Propecia and male pattern baldness
For most men, the thought of losing their hair is one of dreaded inevitability. Male pattern baldness is common whether the loss is at the temples, on the top of the head, or a general loss, and the quest to stop it is an on-going one. Many different treatments and medications are out there and the success or failure of each depends on the individual. One of the most successful medications used to treat male pattern baldness is Propecia.
About Propecia
Propecia, also used to treat BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, is the first pill approved to treat hair loss on the front, middle and top of the head, where most male hair loss occurs. If necessary, it can be used in combination with the topical treatment minoxidil to boost its effectiveness.
Propecia works by preventing the formation of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, on the scalp. The body naturally converts testosterone into DHT, but high levels of DHT on the scalp will cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in a thinning of the hair and eventual baldness.
Clinical studies on the effects of Propecia show that the majority of men who used the product experienced either successful regrowth or no further losses, and many found that the condition of their hair, both new and existing, improved greatly while using the medication.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss can be the cause of a great deal of stress for both men and women, with the resulting anxiety often contributing to worsening the issue. The problem may be so gradual that it is barely noticed until it is too late; or it can occur suddenly with clumps of hair being found on the pillow or in the plughole.
It is normal to lose up to approximately 100 hairs per day, so finding a few in a brush or comb is not a reason to panic. However, if the number of stray hairs found becomes excessive, and/or bald spots are discovered on the scalp, an appointment must be sought with a doctor or trichologist.
Fortunately for those that suffer from the indignity of the condition, several types of hair loss are temporary and can be solved by finding and resolving the underlying cause. These can include a reaction to medication, such as anti-coagulants, or to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body as a result of malnutrition. Hair loss can also be a sign of illness, such as anaemia, liver disease or cancer. In many cases, counteracting the problem can be sufficient to allow the hair to grow again, but there are some exceptions, such as chemotherapy.
Hormone, immune and thyroid problems can be the cause of hair loss. High levels of testosterone can cause pattern baldness in both men and women, causing a reaction in the hair follicles that result in hair thinning and falling out. This is a genetic condition so there is no effective cure. An imbalance in the immune system or hormone levels can cause the hair follicles to be attacked.
A professional will be in a position to make a diagnosis and confirm the correct type of treatment such as Propecia, if there is a suitable one to counteract it.
The Difficulty of Hair Loss
Hair loss affects more people around the world than almost any other ailment. Although not viewed as an illness, hair loss can have underlying causes that may be serious. In most cases, however, alopecia, if identified early, may be treated quite successfully.
Hair Loss and Its Causes
The most common cause of hair loss is Male or Female Pattern Baldness (MPB or FPB), which is an irreversible hereditary condition. Trauma or stress can cause rapid, yet temporary hair loss. Hair loss is also a reaction to certain drugs such as Levitra, Viagra or some antibiotics. Individuals who have had surgery or lack certain vital vitamins in their diet may suffer significant hair loss. This condition may also be a symptom of skin infections, anaemia or other hormonal fluctuations.
Treatments for Hair Loss
Some of the treatments for hair loss include laser hair therapy or herbal oil remedies. In cases where hair loss is permanent, cosmetic treatments such as hair weaving or hair bonding may be used. When aggravated by a hormone deficiency or imbalance, supplementing the body’s need for these hormones can cause hair re-growth. Hair loss as a result of vitamin deficiencies may also be treated with changes in diet.
Hair loss has affected many more people in this decade than during the previous ten years due to increased stress, pollution and other lifestyle changes. A good diagnosis to identify the causes of hair loss can help treat the problem early, ensuring a better chance of success.
Hair Loss – symptoms and medications
Hair loss often occurs as part of the natural ageing process. However, in some cases, loss of hair can be a symptom of serious conditions, the most common being alopecia. Alopecia affects both men and women and can occur in people as young as 15. Those suffering from alopecia areata may experience a complete loss of hair.
There are a number of causes for this particular problem and in addition to factors, including age and hair-related medical conditions, it can also occur during treatment such as chemotherapy or as the result of stress and anaemia. Those with conditions such as vitiligo, thyroid disease or diabetes are also more likely to develop hair-related conditions, such as alopecia.
Symptoms of conditions such as alopecia areata and male and female-pattern baldness include gradual hair loss. Pattern baldness is more common in men and usually begins with a receding hairline. The condition is hereditary and in some cases can lead to a complete loss of hair. Signs of alopecia include loss of patches of hair and loss of eyebrows or eyelashes. Alopecia can also affect the fingernails.
In some cases, hair will grow back without any treatment being necessary. This is usually the case with patients who have completed treatments such as chemotherapy. If you experience problems such as male and female-pattern baldness, then a doctor may be able to provide you with treatment such as propecia, which is usually prescribed for males and minoxidril, which is used for women. For alopecia, no complete cure is available, though in some cases, the hair may grow back. Some sufferers of alopecia choose to wear a wig to disguise the loss of hair.
Male Pattern Baldness Treatments
Male pattern baldness is a common form of hair loss that develops in the majority of the male population. Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, takes between 15 and 25 years to develop, at the end of which a man will be completely bald. The condition can develop quickly in some men and they may become bald within five years.
The first signs of male pattern baldness is characterised by a receding hairline and noticeably thinner hair. A bald patch gradually becomes apparent in the middle of the scalp, which becomes larger until eventually there is very little hair left.
Nearly all men will have developed some degree of male pattern baldness by the time they reach the age of 60. However, the age at which male pattern baldness begins varies between individuals. By the age of 30, 30 percent of men will have developed male pattern baldness and by the age of 50, 50 percent of men will be noticeably bald.
Two treatments are available to help male pattern baldness: Finasteride, which is sold under the brand name of Propecia, and Minoxidil, which is sole under the trade name of Regaine.
Propecia prevents the hormone testosterone from converting into dihydrotestosterone, it works by leaving hair follicles unaffected and they are able to enlarge as normal.
Two in three men find Propecia for hair loss to be effective at increasing hair growth. One in three men do not experience an increase in hair growth as a result of Propecia use, but find that the drug prevents further hair loss.
How Do Male Pattern Baldness Treatments Work?
Male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, accounts for over 95 percent of hair loss in men. The majority of men with male pattern baldness will find that the condition does affects their life.
Male pattern baldness is caused by hair follicles that are genetically sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicles to miniaturise which shortens the lifespan of the affected hair follicles. Over time affected hair follicles will cease production of cosmetically acceptable hair.
The onset of male pattern baldness is characterised by a receding hairline and thinning hair on the crown. This pattern gradually progresses into more evident baldness across the top of the scalp.
Male pattern baldness can be treated, but the success of treatment is dependent upon early intervention. A man must commence on a course of treatment as soon as he notices the onset of male pattern baldness.
Two treatments proved a success in treating male pattern baldness are Finasteride, also known as the brand name of Proscar and Propecia, and Minoxidil, which goes by the brand name of Rogaine.
Propecia is a synthetic antiandrogen used to prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Propecia is a licensed drug used to treat male pattern baldness. Any man in possession of a prescription can buy Propecia today to ensure that they do not miss out on treating their hair loss.
Propecia can lower the scalp levels of DHT by approximately 60 percent when taken daily, preventing the progression of male pattern baldness in approximately 86 percent of men using it. In 65 percent of men, the drug may cause a substantial increase in hair growth.
Hair loss – what are the treatments?
The arrival on the scene of Propecia for hair loss treatment has provoked a great deal of discussion about baldness (alopecia) and its causes. There are a number of reasons for hair loss, some more common than others.
On average, the human head has around 100,000 hairs at any one time. Each of these hairs grows for two to four years and has a rest period lasting another two to four years before falling out. Each day an average of 85 hairs fall out and are replaced by new growth. When this process is disturbed, baldness can follow.
The two main types of alopecia are alopecia areata, where hair falls out in patches, and diffuse alopecia, male pattern baldness, that also occurs in women as female pattern baldness.
Alopecia areata involves patches of baldness that come and go, and is commonest in young people. A problem with the immune system is thought to be the cause. There is no approved treatment for this condition.
Male and female pattern baldness is associated with the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is formed from male hormone testosterone. DHT affects hair by shortening the growth phase and causes thinning of the hair. Propecia (finasteride) works by blocking an enzyme called 5a-reductase that would normally change testosterone into DHT.
When taken daily, genuine Propecia has been shown to stop hair loss within a year in 99 per cent of men tested. Unfortunately, the medication will not work for women and may be dangerous in pregnant women.
Propecia is not recommended for people older than 50 and will not work when a state of complete baldness has been reached. It is best used as early as possible before widespread baldness has occurred.
Propecia for hair loss
Male pattern hair loss (MPHL) affects an estimated 6.5million UK men, and two thirds of all men are likely to lose hair in this way at some point in their lives. Hair loss, more common in white men than black, sometimes starts in the teen years, and four out of ten men show some degree of it by age 35.
This type of hair loss is associated with male hormones and is also called androgenic alopecia. Testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and it is this substance that disrupts the usual hair growth cycle. The rate of hair loss varies and some men become completely bald within five years whereas for others the progress is slower and takes up to 25 years.
Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription drug, not available on the NHS, which has been shown to be extremely effective at stopping hair loss. It contains a DHT inhibitor and was originally developed, and used successfully, as a treatment for the condition Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
A series of clinical trials have shown that Propecia stopped hair loss in 90 per cent of men tested and, over a five-year period, 66 per cent of the men who took the daily 1mg dose regrew hair that had been lost. The medication was effective in both the crown area and at the hairline. Men in the trial control group, who did not take Propecia, all lost hair over the five years that the trial ran.
Men considering using Propecia for hair loss should bear in mind that once the medication is stopped, the effects wear off and hair loss starts once again.
Hair Loss – there is a cure
Everyone experiences hair loss. It is a normal function of the body’s cycles for some hair to be lost each day. Hair normally grows at a rate of about one centimetre per month. After a while, the hair stops growing and falls out. This is a completely normal, healthy cycle. However, sometimes the cycle goes out of control, leading to excessive hair loss.
Surgery, hormones, thyroid problems and even pregnancy can cause excessive hair loss. It is a condition that affects both men and women, young and old. Medications like blood thinners, birth control and antidepressants can cause hair loss, as can certain infections and diseases.
There are many treatments for hair loss, but they depend largely on the cause of the hair loss. If it is a matter of certain medication causing hair loss, the medication may be discontinued. Treating an underlying infection can also stop this problem from occurring.
Some may look to medications to help with reducing the condition. Many go to the medication called Propecia for dealing with their hair loss troubles. Propecia works by reducing the DHT (androgen) levels. DHT is a key cause of hair loss as it can shrink and weaken hair follicles. Propecia blocks the formation of DHT to allow hair follicles to grow normally.
You can buy Propecia today with a prescription. It is an oral tablet that is taken once a day. However, patients should talk to their doctor before starting this medication.
Propecia as a Treatment for Hair Loss in Men
Male pattern baldness causes hair to become thinner and shorter, as well as creating a receding hairline and hair thinning at the crown. Causes of this condition are usually related to genetics or hormonal imbalance. Propecia is a medication used to treat hair loss by stopping production of the hormone DHT in the scalp. DHT is a male hormone that causes hair loss by shrinking the hair follicles, which decreases the ability for new hair to grow.
If a physician recommends Propecia for hair loss, men should first notify their physician of any medications they are taking and health conditions they currently have. Propecia is for use by men only, and cannot be used for treatment of hair loss in women or children. Women who are pregnant should not touch a Propecia pill that has been crushed or damaged, as the ingredients can cause birth defects.
As with all medications, there is a slight risk that Propecia for hair loss may cause side effects, including allergic reactions, an inability to achieve an erection, decreased sexual desire and testicular pain.
Propecia is available through prescription by a medical professional. To buy Propecia today, men can order Propecia through online pharmacies. It may be necessary to continue taking Propecia for hair loss for three months before results are noticeable. After 12 months of use, men will be able to see if Propecia is working successfully or not. If Propecia for hair loss is not effective, other treatment options may be explored.