats male pattern baldness. There are many advantages of using it as a method of baldness treatment. It blocks the conversion of testosterone in to dihydrotestosterone. The reduction of DHT slows down hair loss, and at times, it is even reversed. Since, hair loss is directly linked with DHT, this drug works by blocking it. More than 80% of men, who have taken it, experienced a rise in hair growth on their scalps.
Decrease in sex drive, loss of libido, reduced volume of semen, and Gynecomastia are some of the side effects of Propecia. It was found, that men who had taken this drug, experienced mild sexual dysfunctions as a side effect. Side effects of this drug are temporary, and once the intake of this medication is stopped, the situation returns to normal. This drug is not recommended for women and children. Most men who use this drug are happy with the results.
How can men prevent hair loss or baldness within few weeks?
Many men are suffering from hair problems, such as – baldness, excess hair fall, less growth of the hair, thin hair etc. So, they keep on trying different kinds of medicines which may be in different forms, such as – tablets, powder, shampoos, hair oil etc. But there is something very effective boon named as – Propecia which is an androgen hormone inhibitor. It is used to treat hair loss pattern in MEN only.
The dose of Propecia Finasteride differs for every individual. Follow your doctor’s prescriptions or the directions that are mentioned on the label strictly. Below, here is the following information which includes only the average dose of finasteride. But if your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor allows you to do so.
For oral dosage form tablets: For treatment of prostatic hyperplasia BPH – Adults can consume 5 mg once a day. And For hair growth treatment t Adults can consume 1 mg once a day. But it’s better if you consult your doctor even on this prescription.
You may know that – DHT is a hormone that forms on the scalp when testosterone and enzyme type II 5-a reductase react with each other. So, Propecia works effectively as it contains the active ingredient Finasteride, a type II 5-a reductase drug which inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body.
The produced sex hormone (DHT) is a key cause in hair loss, which constricts the visible hair follicles and reduces the visibility of them. After buying Propecia (finasteride) and starting the treatment, the overall DHT levels stabilize and remain low enough such that the adverse effects of DHT on the follicles stop. This results in the reversal process of the hair loss problem. In this way, Propecia is very effective medicine for the hair treatment.
Propecia is generally known to be a very safe and recommended medicine for the treatment of male pattern hair loss. But still some side effects may occur as every patient is different. Even some people who do notice any side effects admit that sense some mild side effects. Some of these side effects reported are – Headache, Weakness, Dizziness, Skin Rashes, Cold i.e. is Runny Nose, Decreased Sex Life or Libido, Decrease in the Ejaculate Amount or Semen and Erectile Dysfunction. However, these side effects were not permanent, and when those affected with these ones, when discontinued the use of Propecia, have noticed that their symptoms disappeared.
Inform your doctor in case you notice any lesser noticed and reported but serious symptoms like Testicular Pain, Enlargement, Retention or Breast Tenderness. If these mentioned symptoms sound bothersome to you, please consult your doctor as soon as possible.
A double dose should not be taken at any cost in-case you miss a dose. But instead, you may take the missed dose as soon as you remember. And, if it is almost the time of your next dose for the day, please skip the missed dose and continue to your particular required dose.
Always ensure that children are kept out of reach of Propecia. It is to be stored away from heat and direct light. Keep Propecia at room temperature away from moisture, sunlight as well as damp places. Because heat and moisture can cause breakdown of this medication. Discard all unused medication properly by consulting with your pharmacist regarding safe disposal methods of the medicines.
If you are taking some another medicine along with Propecia, please let your doctor know about your both medicines intake. This is necessary as two different medicines may interact in a negative or positive manner and your doctor will need to make necessary adjustments in your treatment accordingly.
Without consulting your doctor do not stop this medicine. Because you can get many benefits as long as you continue the treatment by consuming Propecia. Once you stop consuming Propecia, the DHT levels will rise again in the scalp and hair loss will return to pre-Propecia levels as before.
Women who are or are willing to become pregnant should not consume Propecia Finasteride or Generic Propecia. Women should not be even exposed to the crushed or broken tablets, because it can cause some serious changes in the genitals sex organs of male fetus. Inform your doctor as soon as possible of any side effects or allergies or unusual changes you encounter while using Propecia.
Do not share this drug with others. Propecia may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medicinal guide.