The Ultimate Guide To Finasteride
Hair loss is quite a common issue in many men and women all over the world. It can happen due to environmental, genetic, hormonal, and other factors (even as odd as dandruff and smoking). The worst thing is that it can occur gradually, and you may miss the initial symptoms.
However, for some hair losses, you can manage them to prevent balding. For example, finasteride is an effective drug for treating male pattern baldness (androgen alopecia). This condition can happen in women too.
Here is an ultimate guide that will help you understand finasteride.
Finasteride: What Is It?
Finasteride is a prescribed medication that is mainly made to help men tackle hair loss and prostate enlargement. For both of these conditions, there are different forms of the drug.
Propecia is the brand name for the finasteride that can help men from losing hair. Mainly it is effective for male pattern baldness. However, that does not mean that the tablet is a definitive cure.
The other form of finasteride that you’ll find on the market is Proscar. This is used for treating BPH, a condition that results in prostate enlargement in men.
Both types of finasteride are FDA-approved for the respective conditions. Unfortunately, none can cure hair loss or BPH, but they can help you manage them. Not only that, but Propecia can prevent you from going bald in various ways.
Finasteride And Hair Loss
You already know that finasteride is effective for helping with hair loss. Here is how this medication does it. The primary purpose of the drug is to act as a DHT blocker.
DHT is a hormone that causes miniaturizing of hair follicles and prevents hair growth as the final result. This is also the substance that results in male pattern balding. That is because when old hair falls out, DHT does not allow new ones to grow.
Typically, Propecia helps prevent the condition from developing by blocking the production of DHT through testosterone. For effective treatment, you must take the 1mg tablet each day at the same time.
Finasteride And Prostate Enlargement
Proscar is the drug that your doctor may prescribe you for BPH. It treats the symptoms of the condition. For example, affected individuals face difficulty during urination.
Finasteride for prostate enlargement helps with the retention of urine. Besides that, it reduces the need for the man to get prostate surgery. That is because it blocks the hormone that results in prostate enlargement.
Just like the Propecia, you must take Proscar daily as well to manage the condition. However, for the dosage, you will have to consult a doctor. It can vary depending on the severity of the disease.
How Long Does It Take For Finasteride To Help With Hair Loss?
No tablet can produce results overnight. This applies to finasteride as well. For hair loss and male pattern baldness, it will take at least three months for improvement. That is because it takes time for the hair to grow again correctly.
Besides that, sometimes, it can take about a year for the hair loss to improve. That is why you should consistently take the tablet instead of leaving it in the middle. If, after a year, your condition remains the same, then you must consult your doctor.
How Long Does It Take For Finasteride To Help With BPH?
Firstly, you must understand that finasteride will only help you to control BPH. For symptoms to improve, it will take at least six months. When you start to feel well, you shouldn’t stop taking the medication.
Since the pill is not a cure, you must be consistent with the dosage, amount, and time. You should only stop the course when your doctor tells you to do so.
What Happens When You Stop Taking Finasteride For Hair Loss?
Finasteride allows your hair to regrow by inhibiting the production of DHT to some extent. However, the benefits are only good as long as you take the medication. When you stop taking the pill, DHT levels will rise once again.
Besides that, all the hair that you regrew will fall out too. Thus, the medicine will only prevent balding if you use it continuously.
Final Words
The drug is excellent and most effective for managing hair loss and prostate enlargement. However, there are some side effects that you may experience. That is why there are great alternatives to Finasteride. Last but not least, always consult with a medical professional!