Posts Tagged ‘propecia’

Male Pattern Hair Loss and Hormones - How are they linked?

Wednesday, March 10th, 2010

Also known as androgenetic alopecia, male pattern hair loss is one of the most common causes of male baldness. It is caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the male hormone on genetically vulnerable hair follicles in the scalp. These sensitive hair follicles are largely present in the crown, front and top of the head and produce an easily identifiable and characteristic pattern. The mechanism used by DHT to accomplish hair loss has not yet been completely understood, but it is believed to be caused by the process of miniaturization in hair follicles. In the scalps of genetically prone men, DHT causes the width of hair shafts to decrease progressively until the scalp hair looks like vellus hair or disappears altogether.

Pattern of hair loss
The onset of male pattern hair loss can begin at the end of puberty and is usually genetically determined. Many men start losing their hair during their 20s or early 30s. Hair loss usually begins with a receding hairline and gradually progresses to thinning hair at the top of the head. Eventually both balding areas converge to form a U shape around the sides and back of the head. The remaining hair, if any, becomes thinner and finer in texture and the rate of growth slows down. Mild or moderate hair los due to hormonal causes affects about 50% of men by age 50. This hormonal condition is thought to be hereditary in nature.

Male pattern baldness treatment
There is no known cure for male pattern hair loss, but there are a number of products and therapies that can treat or camouflage it to a certain extent. You can opt for surgical methods such as hair transplants, scalp reduction or flap surgery to restore the lost hair. Or you can ask your doctor to recommend prescription medications, which can be very effective too. Hair pieces or volumizing shampoos can be used if nothing else works.

Symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness and How can I get Treatment?

Monday, November 30th, 2009

Male pattern baldness, known as androgenetic alopecia in medical terms, affects approximately 25% of the male population by the age of 30. It is caused by a genetically-determined over-sensitivity to the hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men suffer from hair loss in the form of a receding hairline, whereby the lateral sides close to the forehead experience maximum loss of hair. Male pattern baldness is treatable with the help of Propecia, a clinically-proven treatment that fights against hair loss and promotes re-growth.

How does Propecia work?
Finasteride, the active ingredient present in Propecia, was originally discovered as a treatment for prostate enlargement and users noticed that it also promoted hair growth. A 2-year clinical study on the effects of Propecia conducted by Merck Pharmaceuticals reported that 66% of men using the drug had visible re-growth while 33% suffered from no more hair loss. Another 5-year clinical study reported that 48% of men taking Propecia had visible re-growth of hair while 40% men had no more hair loss. Propecia helps to reduce the levels of DHT inside the scalp and blocks the shrinkage of hair follicles. Once the shrinkage stops, hair starts growing again. Like most other medications, Propecia too has a few side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and low amounts of semen. However, these side effects are experienced by less than 2% of men and tend to disappear after a while.

How should I use Propecia?
Propecia is available in the dosage strength of 1mg. It is not advisable to lower or increase the dosage without a doctor’s advice. Food intake does not make a difference while taking Propecia. If a dose has been missed, take it as quickly possible. However, if the next dose is almost due, follow your regular schedule.

Where should I keep Propecia?
It is advisable to store Propecia in a dry place, away from direct sunlight. It is not meant to be taken by anyone below the age of 18, so keep it out of reach of children and teenagers.

An overview of Male Pattern Baldness Drugs

Thursday, October 1st, 2009

Male pattern baldness is not a serious condition or a disease, but men who suffer from it often feel bad about their loss and can suffer from low self-esteem and low confidence. Baldness or hair loss can begin at any age in men. Sometimes men as early as in their twenties experience hair loss while sometimes some men have a thick mane of hair until their ripe old age. Today’s hectic and stressful lifestyle further adds to this problem.

If men start to lose hair at a young age, it affects them adversely. It not only makes them feel unattractive but it can also hamper their confidence and self-esteem. Some men feel that their fast approaching baldness is a sign of old age and can suddenly behave awkwardly. Men trying to find suitable partners find themselves at a loss. Some women can find baldness and receding hair unattractive and don’t choose to go out with men suffering from male pattern baldness. The most popular treatment for male pattern baldness is Propecia finasteride.

Does Propecia finasteride always work?
Propecia finasteride works in more than 80% of men who take it. It is the most successful treatment for male pattern baldness and comes in an easy-to-take pill. It is clinically tested and proven and because of this, most people choose to opt for Propecia. Most men who take Propecia finasteride witness no further hair loss and sometimes they even experience new hair growth.

Possible health concerns
Propecia finasteride is safe to consume and causes very few side effects. Some of the possible health concerns if you take Propecia are low sexual desire, temporary impotence and a low sperm count. If you are planning to have a baby, it is advisable to avoid Propecia for some time. Women should under no circumstances be exposed to Propecia, as it may cause certain health consequences.

Hair Loss can be beaten!

Saturday, August 1st, 2009

Hair loss is a distressing condition and most people losing hair fall victim to depression, low self-esteem and many social problems. However, all these problems can be things of past now, as male pattern hair loss can now be treated. Men suffering from hair loss can get back their hair or stop further hair loss with a revolutionary medication known as Propecia. However, more on this later, let us first delve deeper into the causes of hair loss in men, also known as androgenic alopecia.

Androgenic alopecia
For years scientists have been researching constantly to find out the causes behind male hair loss or androgenic alopecia. From barber’s combs to hats and from grandfather’s inherited genes to hormones, a lot of things were put to blame. However, most researchers today blame hormones, called androgens, for hair loss. Male pattern baldness is believed to be caused by a genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone, which causes the follicles to shrink. Dihydrotestosterone shortens the lifespan of follicles and prevents them from producing hair normally. A few years ago, there was no treatment for hair loss but a medication (finasteride) developed for prostate problems was found to have an interesting side effect, which turned out to be a unique selling point and today this medication is the most popular hair loss treatment in the market.

Propecia Finasteride
Manufactured by Merck, Propecia finasteride works by inhibiting the production of dihydrotestosterone in the body. This helps hair follicles from shrinking further. Propecia works in more than 80% of men taking it and has no or minimal side effects. Finasteride was originally developed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in low doses, and prostate cancer in higher doses. It is still available for the treatment of these serious conditions in men. However, it is more famous as a hair loss drug than a drug for these conditions. Consult a doctor and find out if Propecia finasteride is safe for you as a hair loss medication or not.

BID ADIEU TO HAIR LOSS

Thursday, June 18th, 2009

The major cause of hair loss in men is a condition called male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. In this condition hair loss occurs in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples. Hair may also thin at the crown. Male pattern baldness can progress into partial or complete baldness in some men. Male pattern baldness can be commonly noticed in men in their middle ages, however, these days’ men in their 20s and 30s are also experiencing hair loss due to male pattern baldness.

Common causes for male pattern baldness
Male pattern baldness is said to be primarily caused by a combination of two factors - a genetic predisposition and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

According to experts, a man who is experiencing male pattern baldness has inherited a gene that is likely to cause hair loss. On the other hand, DHT is the active form of male sex hormone testosterone that is present in every man, however in some men there may be an excess of DHT. Research has shown that elevated levels of DHT shrink hair follicles and suppress the growth of new hair. It has also been proved that if the production of DHT is suppressed, hair follicle with continue to thrive and thus excess hair fall can be prevented.

Various treatments available for male hair loss
The treatment methods available for male hair loss include –

Natural hair loss treatment – This includes use of herbal shampoos, oils, supplements and hair therapies. Many men prefer natural treatment for hair loss as it does not come with side effects associated with medications. There are many fake treatments available in the market, so it is advised that you consult a doctor before trying a natural hair loss treatment.

Hair transplantation – This is a surgical method. Hence it’s expensive and its success depends on the skill of the surgeon. The method involves relocation of bald resistant hair follicles (from the back and sides of the head) to a person’s bald or thinning hair area. Side-effects include risks of infection and scarring.

Hair Loss Medications – Currently, this is the most popular method for hair loss treatment. Hair loss treatment such as Propecia (Finasteride) offers convenient and effective male pattern baldness treatment for men. Other hair loss medication is Minoxidil (sold under the trade name of Rogaine and Regaine).

Advantages of Propecia over other methods
Listed below are the advantages of Propecia (Finasteride) over other hair loss treatment methods.

  • Propecia (Finasteride) is proven effective in about 80% of men.
  • Studies have proven that Propecia prevents further hair loss and actually helps to increase the number of hair strands in any given area of the head.
  • Propecia is convenient to take as you just need to take one pill a day.
  • Propecia has been approved by the FDA as a prescription only male pattern baldness treatment drug for men.
  • Propecia has been in use since 1997 and is currently one of the most prescribed pills for male pattern baldness treatment. Hence its safety and efficacy is well-proven.

Let’s discuss most common male health problems

Tuesday, May 26th, 2009

Some of the most commonly occurring male health problems are impotence and male pattern baldness. While impotence usually strikes elderly men, mostly in their 50s and 60s, male pattern baldness may occur earlier and can be noticed in men who are still in their 30s. Both impotence and male pattern baldness can reduce a man’s self-esteem and may affect his social and personal life.

Male pattern baldness and its treatment
Male pattern baldness also called androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of baldness in men. In this condition, hair is lost in a well-defined pattern beginning above both temples. Hair may also thin at the crown or the head. If not treated, male pattern baldness could lead to partial or complete baldness. Male pattern baldness is caused due to elevated levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in some men. DHT is the active form of male sex hormone testosterone. Most effective and popular treatment for male pattern baldness is the use of oral medication Propecia (Finasteride). Regular use of Propecia checks the production of DHT and helps in stopping further hair loss and also assists in new hair growth.

Other methods of male pattern baldness include use of topical treatments like shampoos and oils and hair transplants.

Impotence and its treatment
Impotence or erectile dysfunction in men is defined as the consistent inability to achieve or maintain erections for satisfactory sexual activity. Impotence is a commonly occurring condition that affects most men at some point in their life. Men in theirs 60s are more likely to suffer from impotence than men in their 40s. Causes of impotence could be physiological such as high blood pressure, hear ailment, diabetes etc or psychological like performance anxiety, depression etc.

One of the most effective and popular treatment for impotence is the use of oral erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra, Cialis and Levitra. One needs to take these medicines as needed unto an hour before sexual activity. These medicines facilitate firm and prolonged erections in response to sexual stimulation and help men with ED to enjoy successful sexual intercourse.

Other methods of impotence treatment include use of vacuum pumps, injections and penile implants. These methods are understandably inconvenient and therefore not as popular as oral medications like Viagra, Cialis and Levitra.

Finding a Hair Loss Solution is not tough anymore!

Monday, March 23rd, 2009

Hair loss is a common problem which can be very frustrating for both men and women. Hair form major aspect of a person’s personality and losing hair can be very disheartening and embarrassing at the same time. Hair loss can happen at any given point of time in your life and can be either temporary or permanent. Depending upon whether hair loss is permanent or temporary, treatment course will vary.

Causes for temporary hair loss are not associated with genetic and can be easily treated. For example, stress is one of the reasons for such type of hair loss and can easily be treated with elimination of stress from your life. But on the other hand, permanent hair loss has strong association with genetics and can be hereditary. Alopecia is most common form of such type of hair loss and Male Pattern Baldness is further a subtype of Alopecia (or androgenetic alopecia).

Treatment for Permanent Hair Loss

With new advancements, treatment to male pattern baldness is not difficult any more. Out of several treatment options available for such type of hair loss, most popular treatments are medication, hair transplant surgery or using artificial hair.

  • Medications: Prescription pills have proved to be easiest and safest method to deal with male pattern baldness. Most famous FDA approved once a day pill for male baldness is Finasteride, marketed under brand name of Propecia with success ratio of approx 90%.
  • Hair Transplant Surgery: A cluster of hair follicles are removed one area, and then transferred to the required area. Hair is replaced in the area of transplantation in the direction of hair growth to give a natural look. Any surgical procedure has a risk factor associated with it.
  • Cosmetic Treatments: Most common treatments include artificial hair to hide bald area and using hair care products to make your hair thick as well as strong.

Propecia Finasteride – Chronic Treatment for Male Hair Loss

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009

DHT inhibitors have been primary and foundational method of stopping hair loss in men and Propecia works on same principle. Propecia is most clinically proven product on the market today for hair loss in Men. Propecia has solution to hair loss at any age. Younger men who want to keep a head full of hair to men who want to prevent further loss of hair, Propecia is the only treatment to make it possible. Propecia offers 80% chances of keeping all the hair you have by just taking a pill every day.

DHT hormone is prime concern and root cause for hair loss in men Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia works to this root cause of the problem and stops production of DHT by inhibiting conversion of testosterone, a male hormone, into DHT. Propecia in dosage of 1mg was released way back in 1998. To date, Propecia has been the longest and most successful treatment to have undergone FDA trials.

Finasteride is a long term treatment and takes some time to show results. Propecia should be taken daily without missing any dose and you could see results in as little as 3 months. However, if you stop taking the medicine, your results will gradually go away over 12 months. Propecia takes time, so you need to keep patience during the treatment!

Male Hair Loss Treatment with Propecia Finasteride

Monday, January 5th, 2009

Men or Women, everyone finds it really hard and frustrating to deal with falling hair. Hair loss brings many emotional changes and changes in person’s appearance and can be major cause of losing self esteem. But to deal with hair loss and find a solution for the same, it is first essential to accept the situation which many men don’t want to do.

Not all hair loss treatments are guaranteed and proven to work, also some are only temporary it is imperative that you come to terms with hair loss before seeking treatment. Many options available for hair loss treatment in men include hair transplant, diet, wigs and medication. There are a few prescription medications that have been proven to stop hair loss, as well as regrowth of hair. Propecia Finasteride is one such medication for male pattern baldness. Before considering the use of any medication, you should go for proper consultation with doctor to determine how effective medicine is for you and what side effects it can cause.

Finasteride in Propecia is a hormone modifier which inhibits conversion of testosterone into DHT (Dihydrotestosterone), main culprit for hair loss. As soon as the treatment with Propecia is stopped, beneficial effect disappears. Also, women who are, or potentially may be, pregnant should stay away from Finasteride. They should also avoid handling crushed or broken tablets of Propecia Finasteride. Exposure to Finasteride during pregnancy may cause birth defects.

Hair loss Solutions for men

Friday, December 12th, 2008

Are you fighting with your hair loss problem? Have you been told that there are not enough effective solutions for hair loss? But that’s not true. Let us put an answer to hair loss solutions in clear and simple language. There are many solutions to give an end to all of hair loss problems. Few of them are:

Hair Transplant:
It is one of the advanced therapeutic techniques for hair loss treatment. Done by stimulating hair follicles, this treatment is really expensive.

Laser treatment:
Like Laser Comb, a proven treatment for thinning hair, combating hair loss and re-growing scalp hair. A great laser therapy product that has a huge success rate.

Herbal Hair loss remedies:
Herbs support body’s natural healing mechanism to target problem’s cause.

Prescription Drugs and Medications:

  • Finasteride (Propecia)
  • Minoxidil Rogaine)
  • Tretinoin (Retin-A)
  • Nizoral