Propecia Hair Loss Treatment Product Review

What is Propecia? What is Generic Finasteride? Who is Propecia (or Generic Finasteride) For? How does Propecia (or Generic Finasteride) Work? Propecia Side Effects If someone were to tell you that you had an 83% chance of keeping all the hair you currently have by taking a pill every day, would you do it? With Propecia, it's not only a possibility, it's a reality. For younger men looking to keep a full head of hair, and the rest of us who just want to keep our hair loss from getting any worse, this treatment is key. Find out why Propecia is the leader of the pack in clinically-proven hair loss treatments, and why you should include it in your regimen.

Are you female? Propecia is not for you, without consent of your physician. Please review the Women's Treatments, here.

What is Propecia (Finpecia)?

Propecia is an offshoot of another medication called Proscar, which has been widely used since 1992. This 5mg tablet containing the active ingredient "Finasteride" was used to reduce the adverse effects of DHT on the system. As hair loss is primarily linked to the effects of DHT, it was reasoned that Finasteride would help stop or reverse the process. FDA trials on 1,500 men yielded shocking results. Nearly 83% of men who continued treatment for 2 years either saw a complete stop of hair loss, an increase in hair growth, or both. Results were confirmed by actual hair counts and nearly 80% of men were categorized by visual assessments that their appearance had improved. A 1mg version called Propecia was released in 1998. To date, Propecia has the longest, most successful run of any treatment to have undergone FDA trials. We have members here on HairlossTalk who have successfully maintained their hair using Propecia (coupled with Nizoral shampoo) for nearly 10 years.

What is Generic Finasteride, or Finpecia?

Generic Finasteride, brand name "Finpecia" contains the same exact active ingredients as Propecia, and is the international equivalent of Propecia. Yes, Generic Finasteride is a legitimate 1mg tablet of Finasteride, just like Propecia.

HairlossTalk Members have recommended a trusted online source for Generic Finasteride, which ships directly to you. We've made this resource available in our Product Center.

The "order now online" buttons on this page will take you there, should you decide to go this route.

Who is Propecia (or Generic Finasteride) For?

 

Propecia is for men seeking to stop their hair loss dead in its tracks. It is for men experiencing diffuse thinning, the formation of a bald spot in back, recession at the temples, or any combination of these. It is for men who realize the importance of scientific proof and data, and it is the foundation for every successful hair loss treatment regimen. Propecia gives you a solid, clinically-proven, 83% chance of keeping every bit of hair you have today, and that is a big deal. As it is an antiandrogen treatment which stops the cause of hair loss, its major role is keeping your hair from getting any worse. Do not underestimate the importance of this. You must stop the cause of your hair loss to see optimal results from growth stimulant treatments like Rogaine Foam.

How does Propecia (or Generic Finasteride) Work?

Testosterone floating in the bloodstream of the typical adult male routinely combines with an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. The result of this interaction forms the more potent sexual hormone known as DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). When a man begins to lose his hair, certain genetically programmed follicles begin to develop DHT receptor sites. The DHT attaches itself to these receptor sites and begins to treat the follicle as a foreign object in the body. This chemical change not only affects hair. It can cause itching, inflammation, and oiliness. During this time, the follicle, under the attack of DHT, begins to miniaturize with every growth cycle, until after several years, it simply is too small and short to be seen. When Propecia is taken, it works to inhibit the formation of DHT in the system. Within a few months, the overall DHT levels will have remained low enough on a constant basis that the adverse effects DHT is having on the follicles will stop, resulting in a cessation of hair loss.

Propecia Side Effects

The great thing about this treatment is that you can take it for a month to see how well you tolerate it. If you notice any problems and wish to discontinue, you may do so without having done yourself any harm. Those who do experience side effects will also be happy to know that these side effects are very common at the beginning of treatment while your system is adjusting itself, and typically disappear after a couple months.

It is important that those with liver function problems consult a physician prior to taking Propecia, as it is extensively metabolized in the liver.

Important Propecia Hints and Tips

CONSISTENCY: Propecia should be administered at 1mg daily in pill form, with no exceptions. Many people talk about custom dosing, skipping days, doubling up, etc. This will not only do nothing to help your hair loss, but will also do your system more harm than good. Hormones are very delicate chemicals that operate in conjunction with each other Therefore a constant daily dose will ensure a stable hormonal environment and keep your biology in harmony.

SHEDDING: Shedding is a sign that Propecia is working. Many men lose out on the benefits of Propecia by freaking out and dropping treatment when they think their hair is getting worse. When your follicles respond to Propecia, they shut down their current growth cycle and begin to create a new, healthier hair. The period is known as the shedding phase. It can begin during the first few months and last a month or so. Ride it out. That is all we can tell you. We all went through it, and those who persevere will see success.

PATIENCE: Propecia takes time. Do not expect results in 3 months. If you are a good responder, your hair loss will stop at about month 4. Many guys will take up to 12 months to stop losing hair. Your best results will actually be at the 2 year mark. Be patient, and trust the study data proving you've got an 83% chance to keep what you have today. Let it do its job.

NIZORAL: It is a little-known fact that the FDA required trial participants to use an anti-inflammatory shampoo like Nizoral for the duration of the trials. This means you should, too. You must keep your scalp in a non-itchy, non-inflamed, non-flaky state in order for Propecia (or any other treatment for that matter) to work well. You can get Nizoral at your local grocery store. Nizoral MUST be part of your Propecia regimen or you will not see optimal results!