The American Hair Loss Association explains that traditional male pattern baldness is the main reason for thinning hair in more than 95 percent of adult men. Hair loss is caused by the male sex hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) inhibiting and shrinking hairs that are not genetically programed to withstand DHT. The American Hair Loss Association also explains that Propecia (finasteride) can reduce DHT blood levels by almost 60 percent. Lower DHT levels equates to significantly less shedding of otherwise healthy hair follicles. Lower DHT levels can also allow previously thinning hair to regrow and mature to their previous size.
Step 1
Visit your doctor to see if the cause of your hair loss is genetic and from DHT. It is mandatory to learn the source of your balding prior to taking Propecia. Male baldness is a genetic condition and treatments would be different if the cause, for example, was a pituitary condition or another hormonal disorder. Keep in mind, male pattern hair thinning creates 95 percent of hair loss in adult men.
Step 2
Ask your physician about the FDA approved hair loss treatment Propecia if the cause of your hair loss is from male pattern baldness.The American Hair Loss Association suggests Propecia as "the first line of attack" for adult males desiring to treat thinning hair.
Step 3
If your doctor prescribes Propecia, take the prescription to the pharmacy and pick up your 30-day supply.
Step 4
Use Propecia as directed. The normal directions are to take one Propecia tablet a day. You will need to stay on for an indefinite amount of time. If you discontinue Propecia, your normal rate of hair loss will return and you will not have the chance to regrow hair.
Tips and Warnings
- Remember to take Propecia every day. If you forget, don't take a double dose of Propecia. You can take Propecia with or without food.
- Propecia is normally well-tolerated but Merck reports on Propecia's website that their clinical trial found finasteride to produce erectile dysfunction in three percent of men.
Things You'll Need
- Propecia or finasteride
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