Male hair loss is found in some men who have a higher sensitivity to their own male sex hormones. If you are one of the susceptible males, this sensitivity to your hormones causes hair follicles in two main areas of the scalp to shrink. They eventually become unable to do their job and replace lost hairs, which is what leads to the thinning of hair or eventual baldness in certain areas of the head. This is a genetic condition, passed from generation to generation and men usually find that it begins after the onset of adolescence, noticeably between the ages of 20 to 30 years. The hair loss follows a typical pattern which can be seen in many men, i.e. receding hairline at the forehead progressing towards the top of the head towards the rear forming a familiar bowl shaped pattern of baldness or thinning hair. Some men suffer with hair loss in both areas, some only one or the other. It has been extremely difficult to find any prevention or cure for this type of hair loss and there are many treatments purport to improve the condition but not many which help re-growth and restoration.
Propecia is the trade name for Finasteride which is a drug that has been specifically created to prevent and treat hair loss. It is said to work by stopping the body converting the male hormone – testosterone – into the more potent hormone – dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – which as been identified as a possible cause of the hair loss.
Propecia dosage: 1mg daily
The normal dosage of Propecia is a single 1 mg tablet daily. This treatment is usually continued for a period of one to three months, and it may be three months before any noticeable difference is seen. Treatment is ongoing and must be continued to keep any effects from the drug. If treatment is discontinued any beneficial effects will lessen and within six to twelve months will cease entirely meaning hair loss will return. Long term usage of this drug must be monitored with checks being made by your Doctor.
Possible side effects
There are certain side-effects that may be encountered, as with most medicines quite commonly, stomach upsets and nausea, occasionally chills, cold sweats and dizziness or a feeling of light headedness when rising or standing up. Most men will find these disappear as they get used to the medication. Some men may find a decrease in their interest or desire for sex as well as loss of erection and performance. This is due to the action of the drug on the testosterone levels in the body which govern this. Some men have discontinued treatment on these grounds and it has also been found that function does not return to previous levels, it is therefore essential to discuss this with your Doctor in Australia and evaluate the pros and cons of usage of Propecia.
I am self employed. General Practitioner in Melbourne, VIC. My special interest: male reproductive system.