Have you heard of Finasteride? Well it is the key behind stopping and re-growing hair for men who have male pattern baldness (MPB).
It was first used to help men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostrate. The help came in the form of improved urination, or a more uniform urination pattern.
When used for treating MPB it was found to improve the hair growth in 2 out of 3 men who took the pill. The men who did not take the pill actually lost hair.
So what is Finasteride, how does it work, and who should use it?
What Is Finasteride? Finasteride is a synthetic anti-androgen. An anti-androgen is a hormone that is capable of stopping the biological effects of the male hormone testosterone. It was approved in 1992 to help men with BPH. In 1997 it was approved by the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for use by men to treat MPB.
How Does It Work? This synthetic drug actually acts on the enzyme, 5 alpha reductase, by preventing it from converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
DHT is the culprit hormone that causes MPB and FPB. It does this by attaching itself to the hair follicle. In doing this, it stops the flow of nutrients to not only the follicle but also the hair strand. Eventually the hair strand will fall out and the follicle will wither and die.
By preventing the formation of DHT, the hair follicle continues to get nutrients and will continue to produce hair. This action stops MPB and will actually help in re-growing hair.
Who Should Use It? In a study, it was shown to be effective in stopping hair loss in men 42% of the time. And in the same study, 48% of men have been shown to actually re-grow hair. Only men should use Finasteride since it has been found to produce birth defects. Doctors may prescribe Finasteride to women, but only after effective birth control measures have been put in place.
Conclusion – Finasteride can be found under the product name Propecia. It has been approved by the FDA for use by men. Women may use it, but it should be done under a doctor’s care.
Other FDA approved hair loss products that both men and women can use is Minoxidil. Men may use it at 5% solution strength, while women are cleared to use the 2% solution strength.
No matter which one you use, you should consider taking saw palmetto. This is an herbal supplement that helps regulate DHT.
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