| What is Propecia?
Propecia prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
in the body.Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss on the
vertex and the anterior mid-scalp area. Male pattern hair loss is a common condition
in which men experience thinning of the hair on the scalp. Often, this results
in a receding hairline and/or balding on the top of the head. These changes typically
begin gradually in men in their 20s. Propecia is for use by men only and should
not be used by women or children.Propecia may also be used for other purposes
not listed in this medication guide.
Why does male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
matter?
Despite being a very common condition male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
can have a serious effect on the sufferer and Propecia can help in many cases.
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) can be associated with a poor body
image, make people feel old and unattractive and in general have low self-esteem.
This leads to a greater likelihood of depression and other psychological problems.
In general first impressions are very important and having male pattern baldness
(androgenetic alopecia) can strongly affect whether or not a man perceives himself
as attractive to others, and studies show that this perception can be correct
as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) can affect men's perceived sexual
attractiveness.
Treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
Propecia (Finasteride) is the only prescription tablet in the UK for male pattern
baldness (androgenetic alopecia).Propecia (Finasteride) belongs to a group of
medicines called “5 alpha reductase inhibitors”. It is a tan octagonal
tablet, which is swallowed and is available in just one strength - 1mg.Propecia
(Finasteride) works by blocking the enzyme, Type II 5 alpha-reductase, and in
doing so it reduces the level of the hormone in the scalp which shortens the hair
growth cycle and allows hairs to revert to a normal growth cycle. This can result
in stopping further hair loss and increasing new hair growth in men with male
pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Continuous use once a day for 3–6
months is required before benefit is seen, and effects are reversed 6–12
months after treatment is discontinued so continuous use is recommended to sustain
benefit.
Hair Loss
We all lose a little hair every day, and 40 to 100 hair follicles is considered
normal. That may sound like a lot but a normal scalp would have as many as 100,000
hairs. Each hair shaft grows 0.5 to 1 inch per month for between two and six years
then it is shed after a resting period, and a new hair grows. The process is regular
and cyclical on a normal scalp and 85% to 90% of hair is growing at any one time.
Scientists who have researched the process of hair loss are confident that hair
loss experienced by men and women is a condition called "androgenetic alopecia".
In men it is known as male pattern baldness and in many cases progresses to a
horseshoe-shaped fringe of hair (a receding hairline) and/or balding on the top
of the head. In women it usually results in a general thinning of hair. A combination
of factors causes hair loss. Heredity, hormones and age causes a progressive shrinking
of the hair follicles that contain the hair shaft. As the hair follicle shrinks
the growth cycle shortens, and the rest phase lengthens. The follicles tend to
produce hair shafts that are short, thin and barely visible. Hair loss affects
a significant proportion of the population and is more prevalent as we age. By
the age of 35 almost 40% of men and women show some degree of hair loss. It can
start as early as teenage years.
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