Dr. Cole Discusses:
What is the Effectiveness of Finasteride (Propecia)?
Finasteride (brand name Propecia) is an oral medication prescribed in the treatment of male pattern baldness. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testerone to dihydrotesterone (DHT), the hormone largely responsible for male pattern baldness. Finasteride inhibits the action of the type 11 5-alpha reductaze enzyme that is present in higher concentration in and around the hair follicles of balding men. Lowering the DHT levels stops the shrinking of affected hair follicles and restoring those affected hair follicles so to regrow visible hair.
Studies have shown that after five years of treatment, 90% of men taking Finasteride maintained their hair or increased hair growth. The major benefit of Finasteride is too slow down the progression of hair loss and to regrow hair in thinning areas of the scalp. Finasteride treatment does not grow hair in completely balding areas of the scalp but is an essential part of a hair restoration treatment plan.
Finasteride (Propecia) is a daily oral medication that must be taken for at least one year before its effects can be seen. Just like other medications Finasteride can produce side effects, although uncommon they include a decrease in sexual desire and ability, breast tenderness and enlargement (Gynecomastia). These side effects are rare and Finasteride (Propecia) continues to be an effective and proven treatment for male pattern baldness.