Male Pattern Hair Loss: Can Finasteride Help?

Male Pattern Hair Loss: Finasteride is a pill-form medication used to treat hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia, also known as male-pattern hair loss. It stimulates hair growth on the scalp and helps to slow down or prevent premature hair loss in men.

Here is a brief overview of Finasteride:

• Purpose: Treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in men.
• Mechanism: Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It works by reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in male pattern hair loss. By blocking DHT, finasteride helps prevent further hair loss and promotes hair regrowth.
• Effectiveness: Clinical studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of finasteride. In a landmark 5-year study, 90% of men experienced either hair regrowth or no further hair loss.
• Availability: Finasteride is the generic name for the popular prescription medication Propecia. It is available in 1mg tablets, taken once daily.

Important Considerations:

• Finasteride is not suitable for women or children.
• Patients should discuss potential side effects with a doctor before use.
• Consultation with a doctor is essential to determine if finasteride is the proper hair loss treatment.

Please note: If your doctor has not already prescribed finasteride, we highly recommend that you consult with a healthcare professional before starting the medication. When buying finasteride online with Access Doctor, qualified medical prescribers will assess and approve your request to ensure it is the proper treatment to meet your needs.

What is Androgenetic Alopecia?

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness in men, presents with distinct hair loss patterns. Here’s a breakdown of the symptoms:

• Receding Hairline: This is perhaps the most recognisable symptom. The hairline starts to recede at the temples, often forming an “M” shape over time.
• Hair Thinning on the Crown: Hair loss progresses at the top of the head (crown), gradually thinning and potentially leading to bald spots.
• Overall Hair Loss Pattern: Generally, hair loss in male pattern baldness follows a predictable pattern, with the frontal hairline and crown being most affected, while the sides and back of the scalp retain hair for a longer period.

The rate of hair loss can vary significantly from person to person, and some individuals may experience a faster progression than others. Androgenetic alopecia is a gradual process. Symptoms often appear subtly and worsen over time.

Propecia vs. Finasteride: Understanding the Difference

While Propecia is a well-known brand name, it is essential to understand that finasteride is the active ingredient responsible for its effects. Generic versions exist and are equally effective, offering the same treatment for male pattern hair loss. The primary difference between Propecia and generic finasteride lies in the name, manufacturer, and potential price.

How Does Finasteride Work?

Finasteride addresses the root cause of male pattern hair loss by targeting a specific enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme plays a crucial role in converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Men with a genetic sensitivity to DHT often experience hair follicle miniaturisation, leading to hair thinning and eventual loss.

By inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, finasteride reduces DHT levels in both the bloodstream and the scalp. This has several key benefits:

• Hair Loss Prevention: Lower DHT levels help protect existing hair follicles from further damage, halting the progression of hair loss.

• Hair Regrowth Stimulation: In many men, reducing DHT on the scalp allows hair follicles to return to a healthier growth cycle, potentially leading to thicker hair regrowth.

Important Considerations

Finasteride, whether Propecia or generic, requires a doctor’s prescription. A medical professional can assess your suitability for treatment and discuss potential side effects. Finasteride is specifically designed for men experiencing male pattern hair loss. Women and children should not use this medication. 

While finasteride is effective for many men, the degree of hair regrowth and the time it takes to see results can vary from person to person. Hair growth occurs in a continuous cycle, so you can expect regrowth to happen and see hair continue to be shed. Let’s break down the key phases:

• Growth Phase (Anagen):  This is the active growth period where hair follicles, located just beneath the skin’s surface, produce new hair strands. On average, hair grows about 1 centimetre (half an inch) per month, and a single hair can remain in the growth phase for 2-4 years.

• Rest Phase (Telogen): After the growth period, the hair follicle enters a resting phase that typically lasts for 2-4 months. During this time, the hair stops growing and prepares to shed.

• Shedding Phase (Exogen):  The old hair naturally detaches from the follicle and falls out. This is a normal process, and as it happens, a new healthy hair simultaneously begins to grow within the same follicle, restarting the cycle.

The hairs on our scalp are constantly at different stages of this growth cycle, so shedding some hair each day is perfectly normal and shouldn’t be of concern while taking finasteride to combat hair loss. Understanding the hair growth cycle sheds light on the natural process of hair renewal and can help you understand hair loss or changes in hair growth patterns.

Conclusion:

Finasteride is a prescription-only medication. You can start your journey to combating hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia today by completing our easy online medical questionnaire. After paying for the treatment, one of our qualified doctors will review your consultation. If approved, your prescription finasteride will be posted to you in discreet packaging for next-day delivery.