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About 40% of men have noticeable hair loss by the time they clock 35 years. This figure increases with age and amounts to 65% at the age of 60 and 80% at 80 years of age. One major cause of hair loss can be linked to the activity of dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, on the hair follicles. DHT activates a receptor that gradually decreases the growth phase of the hair. As a result, the follicles are shrunk to create shorter and finer hairs. Over time, the production of hair ceases. The main activity of finasteride is to halt the production of dihydrotestosterone. 5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Finasteride inhibits this enzyme. The less amount of DHT in the scalp, the lower the rate of hair loss, and in some cases, promotes hair growth.
Who Can Take Finasteride?
Finasteride is ideal for men with mild or moderate hair loss, but ineffective for those with complete hair loss. This drug is also not suitable for men who actively plan to have their partners pregnant. It is also not ideal for women. Before you take this drug, ensure that you read through the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). According to research conducted by the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, 1553 men who had male-pattern hair loss were treated with finasteride. The results showed that two-third of these individuals had improved scalp coverage, while the remaining experienced slowed progression of hair loss. Just 1% of these men had hair loss while taking finasteride.
When Should I Expect Results?
Finasteride has visible results between four to six months of use. During this period, you will witness reduced hair loss or regrowth of hair. The best results are generated after one to two years of use. Should you stop taking this drug, any quantity or quality of hair you gain during the period of use will be lost within 6 to 12 months. In a situation where you skip a day, there is no need to panic or increase the dosage, as it won’t have any dire effect on your progress.
How Can I Get Finasteride?
It is important to know that Finasteride is not available on the NHS. You can only get it on private prescription.
Are There Any Side Effects Of Finasteride?
Finasteride has the capacity to create changes in a man’s sexual performance. According to an evidence-based dermatology review of finasteride by Jama Network, about 1.5% of men that were placed on trial experienced sexual activity issues like decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory dysfunction. These conditions can be resolved by halting the use of finasteride.
There are other rare side effects that come with the use of this hair loss treatment; they include breast tissue growth or tenderness, testicular pain, and depression. You can check out more side effects on the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) and once confirmed, go here for finasteride pills. The effects of finasteride last as long as you keep taking it daily. 9 out of 10 men experience reduced hair loss or improvement in hair growth.
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