Battling Hair Loss with Propecia: Effective Treatment for Thinning Hair

08/23/2024

 

What is Propecia, and how does it work?

• Propecia is an oral prescription medicine used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) to increase hair growth on your scalp and prevent further hair loss. Finasteride is the active ingredient (the ingredient that makes Propecia work) in Propecia.

• Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. A 5-alpha reductase inhibitor is an enzyme (protein) that changes testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Too much DHT causes hair loss. By blocking 5-alpha reductase, Finasteride lowers the DHT levels in the hair follicles of the scalp, which helps hair grow.

• The cause of baldness is an enzyme that transforms testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT affects hair follicles that are sensitive to the enzyme. It binds to sensitive follicles, causing them to shrink, which leads to shorter, thinner hairs. The concentration of DHP drops by 65% within just 24 hours of taking Propecia.

• It can take up to 3 months or more for the full effect of Propecia to appear.

• Propecia works by reducing enzyme activity. Stopping the enzymes that convert the testosterone into DHT reduces DHT’s quantity, so there is less DHT to bind to the androgen receptors. Over time, the affected hair follicles heal, become healthy, and produce hair again.

Note: Propecia is to be used by men only, and it should not be used by women or children.

Warnings

• Finasteride is absorbable through the skin. Finasteride can lead to birth defects if a pregnant woman is exposed to it. Finasteride tablets should not be handled by pregnant women or women who may become pregnant.

• Propecia tablets are coated. These coated materials prevent contact with the active ingredient in normal handling unless the tablets coming in contact are broken or crushed. If a female comes in contact with a damaged or crushed tablet or handles the tablet with wet hands, wash the contact area with soap and water immediately.

• If the active ingredient in Propecia, Finasteride, is absorbed by a lady who is pregnant with a male baby after swallowing or through the skin, contact your doctor right away. It may lead to the baby being born with abnormalities in the sex organs.

• Use of Propecia may raise your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your doctor will carry out tests to make sure you do not have other disorders or diseases that may prevent you from safely using this medication.

• Do not give Propecia to children or women. It is for men only.

How to take Propecia?

Your possible dose, form, and frequency will depend on:

• Your age

• The condition getting treated

• The severity of the condition

• Other medical conditions

• The reaction of your body to the first few dosages of the medication

Take as directed

• Follow all the directions given by your doctor. They might be different from the information in this blog.

• If you do not take it properly as described, you may not see an improvement in hair loss or regrowth.

• The usual dose is taken once each day. It will not work faster or better if you take more than needed. If taken more than prescribed, you will be at a greater risk of developing side effects.

• If you do not understand the instructions properly, ask your doctor or pharmacist about them.

If you forget to take a dose

• If it is almost time for your next dose, you should skip the dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

• Take it as soon as you remember if you are not close to the time of your next dose, and go back to the normal routine from the next dose.

• Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure whether to skip the dose or not.

• Never double the dose to make up for the missed dose.

How long to take Propecia?

• Male pattern hair loss is a disorder that develops slowly over a long period of time. It takes time for something to grow, so you will not get immediate results. Generally, daily use for 3 months or more may be essential before you notice any increased hair growth for the prevention of further loss. Continue taking Propecia for as long as your doctor prescribes.

• If you decide to stop taking Propecia, you will lose all the benefits of the treatment within 6 to 12 months, and hair loss will likely resume.

• If you start again, you will be at a lower baseline level than when you started a year ago. Propecia only works when you take it; stopping and starting are unlikely to bring as good results as taking it continuously.

How to take Propecia correctly?

• Take Propecia with a full glass of water at the same time each day.

• It can be taken with or without food. If it hurts after taking it with an empty stomach, taking it with food may help.

• Additionally, do not donate blood for a month after you stop taking Propecia due to the risk of harm to unborn babies.

How do I buy Propecia tablets?

Propecia tablets should not be bought and used without proper consultation with a certified doctor. Your doctor will tell you the dosage, strength, and frequency of taking the medication. Propecia is not hard to find. It is easily available, and you can buy Propecia tablets online without worrying about anything.

Conclusion

Propecia (Finasteride) is the second most used medication for treating male-pattern hair loss after Minoxidil. Most men taking Finasteride see a slowing down in their rate of hair loss without any long-term side effects. You will get better benefits if you start sooner rather than later. Some people experience side effects, the majority of which are thought to be reversed when they stop taking the medication. Studies examining photographs of men aged 18 to 41 taking Propecia for 5 years showed that 48% had improved hair appearance, and another 42% were unchanged. This concludes that about 90% of men may benefit from taking Propecia when looking at the appearance of their scalp hair.