What is alopecia?

Alopecia is another name that refers to male pattern hair loss. Normally, one hair grows from each hair follicle for about three years. After this time, it is shed and is closely followed by a new hair growing from the same follicle.

For men with male pattern hair loss, the hair follicles become smaller over time and each hair is thinner and falls out sooner than previously. Eventually, this can lead to hair follicles so small that the hair does not reach the skin surface.

The main cause behind this change in the hair follicles is an androgenic hormone called dihydrotestosterone. It is for this reason that this hormone is the target for drugs to treat alopecia.

When the hair has been gone for extended periods of time, the hair may become permanently lost hence timely treatment is beneficial.

What is Finasteride (Propecia)?

Finasteride, the active ingredient in brand names Proscar and Propecia among others as pills and tablets, is a medication used mainly to treat an enlarged prostate or hair loss in men. It can also be used to treat excessive hair growth in women and as a part of hormone therapy for transgender women. It is taken by mouth.

The reduction of DHT in the scalp is so far the only known and proven way to arrest hair loss. It is now used as the first line of attack for the treatment of male pattern baldness with Finasteride.

How does Finasteride work?

The active component if Finasteride, works to inhibit an enzyme in the body called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme usually converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the more potent androgen that has a negative effect on hair growth.

As a result of using Finasteride, the levels of the dihydrotestosterone hormone are lower and a positive effect can be seen on the maintenance of hair and hair growth of men who suffer from male pattern hair loss

How long does it take for finasteride to work?

Finasteride typically starts working to slow hair loss on the scalp almost immediately. Because hair growth is slow, it can take from 3-4 months before the effects of finasteride are noticed. When Finasteride begins working, men should notice they are experiencing less hair loss, and that some hairs begin to grow back. After 6-9 months is when most men notice the full effects of taking finasteride.

A man should take finasteride for one year continuously before knowing the long term results and whether Finasteride works for him. The response to finasteride after the first year is also a good indicator of how successful the long-term treatment will be. Not all men experience hair growth using finasteride. In these cases, finasteride typically prevents further hair loss.

What is the difference between Finasteride and Propecia?

Finasteride is the active ingredient in Propecia and is available in a generic, unbranded tablet. Finasteride and Propecia are medically equivalent but Finasteride is available at a much lower cost.