The most common form of baldness and balding in men is male pattern hair loss. This is hair loss due to genetic causes. In other words it runs in the family, coming from either the mother or father’s side. This type of inherited hair loss results in a receding hairline and/or balding at the crown, often followed by total baldness.

Male pattern hair loss (also called androgenic alopecia) accounts for about 95% of all cases of hair loss.

Mild to moderate male pattern hair loss affects about half of all men by age 50, but many men start noticing hair loss at a much earlier age. They notice more hairs than usual in the sink, their comb or on the pillow. Then they feel and see their hair actually becoming sparser. If left untreated, total hair loss – baldness – can result.

Propecia is one treatment that’s been proven effective for genetic hair loss in men. (Read about one highly effective treatment, Propecia, below.)

The Hormone That Causes Hair Loss

DHT is one of many male hormones in the body. DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) is important for development early in a man’s life, but it appears to be the main cause of hair loss as men get older. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair, although fine, fragile peach-fuzz hair may remain.

Researchers have found that men with male pattern hair loss have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. Human hair normally follows a cycle of growth, falling out, and new growth. But increased levels of DHT contribute to the shortening of that growth phase, meaning the hair falls out sooner than it should and is not replaced by new, healthy hair.

This results in thinning of the hair on the scalp and eventual hair loss, either partial or total baldness.

How to Control DHT With Propecia

The FDA-approved drug Propecia works by blocking the formation of DHT in your system. The active ingredient in Propecia (Finasteride) interrupts a key process in the development of inherited male pattern hair loss by lowering DHT levels in the scalp.

It’s important to note that there are several other factors that can cause hair loss (disease, injury, stress, certain medications). Propecia is not prescribed for those types of hair loss. It is only recommended for hair loss due to androgenic alopecia, or inherited male pattern baldness.

Some men using Propecia (66% in studies) will experience an actual regrowth of hair while a vast majority of Propecia users (83%) stop losing their hair. So the sooner treatment for hair loss is begun, the better the results will be.

Learn more about Propecia and how it works here: Hair Loss FAQ

Order Propecia online here.

Hair Loss Treatments

There are hair loss treatments for both men and women but the best treatment for each individual may be different. The effectiveness of treatment will depend on the person’s expectations and the cause of their hair loss.

In men who have androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), hair loss occurs in a typical pattern on the forehead area and at the crown of the head. In women with androgenic alopecia (female pattern baldness), hair loss occurs throughout the entire scalp with overall thinning of hair. Both types of hair loss are hereditary.

Prescription treatments such as Propecia only work on hereditary hair loss.

Treating Hereditary Hair Loss

Treatments are intended to prevent hair loss, promote hair growth, and cover bald areas of the scalp. It’s rare that people can regrow a full head of hair. But improvements are possible: hair loss can be halted and some hair may even regrow, depending on the individual and the treatment chosen.

The main treatments that are effective for inherited hair loss include:

• Medication: They may prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. They include prescription drugs like Propecia, taken orally, and non-prescription lotions like Rogaine, a foam applied to the scalp.
• Surgery: Involved the transplantation of plugs of hair or moving areas of scalp to cover bald patches.
• Hairpieces: Worn to cover bald spots.
• Herbal remedies: May help prevent hair loss and improve scalp health with natural herbs and vitamins but are not FDA approved hair loss treatments and should be viewed with some skepticism.

Surgery Vs. Medication For Hair Loss

Hair plug surgery tends to be more expensive than drug treatments. It can involve multiple procedures taking place over time and, as with any surgery, there’s risk of infection. Hair surgery also involves a certain amount of discomfort and the chance that not all of the transplanted hair follicles will remain healthy.

On the other hand, medication for treating hereditary hair loss is simply a matter of taking a pill each day that has low risk of side effects. The drug slows down the hair thinning process and increases coverage of the scalp by enlarging the existing hairs.

The two most common FDA-approved medications recommended by doctors for hereditary hair loss are:

• Propecia (Finasteride): a pill available by prescription only. Proven effective for most men.
• Rogaine (Minoxidil): available without a prescription; a liquid or foam rubbed into the scalp twice a day.

People taking Propecia should not expect to regrow a full head of hair but hair coverage tends to improve on the top of the head and at the middle front (but not on the temples). It’s important to know that when you stop taking Propecia, hair loss resumes.

So as long as you want to keep the regrown or thickened hair, you need to continue taking Propecia. A majority of Propecia users report that their hair stopped falling out and in some cases new hair grew back.

Order Propecia online here.

A: Propecia is the first pill on the market to effectively treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and the front mid-scalp area.

Q: How does Propecia work?

A: The causes of hair loss are not well known; however, researchers have found that men with male pattern hair loss (also known as male pattern baldness) have increased levels of DHT in the balding area of their scalps. DHT is believed to contribute to the shortening of the growth phase and a shortening of the time it takes for the hair to fall out. This results in thinning of the hair on the scalp.

Finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia) blocks the formation of DHT, lowering levels of DHT in the scalp and helping prevent further hair loss.

Q: What exactly is DHT?

A: DHT is one of many male hormones in the body. DHT is developmentally important early in a man’s life but appears to cause hair loss as he gets older. DHT shrinks the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair.

Q: How well does Propecia work to stop hair loss?

A: In two 24-month studies of men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate hair loss, the clinical results of Propecia were impressive. A panel of independent dermatologists reported that:

83% of the men taking Propecia maintained their hair based on hair count (vs. 28% with placebo, a pill with no medication), 66% had visible regrowth (vs. 7% with placebo), 80% were rated as improved (vs. 47% with placebo), and most men reported an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and an improvement in their appearance.

The manufacturers of Propecia say you may need to take Propecia daily for 3 months or more before seeing visible results. Propecia may not regrow all your hair. And if you stop using Propecia, you will gradually lose the hair you have gained. Propecia is not prescribed as a treatment for receding hair loss at the temples; it works best at the crown and forehead. If you haven’t seen results after 12 months of using Propecia, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

Q: What are the most important health facts I need to know about Propecia?

A: Propecia is used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in men only. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use or even touch Propecia because the active ingredient may cause birth defects.

Propecia was studied in men aged 18 to 41 with mild to moderate amounts of hair loss. Most of them either stopped losing their hair and/or grew new hair. A small number of men taking Propecia experience minor sexual side effects. Propecia can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer so if you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia.

Q: Can Propecia help me keep my hair?

A: Propecia is proven to help most men maintain their hair count. In clinical studies, hair count was maintained in men taking Propecia, while men taking a placebo continued to show progressive hair loss.

Q: Can Propecia also increase the amount of hair I have?

A: At 24 months, 66% of the men studied regrew hair at the tops of their heads (vs. 7% with placebo). The experts also said 80% of the men on Propecia had improved (vs. 47% with placebo). This was not just "peach fuzz" but real hair–and growth occurred in both the vertex (top of the head) and front mid-scalp area. But there is no evidence that Propecia works for receding hair loss at the temples.

Q: How long will it take for Propecia to work?

A: Propecia begins to block the formation of DHT almost immediately; however, because hair grows slowly, visible results from Propecia take some time. In clinical trials, most men began to see the first benefit of Propecia–slowing hair loss–as early as 3 months. After 6 months, men may begin to experience regrowth. If Propecia does not work within 12 months, further treatment is unlikely to be of benefit.

Q: Can I get better results by taking Propecia more than once a day?

A: Take Propecia only as prescribed, and always follow your doctor’s instructions. Propecia won’t work any faster or better if you take more than one tablet a day.

Q: How long do I have to take Propecia?

A: You need to take Propecia for as long as you want to continue to benefit from it. If you stop taking Propecia, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.

Q: What about long-term use of Propecia?

A: The longest study of Propecia lasted five years. The independent panel of dermatologists who conducted it found that 9 out of 10 study subjects using Propecia showed visible results… a full 90% had improvement in their hair or no visible hair loss after the five years.

Q: Does Propecia have any side effects?

A: Propecia may cause side effects but in clinical studies the side effects were uncommon and did not affect most men. A very small number of men experienced certain sexual side effects, such as less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection, and a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men on Propecia. The side effects were reversible and went away in men who stopped taking Propecia.

Q: Who should not take Propecia?

A: Propecia is for the treatment of male pattern hair loss in MEN ONLY. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not use Propecia and should not even handle crushed or broken tablets of Propecia because the active ingredient may cause abnormalities of a male baby’s sex organs. Propecia tablets are coated and will prevent contact with the active ingredient during normal handling.

Q: How does Propecia compare with other hair loss treatment products?

A: Propecia is the only FDA approved pill for male pattern hair loss. The manufacturer of Propecia, Merck, has not conducted clinical trials comparing Propecia with other medicines. You should discuss with your doctor which hair loss product is best for you.

Q: How is Propecia taken?

A: Propecia comes as a 1-mg tablet taken orally each day. This tablet is tan in color and is octagonal (has 8 sides). Each coated Propecia tablet is marked with a stylized "P" logo on one side and "Propecia" on the other. Propecia tablets come in individual bottles of 30 tablets and in a carton of 3 bottles, each containing 30 tablets for a total of 90 Propecia tablets.

To learn more about Propecia and to order Propecia online, visit eDrugstore.md’s Propecia Product Information Page.

So you’ve had it up to here (literally!) with hair loss, and you’ve decided you’re finally ready to buy Propecia online and give it a try. But wait. Before you click and buy Propecia, ask yourself whether you really know everything you should about the popular hair loss treatment.

We’ve put together the following quiz to make sure you’ve got the facts about Propecia. So go ahead and jump in… and good luck. (Answers below.)

1. Propecia is a drug frequently prescribed to treat hair loss. Which of the following statements about Propecia is true?

1. Propecia is a topical cream applied directly to the areas where hair loss is noticeable.
2. Propecia is the generic name for the hair loss drug known as Rogaine.
3. Propecia is a combination hair loss treatment that involves both a pill and a cream.
4. Propecia is an oral hair loss pill that helps reduce hair loss and promotes hair growth.

2. Before you buy Propecia, make sure it’s right for your kind of hair loss. Which of these statements best describes the type of hair loss that Propecia is best for?

1. Propecia is most effective in treating male pattern baldness (or male pattern hair loss).
2. Propecia is primarily intended for men with a receding hairline.
3. Propecia treats hereditary thinning of hair in both men and women.
4. Propecia works best on hair loss that has been caused by stress and other psychological factors.

3. It can take three to 12 months of using Propecia before you notice any results. Men who stop taking Propecia to treat their hair loss can expect to experience which of the following?

1. Men who stop taking Propecia usually continue to grow new hair for six to 12 months after discontinuing the treatment, after which hair loss may resume.
2. Once treatment stops, men usually lose whatever hair they have grown with Propecia within about a year.
3. Men who stop taking Propecia will generally not grow new hair, but subsequent hair loss is minimal.
4. After discontinuing their Propecia treatment, most men notice a reduction in the amount of facial hair.

4. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a substance that appears to play a role in hair loss by shrinking the hair follicle. What impact does Propecia have in terms of DHT and hair loss?

1. Propecia strengthens the hair follicle and thereby minimizes follicle shrinkage and hair loss caused by DHT.
2. Propecia contains a chemical that stimulates the scalp and arrests hair loss, eventually promoting hair growth.
3. Propecia speeds up the production of hormones that are conducive to hair growth.
4. Propecia blocks the formation of DHT, thus reducing or preventing hair loss.

5. Side effects of Propecia are relatively uncommon and minor. Which of the following side effects have been associated with Propecia in just under 2% of users?

1. Sexual side effects, such as reduced libido or erectile dysfunction.
2. Accelerated hair loss on parts of the body other than the head.
3. Accelerated hair growth on parts of the body other than the head.
4. Mood swings and increased irritability.

6. There are only two FDA-approved treatments for hereditary hair loss. One is Propecia. The other is:

1. Minotop
2. Dermafol
3. Follovil
4. Rogaine

7. One of the following statements about Propecia is FALSE. Which is it?

1. Propecia is not recommended as a hair loss treatment for women.
2. There is generally no need to observe any restrictions on food, drink or activity while taking Propecia as a hair loss treatment.
3. Most individuals who buy Propecia can expect at least 50% hair regrowth within about one year.
4. If you miss a dose of Propecia you should take it as soon as you remember, but do not take a double dose.

8. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets. The medication can be absorbed through the skin and can be harmful in what way?

1. Propecia stimulates growth of facial hair in pregnant women.
2. Propecia can cause birth defects in developing male children.
3. Pregnant women who come into contact with Propecia often deliver their children prematurely.
4. Propecia absorbed through the skin of a pregnant woman can cause hair loss.

9. The results of what blood test can be affected if you are taking Propecia?

1. PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer.
2. CBC (Complete Blood Count)
3. MSHL (Multi-Spectrum Hair Loss Gauge)
4. FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar)

10. If you have this medical condition, you may not be able to take Propecia, or may have to take lower doses to treat your hair loss. What condition is this?

1. Premature ejaculation
2. Liver disorder
3. Genital warts
4. Skin allergy

11. Finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, belongs to a family of drugs that are called enzyme inhibitors. What health condition can finasteride be used for in addition to a hair loss treatment?

1. Erectile dysfunction.
2. Benign enlargement of the prostate.
3. Ovulation problems in women.
4. A range of digestive ailments.

12. Propecia is intended for men only. Women should not buy Propecia for their own use because:

1. Exposure to Propecia while a woman is pregnant can cause birth defects in a developing male child.
2. It is unclear whether Propecia is effective on the type of hair loss some women experience.
3. Propecia is known to cause facial hair growth in women.
4. Both A and B above are true.

13. You can buy Propecia with a prescription, while Rogaine is available without a prescription. That statement is TRUE. Which of the following statements about these two hair loss products is FALSE?

1. Unlike Propecia, Rogaine is a topical hair loss treatment that you apply directly to the scalp.
2. The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride, while Rogaine contains minoxidil.
3. You can buy Propecia online while Rogaine must be purchased at a traditional drugstore or pharmacy.
4. There is a formulation of Rogaine available for women, whereas Propecia is for men only.

To learn more about hair loss, hair loss treatments, and to find out whether Propecia can help, see more articles in the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.

You can also buy Propecia online at a discounted rate on our Propecia product information page.

Answers: 1)D 2)A 3)B 4)D 5)A 6) D 7)C 8)B 9)A 10)B 11)B 12)D 13)D

You can blame it on your family (male pattern baldness tends to be hereditary) or you can blame it on your diet. This article will explain how heredity, hormones and diet can be contributing to your hair loss grief.

How Much Does Heredity Affect Male Pattern Baldness?

Although some folks, including women, are more prone to balding due to genetics, it’s important to realize that hormones like testosterone play an important role in determining when we start to lose hair and how much hair we lose.

When hormones are under control, baldness becomes much less of a problem, if any.

The Power of Testosterone

Without testosterone, male pattern baldness would be wiped out. In fact, in families where baldness is common, even the women risk developing male pattern baldness. But since they usually have just a small amount of testosterone in their systems, baldness is nowhere near as common in women as in men.

However, certain prescription drugs and some illnesses can cause the female body to produce higher levels of testosterone, increasing the risk of serious hair loss.

For women dealing with hair loss issues, the best solutions are either to alter the medication or deal with the condition that is causing the abnormal increase in testosterone.

Did You Know Testosterone Levels Change With The Seasons?

Strange as it may seem, the amount of testosterone in the body changes along with the seasons. During the spring, testosterone is at its lowest level. This is when the greatest amount of hair growth occurs.

The amount of testosterone in the blood stream steadily rises until it reaches its peak in autumn. That’s when the average guy will lose about twice as many hairs as in the springtime.

Turning Testosterone into DHT

Once testosterone reaches the hair follicles, it then transforms into a more potent hormone called dehydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT invades the hair follicles on the scalp, causing the hair to become thinner in texture. When these thinner hairs fall out, they are replaced by even smaller, finer hairs. As the process continues, the follicles are eventually destroyed and male pattern baldness sets in.

DHT is a very strange hormone. While it can cause hair loss on the scalp, it is also responsible for hair growth on the face and chest. However, this is little consolation to men suffering from male pattern baldness who would gladly give up their facial or body hair in exchange for more hair on their heads.

The Diet Connection

For most people, the typical North American diet is anything but healthy. Not only does it pile on the pounds, it can cause elevated testosterone levels in the blood. That’s why a lot of men without male pattern baldness in the family end up losing hair.

A high fat diet also reduces the amount of globulin in the blood. An certain amount of globulin is necessary to make sex hormones inactive until they are actually needed. Without this restraint, testosterone is left to run wild, eventually invading and destroying hair follicles.

Scientific research has suggested that the amount of animal fat consumed in our food is also related to male pattern baldness. A high intake of animal fat causes an increase of oil in the hair follicles. The end result is an overabundance of DHT in the follicles, which can lead to male pattern baldness.

So, as you can see, there is more than one reason to consider improving your diet!

Reclaim Your Hair with Propecia and a Low-Fat Diet

There are several foods beneficial to hair growth. By incorporating these foods into your meal plan, you can boost your chances of sprouting new hair and also lower your risk for serious illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

Reducing the amount of animal fat in your diet is the first step. This will help to lower the amount of testosterone in the body. It is also important to eat a diet that contains an abundant supply of vitamins. While you can take dietary supplements, it is always better to actually consume the necessary vitamins through food if possible.

The following list contains a variety of healthy foods that will keep your testosterone level in balance while improving your overall health too.

• Asparagus, chick peas, lentils, kidney beans, black beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, lima beans, and spinach are all great sources of folic acid.

• Cauliflower, eggs, and beans contain lots of Vitamin B.

• To get your daily dose of Vitamin E, try munching on some green leafy vegetables, cereal, or nuts.

• Sunflower seeds, walnuts, soybeans, peas, and brown rice all contain Biotin. Biotin, often referred to as Vitamin H, promotes healthy hair and is known to help prevent male pattern baldness.

While you don’t have to eliminate meat and dairy products from your diet, it is best to eat these foods in moderation. By reducing your consumption of both animal fat and processed foods, you can help to prevent male pattern baldness and possibly promote new hair growth too.

Control Hormones And Hair Loss With Propecia

One drug commonly used for male pattern baldness is Propecia. Propecia is the only oral hair loss drug that has the approval of the FDA and has been proven to help men increase or maintain their hair. The pills are taken once a day and most men see improvements within three to 12 months.

Taken on a daily basis, Propecia helps keep your hormones in check. By controlling the amount of testosterone and DHT in the body, Propecia can control hair loss in most men. Just remember to take your Propecia tablets every day, even after you start seeing an improvement in your hair.

A daily dose is necessary because once Propecia treatment is stopped, hair loss will often return to the same level as before. Men who stop taking Propecia will normally have a relapse within twelve months. (Propecia is for men only and should not be taken by women or children who suffer from hair loss.)

Why is Propecia Different from Other Hair Loss Prescriptions?

Reducing the amount of DHT in the body is the key to Propecia’s success. Propecia works by preventing DHT buildup on the scalp. When the amount of DHT is lowered, further damage to the hair follicles can be prevented.

Besides preventing hair loss, Propecia also helps create new hair growth in the vertex and middle scalp region. About ninety percent of Propecia patients experience an improvement in male pattern baldness, whether in the form of new hair growth or maintaining current hair or both.

To find out if Propecia is the answer to your male pattern baldness, visit our Propecia product information and ordering page or browse our Hair Loss Articles.

I got interested in Propecia because I am losing my hair, and I hate everything about it. I even hate the stupid expression, "losing my hair", as if I carry my hair around in a briefcase and then forget it on the subway.

I didn’t "lose" anything. My hair decided to quit working, and Propecia is here to remind it that its job isn’t done yet.

Don’t get me wrong. Before I looked into Propecia, I thought I could cope with the minor insults my body was playing on me. Every balding guy knows the hormonal "bait and switch" that goes on, how your chest decides it no longer wants to be smooth, and you get carpeting there when you really want the fuzz up on the roof. And no man forgets the time he feels that first sunburn up there.

No, I take Propecia because I could be all right with hair loss myself – it’s the rest of the world, particularly Hollywood, that seems to have a problem with the balding man.

Propecia and Image: I Blame Hollywood

I take Propecia because like many a middle-aged man, I look for that significant other on dating websites like PlentyofFish.com (where a lovely prospect can read how nice I am before she discovers I eat most meals on a TV tray in front of Law and Order re-runs). And sometimes I don’t like what I read. Women whose ads proclaim: "No bald guys." Do you think women would like a guy writing in his ad, "No fat chicks"?

So yes, I take Propecia to fight that bias. I take Propecia because the learning curve on how we’re really decent men is at a 90-degree angle. The truth is there are cool hairy guys, and cool bald guys, but there really are no cool balding guys. Think about it. Propecia wasn’t around years ago, but consider all the icons who look great bald, but not balding.

Sean Connery was going bald but still had to wear a toupee for his first Bond movie. You think anyone would "make it so" for Patrick Stewart if there was more white dust on that dome? Of course, not. Remember Yul Brynner? It would be The Magnificent Six if the story started while he was still in the process of losing his hair. He didn’t have a remedy like Propecia, so instead, we see that magnificent shaved skull under a black ten-gallon hat.

The worst Die Hard movie of the bunch, the second one, was when poor Bruce Willis was going bald in Die Harder — not bald as in Die Hard With a Vengeance or clean shaved in the new Live Free or Die Hard or the upcoming For the Love of God, Just Die Already.

The American symbol is a bald eagle. Not a balding eagle. And while we’re at it, can you think of a balding superhero? Anyone?

Even villains look cool when fully bald. You hear about riots of neo-Nazi skinheads. How seriously could you take a band of neo-Nazi comb-overs?

Yes, the world might have been saved from Lex Luthor if he got a prescription for Propecia in time, but once he chose the eggshell look, the branding was done (and hey, the guy did have other issues…)

But these icons all had great faces and character lines going for them first! I readily confess that I don’t have the good looks of a model, and odds are, neither do you. Guys like us need our hair. Every portrait needs a frame, and that’s what hair does. It’s why I take Propecia, the only FDA-approved pill for male pattern baldness.

Think it’s vain to reclaim your hair? I say the other choice – shaving your head – can be just as vain. It’s a daily hassle, and it doesn’t always work out.

Propecia and Reclaiming Your Body Image

Before I took Propecia, I tried shaving my head once. I can’t say I was too pleased with the result, since I looked like a big, gangly baby. The weird thing is some women love to touch your shaved scalp. These women must get a real charge out of feeling peaches at the supermarket.

For a couple of months, I thought I could be cool with a shaved head until I was in a shop one day, buying a box of Chinese tea cups, and I tripped. There was a tinkling in the box like tiny bells, and someone turned around and shoved a dollar bill in my pocket, assuming I was a Hare Krishna begging for change. That’s when I looked into Propecia.

We have to face the soft, silky, lustrous and full-bodied fact that women and even men prefer to run our fingers through our hair. If you want to feel stubble, go feel your jaw where stubble is supposed to be, not on your head.

Now that I take Propecia, I look in the mirror and like 66% of men in the research study, I see hair growing out again on the top of my noggin and mid-scalp area. Not fuzz, actual growing hair. And this happened after taking only one pill a day for three months. I look in that mirror and say, "Welcome back, boys! I missed you!"

Propecia grew back my confidence one follicle at a time. And you better believe I posted new photos of myself on that dating website. And got better responses. Thanks to Propecia, I’m not eating dinners at home anymore, I’m going out – and I have to take time out for the occasional haircut.

The snip of scissors beats the growl of a razor any day.

Want to try it out for yourself? Order Propecia online and save with discount prices and our refill rebate.

Knowing whether to treat your hair loss with Propecia or Rogaine (or neither or both) can be a tough call. The following primer is intended to provide some information about the differences between Propecia and Rogaine so you can make a better decision about your hair loss treatment.

Propecia and Rogaine for Hair Loss – The Basics

Propecia is a prescription-only hair loss pill taken orally once a day.

Rogaine comes in a foam or a liquid solution that is rubbed into the scalp every morning and night. It’s available without a prescription.

The active ingredient in Propecia is finasteride, an agent that discourages the production of DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Propecia is recommended as a hair loss treatment for men only.

Rogaine contains minoxidil, which works by revitalizing shrunken hair follicles. Unlike Propecia, which is for men only, there are different Rogaine formulations for men and women.

How Do Propecia and Rogaine Compare?

Propecia, which got the FDA’s nod in 1997, is the newer remedy for hair loss and is relatively easy to use. All you have to do is take one Propecia pill daily while Rogaine must be incorporated into your daily grooming routine, both in the morning and at bedtime.

Many men who take Propecia begin to notice results in about three months, and by the end of six months they can tell if it really is putting the brakes on their hair loss.

Rogaine’s initial effects can take approximately four months to show up in men and nearly a year to show up in women.

Both Propecia and Rogaine work best on younger people who have not yet had too much hair loss.

Can I Use Both Of Them?

One school of thought suggests that using Rogaine and Propecia together brings faster and longer lasting results than using just one. While there have been no clinical trials on using a combination of both hair loss remedies, some dermatologists believe this can produce faster and better results.

While the effects vary from person to person, some users who respond to either Propecia or Rogaine could benefit from using both at the same time. It may be that some cumulative effect is achieved because of the different ways in which Propecia and Rogaine work – one targets the hormone responsible for hair loss, and the other targets the hair follicles.

It is important to remember that neither Propecia nor Rogaine is a cure for hair loss, and not all people who take them benefit. For those who do have success with Propecia or Rogaine treatment, the products are effective only as long as you continue taking them. If you discontinue taking Propecia or Rogaine, the hair loss resumes and any hair you have saved or gained will disappear in a few months.

What About Side Effects?

In a very small number of men (around 2%) tested in trials, Propecia produced some kind of sexual dysfunction. This problem was generally temporary, and normal sexual function returned when the medication was discontinued.

Men who take Propecia should also be aware that it can impact the results of a common test used to screen for prostate cancer. This is because finasteride, the active ingredient in Propecia, can affect the antigen levels that this particular test measures, so the results may not be accurate.

Rogaine foam users have reported itchy scalps and skin irritation as side effects. Most of them find using a good anti-dandruff shampoo or soap takes care of these. Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) used to be prescribed to regulate blood pressure and, in rare instances, some users have found that it accelerates their heartbeat and causes chest pain, breathlessness and headaches.

Treating Hair Loss – Consider All the Factors

Some men and women with hair loss are troubled that they don’t look as attractive as they once did. For them, a hair loss treatment such as Propecia or Rogaine (or possibly both) may help. But before deciding on any hair loss treatment, one should be prepared to commit to it for months or years. In addition, it’s important to carefully consider a range of treatment-related factors including expense, the likelihood of success, possible side effects, and the potential impact on your daily routine and lifestyle.

Hereditary hair loss progresses gradually, so for those who opt to treat it, it’s better to start sooner rather than later for the best results.

For more information on hereditary hair loss and treatment options, consult your dermatologist, or visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.md.

"No, man," said Herb, giving up on the theatrics. "If this guy took Propecia, we wouldn’t be crawling across this desert, we’d be happily moving through a cool jungle of lush, rich hair. You are the dumbest ant I know, Al."

Al was, of course, now ticked off. "Oh, yeah? Who’s the one who suggested climbing up here, huh? The guy’s sleeping in the sun, you said. He’s on holiday, you said. It’s something to do, you said!"

"Hey, I didn’t realize how badly the guy was losing his hair," insisted Herb. "The situation looked a little more… forested from down below."

Al parked himself on the gentle slope of the crown. At least there was a great view – nice lawn up ahead. "Well, what is this Propecia anyway?"

Herb swatted him with his antennae. "You got compound eyes, but you never pay attention to the Internet! Propecia, you insect, is the first pill on the market for humans to effectively treat male pattern hair loss on the top of the head and right where you’re sitting, the front mid-scalp area."

"What do I care about that for?" asked Al. "I got mandibles. Chicks dig mandibles."

"With more hair, the more we can crawl around on these guys during picnics, and they won’t feel us as much," argued Herb, swatting him again. "Besides, they’re so impressed with their new looks, they don’t mind a few ants. With Propecia, 83% of men maintained their hair based on a hair count."

"Jeez, who’s going to count all those hairs?" wondered Al, picking a breadcrumb out of his teeth.

It’s Never Too Late for Propecia

"Anyway, it’s probably too late for this guy," said Al, making a small knock on the hard skull.

"Not at all," replied Herb. "Human guys who take Propecia usually stop losing their hair and even grow new hair. Look, if you’re not going to listen to honest ants, trust the humans. Most men say they enjoyed an increase in the amount of hair, a decrease in hair loss, and that their looks improved, so there!"

"It is really empty up here," said Al, looking around. "Hello!" The hello echoed and bounced off a large thicket of growth close to the temple.

"Don’t do that, he might wake up!" Herb scolded him. He looked around and shielded his eyes. "Wow, you get a real glare off this side… I almost feel sorry for the poor schmuck. If he started taking Propecia now, he’d probably see results as early as three months. And after half a year, he’d probably experience whole new regrowth, and not just ‘peach fuzz’ but real lustrous, nice growth on top and at the front of his scalp. The longest study of Propecia was five years, and 90% of men who took part showed improvement or no visible hair loss."

"Um… Isn’t that waaaay longer than we’ll be alive?" asked Al.

"Don’t be morbid," said Herb. "We’re worker ants, pal. We’re in the business of solving problems, and it’s getting like the Astrodome up here. Humans really don’t see the big picture the way we do."

"Are there any side effects to taking this Propecia?" asked Al cheerfully. "You know, like with radiation? Could he grow big and huge and have multiple spider legs and try to take over the Earth?"

Herb shook his head, his antennae drooping. "I knew it was a bad idea taking you to that science fiction movie festival. Sorry to disappoint you, pal, but with Propecia, side effects aren’t that common. Some human guys don’t want to mate as much, but that was a really low percentage, and the effect goes away as soon as they stop taking Propecia. I never understand the point with their mating anyway – they’ve only produced a few billion. What kind of numbers are those? Now Propecia–"

"Look, I only came out for a nosh on his bagel and maybe tickle him a bit," said Al, getting bored. "I think you do all this stuff just to impress the Queen."

"The Queen," sneered Herb. "So stuck up! ‘Oooo, I’m Queen of the colony!’ Besides, she ate Fred the other day. That kind of puts a guy off. Look, we could go back to the hill, get a few hundred of the guys and spell out Propecia in front of him, but he’d probably stomp on us. So I’m thinking if we all work together, we could maybe lift a Propecia bottle out of the hotel pharmacy and bring it over here. We could pop a tablet into his mouth.."

Al wasn’t enthusiastic. "Yeah, but you’re asking the guys to lift a whole bottle of what? Thirty Propecia tablets, right? I’m not sure there’s enough of that half-eaten bagel to go around!"

Herb scuttled over and put two arms around his shoulders. "Look at it this way. If we do this, the guy will finally realize he needs Propecia. His hair grows back, and he feels more confident and attractive. That means he’ll find a suitable human mate and take her out on picnics, and that means more discarded food. For us. Get it?"

"Boy, you really have a lot of confidence in this Propecia stuff," said Al. "And in human breeding based on looks. This whole operation better not turn out like that job stealing candy from that six year old."

"I didn’t know she had a magnifying glass!" said Herb. "Let’s go get the Propecia for him. Hey, check it out. We can slide all the way down to the nose from here."

"I think you owe me big for this," said Al. "And so does this guy, for getting him this Propecia stuff."

"They’re showing Godzilla vs. Mothra tonight on Fox," said Herb. "You’ll love it."

"And the giant moth wins, right?" asked Al innocently. "The moth does win, right?"

"Uh, sure, kid," said Herb, sliding down the forehead.

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"Masher" – or as he was known in the real world, Ron Feinstein – was the keyboard player for the heavy metal band, Chrome God. He was also 38 years old and was losing his hair, which is why he had a bottle of Propecia pills in the first place.

"Got to do something about it, dude," Pete, their lead singer had warned him, shaking his head as if Ron had a serious coke habit or something else evil. "I mean it’s starting to show." Which was code for: you’re affecting our image. Which is hurting my image. Schmuck, thought Ron. He knew Pete was going gray but had been dyeing his hair for five years.

In truth, before he even got the prescription for Propecia, Ron had felt a drop in confidence. It wasn’t that gaggles of giggling college girls no longer swarmed around him in their skimpy belly shirts and low-rider jeans after a gig the way they did Pete – oh, maybe not a gaggle, perhaps two or three. It was more a case of, well…

He remembered a girl after their concert in Seattle who only went by the name of Bunny, one who had quite the delectable little hourglass figure, and the sex was enthusiastic, no problem there, but afterwards this happy, sweet creature had felt like talking in bed. She’d struggled through her midterms, she confided, and was thinking of switching her major. And Ron "Masher" Feinstein, who was supposed to go to Goldman Sachs in the 80s after graduation but had wound up going to Norway instead, opening with the boys for Bon Jovi, had urged her, "Sure, if you switch to economics, the banks will need you."

She had looked up at him with the sweetest smile and said, "Gee, I wish I could talk with my Dad the way I can talk with you."

She had cuddled closer to him, and he’d gulped and thought: Oh-oh.

Ron Gets Help With Propecia

I shouldn’t need Propecia, he’d thought. I’m not old. It’s the lifestyle that’s aging me. Different hotel rooms every night and never seeing what Copenhagen or Pittsburgh actually looked like. He made a reference to Vietnam once in an interview with a V-J for MTV, and the girl had flashed him a surfer grin, as if ignorance were a virtue, and had chirped, "Oh, I wasn’t born then."

He didn’t even like a lot of heavy metal music. He had joined the band inspired by Zeppelin and classic Boston, but lately Chrome God was less Black Sabbath to him and more Spinal Tap. Jeez, what was he doing, wearing studded leather jackets? So what was the point of taking Propecia?

Their tours, of course, always had a round-the-clock physician, Bill – a real doctor. Not Pete’s feng shui expert for hotel rooms, not Danny’s herbal shaman, and definitely not Ted’s astrologer who spent most of his time on the bus working on his screenplay about the zombie resurrection of Jim Morrison. Bill the Doctor was legit, and he had written Ron’s prescription for Propecia.

"You take Propecia once a day, with or without food," explained Bill. "You stop taking Propecia, the effects will gradually go away, so you got to stick with it. But the good news is you’ll probably see results from Propecia in about three months. Propecia helps you keep the hair you still have, plus you might even grow back hair you lost. Not just stubbly bits either, real, proper thick hair."

"Maybe this is stupid," sighed Ron. "It’s vain. Is this any way for an adult male to live? Pete’s got a couple of twins in there who are being taken miles away from home, and when he’s done with them, those poor girls will wind up with hangovers and God knows what else, hitching a Greyhound back!"

Bill offered a philosophical smile. "Hey, everyone projects an image. Sure, they should respect the real you, but they got to get to the real you first. Propecia helps you keep the appearance that gives you the most confidence and helps you be effective. Let me put it this way: if I was your family GP, and you were a bond trader, I think you’d still come to me wanting Propecia because you’d need to be as dynamic on a trading floor as on a concert stage."

Ron shrugged, feeling a little silly. "Yeah, you’re right. I probably would."

Bill leaned in and clapped him on the shoulder. "Look, I don’t know if it’s an honor to be the ‘mature one’ of the group or not – but if you feel awkward about banging twenty-year-olds in one-night stands, that’s because maybe – just maybe – you’re not supposed to anymore. I can tell you, however, that the 30-year-old lady who’s worth your attention and your caring… that woman will appreciate a guy who doesn’t try to stay a teenager." He glanced meaningfully at the little bedroom area in the back of the bus where Pete was enjoying his visitors. "But she will like a man who tries to stay youthful."

Propecia and A New Youthful Perspective

He stayed with the tour. And kept taking Propecia. Just as Bill promised, the Propecia rewarded him with a thick growth of new hair, which led to longer, smoldering glances from female fans… All of which he ignored. Maybe he had started taking Propecia for the sake of the band’s image, but it was helping his confidence with something else, his growing awareness he needed to change his priorities.

Pete, of course, was neither gracious nor happy when Masher called it quits, sneering that, fine, they could get another keyboard player. Of course, you can, Ron had answered smoothly. It was one of the reasons why he needed to leave. He knew now that his life shouldn’t be interchangeable with someone else’s and certainly not some parody of a teenager’s dream of fame.

Bill went out to dinner with him the night after the tour ended, handing him a Propecia prescription as a "going away present." Ron had to ask him: "Why do you stay with this zoo? We treated you horribly, like some indentured servant or–"

"You didn’t," replied.

"Well, thanks, I hope I didn’t. But why stay?"

Bill let him have another one of his wise smiles. "Oh, I’m not up on stage embarrassing myself. And I’ve been saving up – I won’t be with them too much longer. You know the problem with your fearless bandleader is he always thought ‘ruthless’ was the same as ‘smart.’ I can say that, by the way, because I can say anything I want – no one ever made me sign a gag order."

Ron looked at him in surprise, slowly catching his meaning. Then Bill held up a thick sheaf of bound manuscript, and it was quite clear. "Don’t worry, Ron, you come off looking pretty good in my book." Ron burst out laughing, and they shook hands when they parted.

Blessed with his new head of hair thanks to Propecia, plus some hard work re-entering his old line of business, he got a job at the "ground level" of an investment commodities firm. Two hundred grand a year was certainly more than okay.

Propecia once a day, and a new job, he thought. On Thursday, the lovely blond in Acquisitions who must be about 34 stepped up to his desk with the little CD liner notes from Chrome God’s seventh album. "This is you, isn’t it?" she laughed, feeling embarrassed.

"It was me," he said with an indulgent smile. "Back when I was old."

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Here’s a quick rundown on the most common hair loss treatments or solutions to help get you started if you’re one of the millions of men who wish to prevent, reverse or mask hereditary hair loss.

Hair Loss Medications – Propecia and Rogaine

One of the most common ways to prevent and even reverse hair loss is to use Propecia and/or Rogaine, both of which are FDA-approved hair loss treatments.

Propecia is a prescription medication (active ingredient: finasteride) taken orally as a once-a-day pill. Propecia appears to work by inhibiting the formation of DHT, a substance believed to shrink hair follicles and lead to hair loss.

A recent five-year study conducted on a group of men with mild to moderate hair loss found that 48% of those treated with Propecia experienced some regrowth of hair, while an additional 42% had no further hair loss. Research also suggests that Propecia is only effective in treating hair loss when used consistently over a long period of time. Men who discontinue using Propecia generally lose whatever hair they gained during the treatment within about 12 months. While it doesn’t work for everyone, many men have found Propecia to be an effective way of treating their hair loss. But you have to be prepared to stay in "the program" over the long haul.

Rogaine is another hair loss medication that works for some men. Unlike Propecia, Rogaine (active ingredient: minoxidil) does not require a prescription and is used as a liquid or foam applied directly to the scalp, twice a day. As with Propecia, Rogaine takes some time to begin working, and hair loss generally reappears once you stop using it.

Neither Propecia nor Rogaine are appropriate for all men with hair loss, but together these two medications have helped many men either prevent additional hair loss or grow new hair.

Surgery for Hair Loss?

For men who are either not good candidates for or choose not to take Propecia or Rogaine, surgery may be an option to treat hair loss. The most common surgical treatment is called hair transplantation, which involves transplanting hair follicles from the back and sides of the head (which have more hair) to the area of hair loss. Results of hair transplantations vary, and the procedure is relatively expensive.

Another surgical procedure that some men choose to combat hair loss is scalp reduction surgery. This method involves removing sections of the scalp that are bald, and then stretching and sewing together areas that have hair in order to fill the bald spots.

Cosmetic Options

Another popular alternative to mask hair loss is to wear a hairpiece or wig made from human or synthetic hair. Hairpieces are typically attached to the scalp using glue, metal clips, or tape. Although hairpieces are intended to look natural, their overall appearance and quality vary depending on the manufacturer and material(s) used.

Some men turn to hair weaving, in which long pieces of human or synthetic hair are sewn onto natural hair. As with hairpieces, individual results of hair weaves vary, and some men may experience discomfort or even hair loss due to added pressure on the scalp. Over a period of time, some permanent hair loss along the weave area can also develop.

New Technology and the Future of Hair Loss Treatments

Scientists continue to develop new methods of treating hair loss. One recent development is the LaserComb, which is essentially a comb that emits laser rays. The comb is the third hair loss treatment to be approved by the FDA, after Propecia and Rogaine. The LaserComb has shown promising results in increasing hair volume and gives men with hereditary hair loss another option.

Hair cloning is another treatment for hair loss that holds considerable promise. This involves growing and implanting new hair cells in an effort to grow new hair follicles and thereby check hair loss. This technology is still some years away, but scientists are hopeful that it will provide an attractive hair loss treatment in the future.

As you can see, there is a wide range of choices for men who wish to treat or mask their hair loss, ranging from prescription medicines like Propecia to surgical and cosmetic alternatives. To find out more about hair loss and possible treatment options consult your doctor, and visit the online knowledge base at eDrugstore.MD