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Author:
Richard Mitchell


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.
   
   

| Article Keywords: Hair Loss

A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to Hair Loss... Male Hair Loss Male Hair Loss by Jen Carter Hair loss is more common among men than it is women. Studies show that most male baldness occurs by an increased sensitivity to androgens (male sex hormones). As a result of this sensitivity, hair loss occurs. This can be passed down through genetics. Don't get depressed! Nowadays bald men are very fashionable. Clean-shaven heads fill billboards, magazine advertisements, and commercial air-time. Women are attracted to smooth men. Baldness, which was once frowned upon and thought to be undesirable, is now very stylish! Nevertheless, men who are experiencing baldness might find themselves asking "What is the cause of my hair loss?" Well, your androgens (which circulate in your blood) cause your hair follicles to shrink. Eventually, these follicles become so small that hair can not grow through them. Although the hair follicles are still alive, they can not perform their function. Hence, hair growth stops. Young men in their twenties and thirties can become devastated at the first signs of male hair loss . Generally there's a typical pattern that occurs gradually. First, the hair line recedes, secondly the hair on the top of the crown begins to gradually thin. Eventually these 'thinning' areas will become bald. Finally, the bald areas will meet and form a U-shape on the crown. The hair that remains will be found on the sides of the head and it is often finer than it used to be. The question arises, can hair-loss be prevented? Unfortunately for men, hair loss is genetically pre-determined. Baldness can be passed on from your parents and/or grandparents. Although a physician may be able to provide different medical treatments, you must be careful of the side effects. Side effects differ for ...