For men who are experiencing hair loss, one of the more popular treatments worth considering is called Finasteride. This anti-androgen is marketed as Proscar, Propecia, Fincar, Finpecia, Finax, Finast, Finara and Prosteride. For the purpose of this article, we will use the term Propecia to describe the various forms of Finasteride, as Propecia is by far the most asked about, and most widely used version of the anti-androgen.

Propecia is an anti-androgen which works by inhibiting what is called 5-alpha reductase. 5-alpha reductase is an enzyme which converts testosterone into something called dihydrotesterone. It was initially approved in 1992, but was called Proscar at the time, and was a treatment mainly used for prostate enlargement. However, a study on 1mg of Finasteride had demonstrated hair re0growth in male pattern hair loss, which prompted the FDA to approve Finasteride in 1997 as a male pattern hair loss treatment.

Propecia is a drug trade name which is the product of Merck & Co. In Propecia, only 1 milligram of Finasteride can actually be found. The patent on Propecia owned by Merck had expired on June 19 of 2006, allowing the FDA to approve a generic formulation for Finasteride which is available in 5 milligram tablets.

Finasteride is generally not indicated by use for women, and Propecia does not have any affect at all on hair loss in women. Additionally, the Finasteride in Propecia has been known to cause birth defects in unborn babies, and has therefore been placed in the FDA’s Pregnancy Category X. As long as the tablets are not swallowed, they should not be harmful to pregnant women and their unborn babies, but women should avoid the pills whenever possible, especially when crushed or broken. Many professional sports have had to ban Finasteride as it can be used to mask the abuse of steroids.

Propecia shows a 29 to 68 percent success rate, but the treatment is only effective for as long as the treatment is continued. As soon as therapy is ceased, the hair that is gained or maintained will be lost within a period of six to twelve months. Though Propecia has appeared to work more successfully in the crown area, it also works well along the hairline.

The Psychology of Hair Loss

What can baldness do to you when you suffer

A recent study released by Business Wire earlier this year found that individuals who experience hair loss believe their appearance impacts virtually every part of their lives. The four-year study, examining men experiencing androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), describes high levels of depression and dysfunction. This was true across all age and ethnic groups, as well as socio-economic strata. Hair-loss sufferers collectively agree that there is a link between hair loss and loss of self-confidence.

Dr. Stanley Teitelbaum, a New York psychologist who correlated the study – and whose clinical focus is male pattern baldness – described his patients’ attitudes as “a feeling of losing it.”  92% were obsessed with their hair loss, and 82% agreed that “hair loss prevents me from being who I really am.”  86% faced frequent, unwelcome, questions about – or observations on – their hair loss, while 88% said they felt uncomfortable at social events (particularly ones that might result in a toupee or wig accidentally being removed). A full 6% acknowledged thoughts of suicide.   

Dr. Jordana Gilman, a Manhattan dermatologist and Assistant Clinical Professor at Mt. Sinai School of Medicine, observed similar behavior patterns among her patients. She added, however, that once a treatment program results in hair restoration, the patient’s psyche improves.  This is why it is so important to start a regimen with Propecia today, instead of waiting until hair loss damages your psychological equilibrium.

About Propecia

Propecia, from Merck & Co., is the first, clinically proven, pharmaceutical treatment to reduce hair loss and even re-grow hair in men. In studies in both the U.S. and abroad, Propecia was shown to restore some or all of the hair in 82% - 90% of men who used it for more than two years, and five-year users achieved excellent results with minimal side effects.

Propecia is one of only two FDA-approved treatments for hair loss (the other is Minoxidil). Unlike Minoxidil, a topical preparation with a 50% efficacy rating, Propecia is taken as a tablet, once a day. Dosages do not need to be adjusted for age or illness, further revealing Propecia’s remarkable safety record, which in clinical trials over a 5-year period showed only a .03% ratio of side effects.

Comments From Users

Comments from Propecia users confirm Propecia’s effectiveness. One man, who has been using finasteride (Propecia) for about 10 years, said that within six months his thinning had stopped. In another six months, he noticed “frontal” regrowth, and credits the drug with “maintaining my hairline.”  Another male user, who noticed slowed thinning and regrowth in three months, describes Propecia as, “the best treatment I ever did.”

Baldness and Psychological Makeup

Most studies showed that people with alopecia have lower self-esteem, poorer quality of life, higher levels of both anxiety and depression, and poorer body image than the control groups. An effective deterrent to these might be support groups, and physicians should recognize the psychological impact of alopecia as a mandate for some sort of therapy. Prescribing Propecia is a good first step, but since the ultimate benefits of Propecia are not seen for several years, therapy is also in order.