Hair treatments for baldness and thinning hair are no strangers to the consumer markets, says the American Academy of Family Physicians. But only two hair treatments have been cleared to treat male pattern baldness by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration: topical minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral finasteride (Propecia). A glance at Propecia hair treatment indicates that it's not only less messy and time-consuming to use; it also gives men suffering from male pattern baldness satisfactory results.
Pattern Baldness in Men
Pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia) is a permanent form of hair loss that can affect men in their early 20s, or even during their teenage years, says the Mayo Clinic. Both men and women can be unwitting victims of androgenic alopecia, although this type of baldness is more common in men, accounting for 95 percent of hair loss. Male pattern baldness has a specific physical presentation, says the Mayo Clinic. It typically begins with a receding hairline that forms an "M" configuration, if one looks down on the top of the head. As hair loss progresses, the end result may be partial or total baldness. The American Hair Loss Association indicates that roughly 2/3 of men in the U.S. will have appreciable hair loss by age 35. Roughly 85 percent will have noticeably thinning hair by age 50.
About Propecia
Propecia was first approved by the FDA in December 1997 as a hair loss treatment for men; the medication is not approved for use by women. As explained by manufacturer Merck & Co., Propecia (oral finasteride) works by selectively inhibiting an enzyme in the body, 5α-reductase isozyme, that converts the androgen testosterone into 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The AHLA points to DHT as a cause of male pattern baldness, as it shrinks or "miniaturizes" the hair follicles. Because DHT conversion is inhibited, Propecia prevents further hair loss and promotes regrowth.
How Propecia Is Used
According to the Mayo Clinic, Propecia is taken orally once daily. Dosage may vary, but the clinic states that generally, 1mg of this medication is taken. It's important to follow your physician's instructions and take Propecia only as directed. It may take three months of continuous treatment to see results. Propecia hair treatment works only as long as you continue to take the medication; the Mayo Clinic notes that if you stop taking it, you'll lose all new hair growth within a year.
Effectiveness
Clinical trials prior to the FDA's approval of Propecia studied 1,800 men between the ages of 18 to 41 for a year. Men who took Propecia noticed increased hair growth on the scalp. Around 1,200 men continued as a part of an extension study for an additional five years; hair regrowth was maintained for the remaining years of the study. Propecia does not appear to affect the growth of body hair, according to information supplied by Merck. & Co.; only regrowth on the scalp was noted. The AHLA cites in-depth results from clinical trials, noting that 86 percent of men taking Propecia reported that it stopped hair loss, and 65 percent of men noted substantial hair regrowth.
Side Effects and Adverse Reactions
Only 1.4 percent of male participants (a total of 945) taking Propecia discontinued medication due to adverse reactions that were potentially related to the medication. Less than 2 percent of participants reported adverse effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction and lower volume of ejaculate. In addition to adverse reactions related to sexual performance, the Mayo Clinic lists other potential side effects of taking Propecia that are uncommon or rare, such as rash, breast enlargement, tender breasts, swollen lips, abdominal pain or diarrhea and headaches or dizziness. If you experience side effects, contact your doctor for advice, urges the Mayo Clinic.
Additional Considerations and Cautions
As noted, Propecia is not cleared by the FDA for use in women who suffer from pattern balding, nor it this recommended by the manufacturer. This medication should not be handled by pregnant women in crushed or broken form, cautions Merck & Co.; finasteride can be absorbed and pose potential risk to the development of a male fetus.
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