Finasteride – a hair loss treatment for men
While many hair loss treatments are suitable for both men and women, every one addresses a particular cause and some causes only affect one gender.
Finasteride is a tablet that is taken orally. Originally used for treating an enlarged prostate, it turned out to also have a use for addressing hair loss.
It works by blocking the process where testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thus reducing its presence in the blood stream. Figures indicate that it has an 80-90 per cent chance of slowing the process of male pattern baldness and can even bring it to a stop. There is also a 15-30 per cent chance of what is described as a ‘cosmetically significant’ increase in volume of the hair.
Finasteride starts to take affect after around three or four months and results should be seen after about six. However, benefits will be lost if the man ceases to use the treatment.
Side effects are possible with a 0.5 per cent chance of decreased libido or erectile dysfunction while taking the drug. Finasteride is available by prescription only.
