Finasteride propecia,Finasteride for male pattern hair loss
What is the role of testosterone / hormones / androgens in male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is an androgen-dependent disorder. In genetically susceptible men, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent metabolite of the male androgen testosterone, contributes to male pattern hair loss. The conversion of testosterone to DHT is regulated by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
How does finasteride affect the body’s hormonal / endocrine system?
Finasteride (Propecia®) is a specific type II 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. That is, it inhibits the enzyme responsible for regulating conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By reducing DHT levels in the scalp, the drug decreases DHT’s effects on the hair follicles, reversing the process of hair loss.
What is finasteride approved for?
Finasteride is indicated for the treatment of men with male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) to prevent further hair loss and increase hair growth.
How does Propecia (Finasteride) work?
Propecia (Finasteride) belongs to a group of medicines called “5 alpha reductase inhibitors”. It is a tan octagonal tablet, which is swallowed and is available in just one strength - 1mg.
Propecia (Finasteride) works by blocking the enzyme, Type II 5 alpha-reductase, and in doing so it reduces the level of the hormone in the scalp which shortens the hair growth cycle and allows hairs to revert to a normal growth cycle. This can result in stopping further hair loss and increasing new hair growth in men with male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).
Continuous use once a day for 3–6 months is required before benefit is seen, and effects are reversed 6–12 months after treatment is discontinued so continuous use is recommended to sustain benefit.
Does Propecia (Finasteride) always work?
Clinical trials conducted on thousands of men have shown that after 2 years of use 66% (two thirds) of men showed increased hair growth. 30% of men showed a slight improvement, 31% moderate improvement and 5% great increase. 83% of men in the trial showed no further hair loss.
Propecia (Finasteride) side effects
When taken at the recommended dose, the possible side effects of Propecia (Finasteride) are usually mild and generally have not caused the men to stop taking the medicine.
Possible side effects that have been identified with Propecia (Finasteride) include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased volume of ejaculate, breast tenderness and enlargement; rashes, itching and swelling of the lips and face; and testicular pain.
Finasteride: How It Works
Finasteride works at the molecular level to halt hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. It is a medication that selectively inhibits the activity of an enzyme that converts the “male hormone” testosterone into a form that is active in hair follicles.
Androgenic (”male”) hormones such as testosterone have multiple effects in the body, including actions in the skin, hair follicles and prostate gland. Hair follicles and sebaceous (oil-producing) glands in the skin are particularly responsive to androgenic hormones.
Testosterone is the most potent of the androgenic hormones. Its actions on hair follicles, skin and prostate tissue is not direct however; These tissues are responsive to a form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT); testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Finasteride acts by inhibiting the action of 5-alpha-reductase and thus inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
Investigators over a number of years found that 5-alpha-reductase occurs in two forms identified as Type I and Type II, and that finasteride is effective in inhibition of Type II. Type I of the enzyme predominates in sebaceous glands. Type II occurs most abundantly in hair follicles and prostate tissue. Investigators found that:
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Finasteride-an agent that inhibits the activity of Type II alpha-reductase and thus lowers the level of DHT in target cells-was first developed more than a decade ago to treat benign prostate enlargement. Prescribed under the brand name PROSCAR�), at a dose of 5 milligrams a day it is used in treatment of benign prostate enlargement in men. Following the lead of finasteride’s effectiveness in treating benign prostate enlargement, investigators studied its use in treating MPHL. These studies confirmed that at a dose of 1 milligram per day, finasteride (brand name Propecia�) is effective in treating MPHL in some but not all men. |
August 31st, 2007 at 2:52 pm
[...] by the manufacturer, have shown Avodart to be a treatment for prostate enlargement and similar to finasteride ( Proscar ). Further studies are needed to gain a clearer understanding of any clinically [...]