Doctors believe male pattern hair loss is due to heredity and is dependent on hormonal effects. Doctors refer to this type of balding as Androgenetic Alopecia. Mild to severe male pattern hair loss affects 80 percent of men. It has been found that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of dihydro-testosterone (DHT) in their balding scalps. Scientists believe these increased levels of DHT affect the growth cycle, contributing to the thinning of the hair on the scalp. Propecia works by blocking the formation of DHT.

Propecia (generic name Finasteride), the first and only pill to treat androgenetic alopecia, was developed to treat male pattern hair loss in the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area. Propecia is proven to maintain or increase hair count in most men.

Propecia (finasteride) begins to block the formation of DHT immediately. However, because hair grows slowly, visible results from Propecia take some time. Most men may begin to see the first benefit of Propecia-slowing hair loss- as early as 3 months. In clinical studies, it was not just 'peach fuzz' but real hair growth on both vertex and anterior mid-scalp area. Propecia must be continued to maintain any beneficial results. If you cease treatment, any hair you have gained is likely to be lost within 12 months.

Propecia is a MEN ONLY treatment for hair loss, women are strongly advised not to take or come in to contact with Propecia. Propecia may cause abnormalities of the baby's sex organs, a condition known as hypospasdias.

Side Effects

Like all prescription products, Propecia may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following: less desire for sex; difficulty in achieving an erection; and, a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. These side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. They also disappeared in most men who continued taking Propecia.

The active ingredient in Propecia is also used by older men at a five-times higher dose to treat enlargement of the prostate. Some of these men reported other side effects, including problems with ejaculation, breast swelling and/or tenderness and allergic reactions such as lip swelling and rash. In clinical studies with Propecia, these side effects occurred as often in men taking placebo as in those taking Propecia.

Tell your doctor promptly about these or any other unusual effects.

Additonal Information

Propecia can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia.