Finasteride is a hair loss medication used specifically for male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). FDA approved the drug almost 20 years ago (1997), and since then it has been mostly used under the brand of Propecia.

HOW FINASTERIDE TREATS HAIR LOSS

Finasteride is effective for one specific type of hair loss – male pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia), which is caused but DHT.

DHT (dihydrotestosterone) kills the hair follicles and causes baldness. However, the main culprit is the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which turns testosterone into DHT.

Propecia treats male pattern baldness by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, and essentially stopping hair loss on its tracks. This makes it great for preventing hair loss and for restoring it.

INTERESTING FACT ABOUT PROPECIA

One fairly unknown fact about Finasteride is that this drug was first introduced to the market to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. The only difference between the two treatments is the doses. For hair loss, the drug is prescribed in 1mg doses, whilst for BPH or enlarged prostate, Finasteride is prescribed in 5mg doses.

Some surgeons often interchange the 5mg and 1mg Finasteride for cost-saving purposes. In other words, they prescribe the 5mg medication to hair loss patients, and advice to take 1/4 of each tablet. This reduces the cost significantly, since patients can buy less 5mg packets and have the treatment last longer.

SIDE EFFECTS & OTHER THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Although Finasteride has been the most effective hair loss treatment since 1997, there are some side effects to keep in mind. The most known problem is the Post Finasteride Syndrome (sexual side effects) – read more about it here.

Please also note that the drug can be used by adult men only. Women and children should refrain completely from using this medication.

You can read more about the drug, side effects and reviews on WebMD here.

A RELIABLE HAIR LOSS TREATMENT

In spite of the potential side effects, surgeons have been using Propecia to treat hair loss successfully for almost 2 decades. Today, the drug remains one of the best forms of non-surgical hair loss treatment.

Find out more about hair loss medication and how we use Finasteride at Hair Repair Clinic here. To speak with a qualified surgeon about it, contact us on 0800 6990209 or 0785 556555.