How to use finasteride (propecia) to stop hair loss

This guide will explain how using finasteride (propecia) can be used to stop hair loss. Propecia has been proven to stop hair loss in scientific studies carried out by drug maker Merck, maker of Propecia, and also in independent studies, all monitored by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA).

It has been approved as a treatment to stop hair loss based on those findings. Although, some propecia users have experienced some side effects, it must be stated that the number is very small – below 3%, and usually the side effects subside after continued use. More on side effects below.

What is finasteride

Propecia is the brand name used for the hair loss treatments containing finasteride.

Propecia contains 1 mg of finasteride, which was initially created and used for the treatment of enlarged prostate glands. Finasteride blocks 5-alpha reductase, which is an enzyme that converts testosterone into di-hydro- testosterone (DHT).

DHT is responsible for hair loss/miniaturization because it binds to hair follicles, restricting their ability to generate new and fully grown hair. Without treatment, the affected follicles will produce shorter hair each hair growth cycle and eventually producing hair that is barely visible.

In theory, propecia stops converting testesterone into DHT, thus stopping DHT binding to the follicles.

Propecia – proven to stop hair loss

Propecia is undoubtedly one of the best hair loss treatments because it has proven to work and is also very convenient. Just pop in a small pill everyday and there is no need to mess with the hair. It is particularly good for those with minimal hair loss because users can be confident of keeping their hair without further progression of hair loss.

Directions for use of propecia (finasteride)

Propecia should be taken as soon as a man observes the first signs of a hair loss problem (androgenetic alopecia). The pills are to to be taken once a day after acquiring a doctor's prescription. The results appear after a period of several months. The inconvenience is that if you stop taking them, their favorable effects on hair growth stops with it, and in a few months your scalp will regain the same look as it had before using propecia.

Although 1 mg of finasteride is recommended, there is evidence (according to many users posting messages) that users can gain similar results by cutting a single propecia pill in four i.e. taking .25 mg of finasteride a day. This represents large savings as 1 month's worth of tablets will last 4 months.

Propecia side effects

There are some side effects to be taken in consideration by men too (although they appear at a minority of users, 3%, and they tend to diminish as the body gets used to the drug effect). The common side effects mentioned by the specialists are: less sexual desire, problems in achieving an erection, a decrease of sperm production.

Cost

The brand name propecia from Merck is relatively expensive, but you may feel it is a small price to pay to keep your hair and looks.

Generic finasteride

Propecia isn't cheap. Many users have been known to opt for generic versions of the drug that can be purchased online. Generic propecia is significantly cheaper and is considered to provide very similar results.

Propecia and minoxidil

If one suffers hair loss that has become very visible and is perhaps on Norwood scale of 3 or more, then using propecia alone is perhaps not ideal. Using propecia in combination with minoxidil, the most widely used hair growth stimulant, is likely to generate better and more noticeable results.

Women should avoid using propecia

Women and children must not use the drug. Pregnant women in particular should avoid using it due to the possibility of harm to a fetus.

If you are worried about the side effects, just talk to your doctor and decide together what is the best solution for your hair loss problem.