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If you’re starting to lose your hair and want to stop it from getting worse, your healthcare provider may suggest using Propecia — either on its own or with a topical treatment like minoxidil.
It can and does, although they typically aren’t common. It does raise questions about the theory that finasteride has the potential to cause lasting, long-term, severe side effects though.
[15] [16] It may also hide the early symptoms of certain forms of prostate cancer. [14] Finasteride was patented in 1984 and approved for medical use in 1992. [17] It is available as a generic medication. [18] In 2022, it was the 73rd most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 9 million prescriptions. [19] [20]
Pattern hair loss (also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA) [1]) is a hair loss condition that primarily affects the top and front of the scalp. [2] [3] In male-pattern hair loss (MPHL), the hair loss typically presents itself as either a receding front hairline, loss of hair on the crown and vertex of the scalp, or a combination of both.
Finasteride (brand names Proscar, Propecia) inhibits the function of two of the isoenzymes (types 2 and 3) of 5α-reductase. [ 6 ] [ 7 ] It decreases circulating DHT levels by up to about 70%. [ 8 ] Dutasteride (brand name Avodart) inhibits all three 5α-reductase isoenzymes and can decrease DHT levels by 95%.
Alopecia areata, on the other hand, is caused by an autoimmune disease. It happens when your immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles. Stress is the main driver of telogen effluvium.
Temporary or permanent hair loss can be caused by several medications, including those for blood pressure problems, diabetes, heart disease and cholesterol. [15] Any that affect the body's hormone balance can have a pronounced effect: these include the contraceptive pill, hormone replacement therapy , steroids and acne medications.
Finasteride—which is also approved to treat enlarged prostate symptoms under the name Proscar—can be used alone or in combination with other hair loss treatments, like platelet-rich plasma ...