Millions of men around the world suffer from hair loss. If you are one of these men yourself, it is likely that you will understand how annoying and frustrating hair loss can be. Don't come too deep! Make yourself comfortable that you are not alone and do what needs to be done to protect your hair and prevent future hair loss.
Nothing has been done in the past to stop the progression of male baldness. The men were forced to accept the situation or use wigs and hairpieces. This is no longer the case. There are things you can do to save your hair. If you want to take care of your hair, read on to find out more.
Male baldness is a genetic disorder in which men lose hair on their heads slowly or sometimes quite quickly. Although there are a number of unwanted snake oil products that claim to stop hair loss, there are only two medications that have been shown to grow hair from the scalp. The first drug, Minoxidil, is a topical drug that you apply to the areas of your scalp that are affected by baldness. You can use Minoxidil once or twice a day. Minoxidil, sold under the name Rogaine, was only available on prescription, but is now sold over-the-counter. You can enter any large pharmacy and take a bottle.
When using Minoxidil, it is important that you have realistic expectations. If you are completely bald, this will not work for you. It usually grows only a small number of hairs and is most effective on the top of your scalp. It is less effective on the hairline. Minoxidil is available as a foam and liquid preparation and takes a few months to work. So you have to be patient.
Finasteride, sold under the name Propecia, is the other effective treatment for hair loss. If you want to stop male baldness, you need to take this medication. Finasteride can incredibly stop the progression of hair loss in men, but is less effective in regrowing new hair. You should start taking finasteride as soon as you notice hair loss. The sooner the better.
Finasteride is only sold to prescription-only people. You must therefore consult your doctor before starting treatment. Finasteride differs from Minoxidil in that it is not a topical solution, but a pill that you take once a day. To get the benefits of finasteride, you should continue to take it daily. If you stop taking the medication, you may lose new hair that you have grown back and your male model's hair loss will continue to progress. You are unlikely to notice any side effects while taking finasteride. So be sure to speak to your doctor.
Hair loss is not fun. Fortunately, by taking finasteride and using minoxidil, you can stop male baldness from progressing and keep most of your hair. Good luck!
Why is Propecia an effective pill for hair loss in men?
Most men with premature hair loss are genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia - a condition commonly referred to as male baldness. Male hair loss occurs due to the effect of testosterone - the main male sex hormone - on your hair follicles. This hormone is present in large amounts in your body after puberty and is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) due to the action of the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT acts on the hormone receptors in your hair follicles and slows down the production of scalp hair. This results in shorter and weaker hair than normal, and sometimes your hair stops growing completely. This gradual process ultimately leads to complete or partial baldness.
Male patten hair loss stages
The onset of androgenetic alopecia usually begins at the end of puberty and is generally determined by your genetic heritage. Most men lose their hair in the late 20's or early 30's. Hair loss initially occurs in the form of a declining hairline and gradually develops into thinning hair on the top of the head. Finally, the two areas converge and form a U-shape on the sides and the back of the head. The remaining hair, if present, becomes finer in texture and the growth rate slows down. Moderate hair loss due to hormonal causes affects most men over the age of 50. This hormonal condition can be hereditary.
What is Propecia?
Propecia (active ingredient finasteride) is a popular prescription pill for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. This clinically tested drug has been shown to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth in approximately 80% of cases. Propecia is well suited for long-term treatment in most cases of androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, helps lower dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels in the scalp of genetically predisposed men.
How does Propecia work?
Because testosterone is converted to DHT due to the effects of 5-alpha reductase, finasteride blocks the action of this enzyme and lowers DHT levels in the scalp. This reduces the negative effect of DHT on hair follicles and prevents or even reverses hair loss. Finasteride would lower DHT levels by about 60%. Treatment with Propecia should continue for approximately 3 to 6 months for optimal benefit.
Possible side effects of Propecia
Like other medications, Propecia can also have side effects on your body, including sexual problems such as temporary impotence and low libido. However, most of these side effects are temporary and usually go away without treatment. Pregnant women in particular should avoid contact with finasteride, as this is known to cause birth defects in the male fetus. It is advisable to follow your doctor's instructions if you are taking this hair loss medication. Propecia was specifically developed to treat the symptoms of baldness in men. It cannot be taken by women with female hair loss or by men who have hair loss due to cancer or chemotherapy.
Reviewed By Dr Andrew Charlton Has 62 publications, the author of 3 patents for inventions, 2 teaching aids on medical and pharmaceutical education of Australian universities for use in the educational process in medical universities.
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