Finasteride (brand name Propecia™) is one of the recommended medications to fight hair loss and thinning. You can read about the other recommended medication, minoxidil (Rogaine™), in our article here.
Finasteride is an oral medication, available by prescription only. It is known as a type II 5α-reductase inhibitor. 5α-reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By blocking the action of this enzyme, levels of DHT are lessened in the scalp. DHT is the hormone responsible for male and female pattern baldness. You can read about it in our “What Causes Balding” article here.
Because DHT levels are reduced in the scalp, the process of hair loss SLOWS. Just as with minoxidil, finasteride is not known to cause previously bald areas to regrow hair. Rather, it is best used to prevent the loss of further hair.
The effects of finasteride are difficult to notice from a day to day perspective. However, over a five year study, 66% of men taking finasteride at 1 mg daily increased their hair counts. 100% of men taking placebo in the same study lost hair over the five years. On professional review of the study photographs, 48% of men taking finasteride had fuller appearing hair, and 42% showed no visual loss over 5 years.
Just as with minoxidil, finasteride use may cause a temporary period of hair shedding within the first few months of use. This is a sign that the medication is having its desired effect. The temporarily lost hair should return within a few weeks as thicker, more darkly pigmented (visible) hair.
The best time to start finasteride is when you first notice hair thinning. However, theoretically any amount of hair left on the scalp could benefit from finasteride. It is safe to use in conjunction with a hair transplant procedure. Using finasteride after a hair transplant procedure will improve the look of the result by preserving as much of the original hair as possible. Finasteride also works well when minoxidil is being used at the same time. The combination of finasteride and minoxidil likely has a synergistic effect. The side effects of finasteride can be discussed at the time of consultation.
For a free consultation regarding hair loss, including a potential prescription for finasteride, please call 847-995-9000.
-Christopher Bailey MD
Finasteride (Propecia™) For Hair Loss Treatment is a post from: www.chicagohairclinic.com
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