Hair-Journal.com

Q1. What is Finasteride?

It is the chemical name of the popular brand names like Propecia and Proscar – currently used as hair loss treatments for men with male pattern baldness. These hair loss treatments are supposed work by inhibiting an enzyme, which ultimately will reduce the amount of DHT that is naturally produced by the body.

Q2. How does Finasteride work?

It reduces DHT by inhibiting an enzyme, called Type II 5-alpha-reductace, that converts testosterone into DHT. Finasteride is the first 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that is made available for consumption by the general population. Propecia has been approved, by the Food and Drug Administration, for men to use as a treatment for hair loss.

Q3: How is it taken?

Finasteride is a prescription drug taken orally once daily. Both agents are modestly effective in maintaining (and sometimes regrowing) hair that is lost as a result of androgenic alopecia.

Q4. How long does it take to see results?

Finasteride takes about three months to show results and hair loss occurs a year after the drug is stopped.

Q5. Are there any side effects? 

Side effects are not common, but can include impotence, reduced libido, ejaculation disorders, breast tenderness and enlargement, hypersensitivity reactions such as rashes and lip swelling.

Note: Finasteride has not been approved for women, because it is dangerous to the unborn child of pregnant women. Corticosteroids can also be used as a hair loss treatment, and are most often given by injection for this type of condition. Finasteride is effective in the treatment of mild to moderate hair loss. The results were conclusive.