Propecia is the marketing name for a drug called Finasteride. It is one of only two FDA licensed drugs for the treatment of male pattern baldness.
It is not suitable for pregnant women – some people recommend it is not used by women of child baring age even if they believe themselves to not be pregnant.
Pills are typically coated to ensure that females can handle them safely.
The Problem
Male pattern baldness affects many tens of millions of men worldwide.
Symptoms may vary considerably but classically it involves a receding hairline (often most noticeably at the outset, from the temples) coupled with a bald spot towards the rear of the head. Hair may then thin down the centre of the head from the rear leaving a classic pattern of hair on the sides of the head with little on top.
Some male populations in the world do not suffer it or only suffer very reduced instances (in terms of both absolute numbers and severity) of it. The reasons for this are not clear but are presumed to be a combination of genetics and possibly (though controversially) diet.
The causes are not precisely understood but science now has a reasonable model for the cause of it in males – female pattern baldness is more complex and arguably even less well understood.
The Causes
It’s probably accurate to say that the precise mapping of the processes and interactions involving a combination of age, genetics and hormonal levels, is still a long way off.
However, it is known that a form of Testosterone called DHT is produced in males at a level much higher (typically) than in females. DHT has a proven negative effect on the hair follicles and as a result, hair growth.
Some researchers speculated that if the DHT in the body could somehow be reduced or controlled, then hair loss may be reduced and perhaps hair growth stimulated.
The Prostate Gland
One of the major potential health risks for men is enlargement (whether benign or malignant) of the prostate.
For some time it has been recognized that there are links between this condition and the levels of male hormones in the body called androgens. The basic idea behind some treatment regimes for prostate problems is to control these androgens and this can involve the use of Finasteride.
As an apparent by-product of treatment, it was noticed that Finasteride also, in some patients, generated increased hair growth even in areas of the scalp that had previously been considered ‘dead’.
After due trials, it was therefore licensed for sale.
Treatment Regimes
Typically used via a pill, some people have indicated very significant results. Others have suggested a mild improvement. A fair percentage has indicated little or no effect.
The effects appear to be mainly seen around the back and centre of the head – for reasons that are not clear, results in terms of a receding hairline seem less pronounced.
Points To Consider
This medication must be prescribed by a doctor and is a powerful drug.
It works by blocking an enzyme that turns Testosterone into DHT and this is also the same mechanism that works to help prostate problems.
Side effects are felt in some users and they may include things such as:
• Impotence or reduction in libido;
• Sexual dysfunction;
• A reduction in sperm/semen volumes;
• Testicular pain;
• Enlargement of the breasts.
However, the percentages so affected appear to be very small and the effects seemingly cease if the treatment is discontinued.
It also appears to be the case that the hair growth benefits disappear if the drug is discontinued.
Summary
Propecia/Finasteride is a powerful medication that has proven benefits in terms of helping reduce the rate of male pattern baldness and perhaps, more arguably, sometimes hair re-growth in certain parts of the scalp.
Some experts continue to believe that these benefits can only be obtained in areas where the follicles are dormant or operating in a reduced capacity and that areas of the head that have long been bald may have to be considered as largely irreversibly so.
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