Propecia & Finasteride

Propecia is the name of 1mg tablets of finasteride; a drug medically approved to decrease the effects of male pattern baldness. Finasteride was discovered when being used to treat prostate irregularities in its original form of 5mg, marketed as Proscar. Observers realized it delayed hair loss as a side effect. It is now the first drug available in pill form that promotes hair growth and it is accessible by prescription only.

For a successful outcome one tablet of Propecia must be taken every day and results should be expected after three months. Similarly to minoxidil, finasteride is dose dependent meaning that if treatment is interrupted at any time results will regress back to the original state of hair loss. In general, finasteride is said to have a high rate of success in the treatment of male pattern baldness. Still, some feel that combining both minoxidil and finasteride will provide ultimate results and is the best option to promote growth. It is important to talk to you doctor before experimenting with multiple treatments at once.

Propecia has been proven to work, but it's not magic. A specific enzyme transforms testosterone into a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which causes of baldness. Finasteride blocks this hormone, so the product known as Propecia ultimately shrinks the concentration of DHT by 60%.

Note that Propecia is designed for male pattern baldness and is not suitable or as effective for women. Possible side effects of Propecia and finasteride includes pain in the groin area and decreased sexual drive.