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.