Propecia and Finasteride

Can Propecia (finasteride) stop your receding hairline?

Male pattern baldness is extremely common in men, and it is 95% hereditary. It can strike on both sides of the family and can be extremely embarrassing for men of any age. However, men do not have to live with hair loss. Propecia is a medical hair loss treatment method, in the form of a pill, which stimulates hair regrowth and can help to lessen the effects of male pattern hair loss.

Propecia uses the active ingredient finasteride to help combat baldness. It reduces the hormone DHT, which is thought to destroy hair follicles and be the leading cause of hair loss. Propecia (and finasteride sold under other names) works by blocking the formation of DHT and reduces further hair loss. It also helps to regrow hair by stimulating the hair follicles from a dormant to active state. Propecia is the first medication that treats mild to moderate hair loss on the top of the head and on the sides, often where male pattern baldness strikes.

How to use Propecia

Propecia comes in pill form and should be taken as directed, unless otherwise specified by your doctor. It treats receding hairlines, as well as hair loss on the top and the sides of the head. Side effects may occur, and there is no guarantee that you will grow back all the hair you lost, but you should start seeing results within three months of taking the medication daily. Like any baldness treatment, if you stop taking Propecia, you will likely lose all the hair you have regrown over the next 12 months.

Propecia is for men only, and should not ever be used by women and children. Women should be especially careful when handling the medication and should not touch any crushed pills if they are pregnant, as the active ingredients can cause birth abnormalities. Side effects may occur, but most men do not experience them. However, if you experience any of the effects listed on the box, contact your doctor and stop taking the medication.

While hair loss can be upsetting, there are medical hair restoration treatments available to help. Check with your doctor to see if you can use other hair loss treatments, such as hair loss shampoo, to help with your cosmetic appearance while taking Propecia.