Propecia giving life to the dormant hair follicles

Is male pattern hair loss a natural susceptibility? Is it merely a cosmetic disorder? Why do men lose hair at the top? Why does it make horseshoe pattern? A lot of questions are being asked about the causes and appearance of male pattern hair loss. If you are experiencing thinning of hair in a pattern, you may be looking for the answers to all those questions being asked about male pattern baldness. It is somewhat a well known fact that there is difference between the causes of male hair loss and female hair loss. In males, the most common form of hair loss is scientifically known as androgenic alopecia.

Male pattern baldness - A confidence buster

Male pattern hair loss can lower your confidence. Confidence is something which is a matter of being comfortable with your own appearance. Some men get along well with their hair loss and accept the fact, while others get worried and suffer from confidence problems. About 75% of men who suffer from hair loss lack in confidence. If your self-esteem and confidence are the two most suffered traits because of hair loss, why don't you think about rectifying the root of the problem?

The bald truth

Hair loss can be caused by many factors ranging from psychological to physiological. Once you get your condition diagnosed by a doctor, you will come to know if it is because of hereditary factors or follicle damage.

Hair follicles are tiny sacs in the scalp area from which strands of hair grow. The basic cause of male pattern baldness is a chemical compound called dihydrotestosterone. It is formed by conversion of testosterone by an enzyme. With excess  production of dihydrotestosterone, hair follicles shrink and fail to regrow new hair.

Propecia - An effective dihydrotestosterone controller

Most men don't realise that hair loss can be treated and baldness can be reversed with proper medications. Propecia (finasteride) is an effective prescription medication used for hair loss treatment in men. According to a study, 9 out of 10 men saw positive results with Propecia. Finasteride prevents the production of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp area. Being an alpha-reductase inhibitor, finasteride inhibits the action of the enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. As the levels of dihydrotestosterone are reduced, a significant amount of reduction in the shrinkage of hair follicles is seen. Propecia not only stops hair fall, but also helps in the growth of new hair.

Understandably, hair loss differs from person to person, so results from Propecia cannot be the same for everybody. Typically, Propecia starts taking effect within six months of taking it. So to reap better benefits from Propecia, you need to stick to it and use it for at least 12 months.

Never use Propecia unless you are asked to do so by a doctor. This medicine is reported to have caused certain sexual side effects in some men. These side effects include lack of sexual desire, erection problems, and low semen volume. But the good news is that only a tiny percentage of men had suffered from any major problem.

Combating thinning of hair with effective treatments

Male pattern baldness is the most common form of hair loss in men. 25% of men are affected by this condition in their 20s and the rest in their 40s. Going bald is something that people consider as a nightmare. Receding hairline is the most common term used with male pattern baldness. In this pattern, there is thinning of hair at the temple and crown. As a result a bald patch appears at the front of the head.

This pattern of hair loss is seen due to scalp sensitivity to male sex hormone (testosterone). Let’s look at the role of this hormone in the loss of hair. For this, we first need to understand the process of hair growth. Hair follicles are small sacks under scalp from which the hair grows for three years. It is the natural process by which the old hair sheds off and new ones grow. This process continues throughout the life.

What are the causes of male pattern hair loss?

The problem starts when these follicles become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) a male sex hormone. This then causes the follicles to shrink in size. Over time, these follicles shrink to such an extent that they cannot grow hair. However they are still capable of growing hair.

Sons have long blamed their fathers for their baldness, but scientists have discovered that mother’s genes are responsible for it. A son inherits X chromosome from his mother. It is believed that a specific type of gene variation attached with X chromosome causes hair loss. But not all occurrences of baldness can be blamed on mothers, as scientists are not able to conclude evidently.

What are the treatment options for male hair loss?

Topical hair loss treatments: It is the most common type of hair loss treatment. The products range from shampoos, conditioners, gels, and oils for scalp.

Surgery: It is one of the expensive treatments for male hair loss. The success rate in this procedure varies from person to person. Recovery time is longer for this type of treatment.

Oral hair loss treatments: Prescription medications are widely accepted treatment for this type of hair loss. One of the most effective oral hair loss treatments is finasteride. It’s a prescription only drug which comes in the pill form. It is marketed under the brand name Propecia. It is one of the most effective treatments to date for male pattern baldness. The action of hormone, dihydrotestosterone is stopped by Propecia, resulting in growth of hair through follicles. You can order Propecia online to get a long-term solution to your hair loss problem. Online clinics let you go through a consultation which includes just filling in a medical questionnaire to get to know your medical history. You can buy Propecia online to save you a lot of time and money. It is dispatched at your doorstep within 24-hours.

If the condition worsens then it is always best to consult with a dermatologist to get your condition diagnosed.

Celebrity hairstyles - Men

Most of us aspire to dress up like celebrities and have attractive hairstyles like them. Celebrity hairstyles are great when we look at them in the magazines but only a few of them will look good in the office or in the park, and even fewer will look great on you. This is why it is important to know which ones look good on you and which ones you should leave for the magazines.

Do not copy a celebrity hairstyle just because it seems attractive in the first look. Of course, attraction is a source of inspiration but try to understand and know, in detail, what will suit your personality. It is a celebrity's job to look good and they are paid even to look ridiculous at times, whereas you might lose face in front of your colleagues or friends if you look funny. Let us have a look at some tips that will help you look like a celebrity or even better than him/her.

Try to visualize yourself in that hairstyle

You need to visualize yourself in that particular hairstyle and think how it would look on you. Does it look good on your body type or does it suit your personality? For example, Johnny Depp's hairstyle looks great on him but does it look good on you? In such a case, you can start by getting your hair done like David Beckham. His hair is short with enough lift and height. It can make you look smart and happening. Again, you need to trim it regularly.

What is your hair type?

Some people keep short hair while some keep long hair. At times, men even suffer from male pattern baldness that makes it difficult to have even normal hair on their head. So, what will you do if you have scarce hair but you want to sport a hairstyle like Leonardo DiCaprio?

Well, there is a possible solution. Male pattern hair loss is common amongst men but its treatment is not. You can use medications such as Propecia which enables you to regrow hair and stop current hair loss. Let us have a look at how this medication can help you have great hair and make you look like a celebrity.

Propecia

Finasteride, commercially marketed as Propecia, is a drug, which combats hair loss in men. This drug has been approved by the FDA. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). With reduced levels of DHT, hair loss slows down, and at times, is even reversed. If you are taking this drug, you may experience side effects such as decrease in sex drive, loss of libido, reduced sensitivity on sexual organs and decrease in volume of semen. People, who are suffering from prostate cancer, or have any kind of drug allergies, should avoid taking it. Always consult a doctor before using it. You too can  look like a celebrity and sport a sexy hairstyle and all it takes is a little effort.

Androgenic alopecia fact sheet

Male pattern hair loss, medically known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of baldness millions of men experience. It does not happen overnight; it may take you 2-5 years to notice that half of your scalp hair is gone. While there is no complete cure, you can prevent your head from balding with proper and timely treatment. Talking of treatment and there is Propecia finasteride – one of the most sought after FDA-approved medicines to prevent androgenic alopecia and in some cases, to stimulate new hair growth. You can buy Propecia online from the comfort of your home and stop losing your locks to this genetic and hormonally induced condition.

Your baldness in depth

Every day you lose up to 100 hair daily out of 100,000 to 150,100 hair strands. This hair fall is normal as every two to six years, the hair finishes its growth and resting cycle and reaches its shedding phase. The reason men suffering from male pattern baldness lose more hair than normal is that their follicles become sensitive to a hormone commonly known as DHT. This hormone is medically known as dihydrotestosterone. When your hair follicles become sensitive because of age, hormonal changes or any other factors, you experience hair loss.

How to keep the follicles alive

If you know how to keep your hair follicles alive, you are well on the road to stop male pattern hair loss from occurring. One prescription medication, Propecia, which contains a chemical ingredient known as finasteride can help to avoid further shrinking of hair follicles because of DHT and can also help in reviving hair follicles that have already shrunk. Finasteride basically inhibits the level of DHT and help in stopping hair loss and in hair re-growth.

Spot the pattern

Unless and until you don't know if your hair loss is because of male pattern baldness or some other reason, there are less chances of you seeking a treatment. Therefore, the first step is to understand the pattern of your hair loss. If you see bald spots in the middle part of your head and then from the crown and the sides, eventually which might lead to or has already led to an 'M' or horseshoe shaped bald area – you are suffering male pattern baldness. It is advisable to start treatment well before the 'M' shape is formed.

Genetic factors

Sometimes, DHT is not solely to be blamed for your hair loss. It can also be genetic in nature. Most scientists agree that hair loss in inherited from mother's side of the family, though it has not been established.

Propecia at rescue

The good thing about Propecia is that it can not only help you to stop further hair loss but also reverse it. More than 90% men have experienced benefits and claimed that their hair loss is stopped within just a couple of months. 60% men have claimed to see new hair growth where they had totally lost hope. This drug is not only very effective but also safe with only 2% men saying they experienced side effects. These side effects too are not very serious and reversible in nature.

Male pattern baldness – FAQs

The most common type of male hair loss is known as male pattern baldness; as the term suggests, this type of baldness follows a typical pattern. Your hairline starts to recede first, followed by gradual thinning of hair on the crown. Eventually the receding hairline meets the crown, leaving a thin covering of hair on either side of the head. Go through the following FAQs section to find out more about male pattern hair loss.

What causes male pattern baldness?

It is caused by hormonal and genetic factors. Testosterone, a natural hormone in males, is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by an enzyme known as 5-alpha reductase. DHT acts on the hair follicles with detrimental results on hair production and growth.

You may also go bald because of genetic factors. Research has indicated that a certain gene variation can cause pattern hair loss in men. You can inherit the gene either from your mother's side or from your father's side.

Who are most likely to be affected by male pattern hair loss?

This type of hair fall can affect any man regardless of age, race or ethnicity. You can experience the symptoms in your early teens or twenties if the testosterone stock in your body gets depleted because of higher levels of 5-alpha reductase, or if anyone in your family has had the problem before.

Does it require treatment?

Male pattern baldness is not a medical condition it itself as it does not cause any harm to your health. So whether or not you should go for treatments is entirely up to you. But if you are a young man with symptoms of pattern hair loss, you may wish to seek medical help to gain social acceptance. 

How can male pattern baldness be treated?

Even though there is no known cure for male pattern baldness, you can try finasteride to prevent hair loss. Branded under the trade name Propecia, this FDA-approved drug can prevent the harmful impact of DHT on hair follicles and keep the follicles working normally for production and growth of hair. Finasteride is a 5-alpha reductase blocker which prevents DHT from coming in direct contact with the follicles. So the follicles remain alive and capable of producing new hair.

What are the side effects of finasteride?

The most common side effects of finasteride are rashes and itching. Only a small percentage of men using Propecia have reported sexual problems, including low libido, erection problems and low semen volume. Talk to your doctor immediately if any of these problems occurs after using the medicine.

How can I take care of my hair on a regular basis?

Male pattern baldness or atypical hair loss, your hair is bound to come off someday. But while it is there, you need to be careful not to cause damage to your hair. Do not pin your hair or use spiky accessories for cosmetic needs. Wash your hair regularly with well blended shampoos or other haircare products. Do not use blow dryers excessively. While combing your hair, use soft brushes to prevent damage to the scalp.

Losing your hair - We have a solution

Male pattern hair loss is quite common among adult men. It refers to thinning of hair which loosens on the scalp and eventually falls out.  Male pattern baldness is different from normal hair loss as the hair falls out permanently in this condition. But it can be treated through prescription medication like Propecia.

Hair loss is usually caused by following factors:

• Ageing
• Hormonal imbalance
• Illness and infectious disease
• Nervous disorders
• Toxic substances
• Injury and impairment

Propecia

Propecia (finasteride) is an effective prescription medicine for treating male pattern hair loss. It blocks an enzyme, 5-alpha-reductase, which causes hair loss. A single pill is taken every day to combat hair loss. It also stimulates new hair growth and is a treatment for men above 18 years of age.

Men who suffer from the following conditions should avoid taking this pill:

• Liver disease / abnormal liver enzyme test
• Prostrate cancer
• Bladder muscle disorder
• Stricture of urethra
• Unable to urinate because of infection

As a side effect, you may suffer from temporary impotence or loss of sex drive.

Finasteride

It is the active ingredient in Propecia. It prevents conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which causes hair loss. It slows down hair loss and also helps in new hair growth.

Dosage 

Only 1 mg finasteride tablet should be taken everyday and at the same time. On forgetting the dosage it should be taken as soon as you remember. But an over dosage may lead to side effects.

It should be taken with a glass of water, either with or without food.

If any unusual or painful side effects are experienced, you should immediately contact your doctor.

Buying the pill

You can buy Propecia online from a registered website. Buying the pill online can be a convenient option for you as it saves time and face to face consultation with your local doctor.

Genetic Factors behind Male Pattern Baldness

Are you growing bald? You are not alone to suffer the plight. According to statistics, 50% of men go bald by the time they reach 50. Male pattern hair loss is not rare. If someone from your mother's or father's family has/had a problem with hair fall, probably you have your future bald too. It is a genetically predisposed condition which is unavoidable but treatable with proper and timely medication.

Male pattern baldness – Probable causes

Losing hair is not unusual in itself. At any given moment, an adult man possesses about 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair on his crown, and an estimated number of 100 strands come off everyday. But the problem gets worse when the hair follicles stop responding to androgenic hormones. Experts say that androgenic hormones, along with genetic factors, cause male hair loss. Unfortunately, our knowledge about the exact causes of hair fall is still limited.

Mothers blamed too often

It is true that sons owe a lot to their mothers, but it is unfair to blame the mother's side whenever a man goes bald. A group of European researchers found a gene variation which they believed would explain androgenic alopecia, the clinical name for male pattern baldness. They thought so because the gene variation is attached to the X chromosome, which sons inherit from their mothers only. But at the same time, the researchers failed to evidently conclude that all occurrences of male pattern baldness are linked to the mother's side. What they knew for certain was that the maternal side of the family had a relative edge over the paternal side, but that inference did not eliminate fathers as potential contributors to the baldness of their sons.

About the gene

The study was conducted among 95 families in which a minimum number of 2 male siblings had developed androgenic alopecia from an early age. So the number of subjects in the survey amounted to 200. Following the genetic screening, it was revealed that for a man to develop pattern baldness at an early age, it is a sine qua non that he must have a variation in the androgen receptor gene. A variant gene was found more often in among men who went bald early in their life. Testosterone, one of the governing sex hormones in men, is part of androgenic hormones that are related in some ways to hair loss. But as mentioned earlier, the exact mechanisms are not yet known. According to scientists, male sex hormones help grow body hair, but too much of it will prevent the growth of scalp hair. Also, another androgenic hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) make the hair follicles shrink when exposed, which is why no visible hair comes out of the follicle. Existing treatments of hair loss target DHT to stimulate hair regrowth. Finasteride, sold under the brand name Propecia in the UK, is a synthetic antiandrogen that can prevent male pattern hair fall and also help hair regrow. It is a prescription only medicine, so you need to consult your doctor first.

Why should you take Propecia?

Propecia not only can stop hair loss but can also help to grow new hair. It is a very popular treatment for male pattern hair loss. Propecia is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an effective medication to provide relief from one of the most common problems many men experience. The drug was discovered in 1997.

Pattern hair loss can lead you to baldness. Baldness can affect your confidence and self esteem. If you are suffering from this problem, you can seek the help of Propecia. Many men who use Propecia have experienced no further hair loss. In some cases men experience significant regrowth of hair too.

What is the action mechanism of Propecia?

Propecia has finasteride as its active ingredient. The medicine works by lowering the level of an androgenic hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. It prevents testosterone from being converted into dihydrotestosterone. DHT causes hair follicles to shrink. Propecia blocks DHT production and allows hair follicles to come into their normal size. As a result, your hair start growing again.

You can see the positive result of Propecia in 3 to 6 months and within 9 months, your hair may even begin to regrow.

How should I take Propecia?

One Propecia tablet should be taken daily. You can take it at any time. If you forget to take a dose, skip it and take the next dose. You can take Propecia with or without food. If you are taking any other medicines, talk to your doctor before taking Propecia.

Possible side effects of Propecia

 
The side effects of Propecia are very uncommon. But some men experience erectile dysfunction, low libido and decreased amount of semen after using Propecia. You need to consult a doctor if you experience such side effects.

If bald is not beautiful for you

The condition of hairlessness is very common among men of all ages. While baldness is romanticised a lot in films and other forms of art, the reality is that no man feels exulted when his scalp goes shiny. Among all types of hair fall that men experience, male pattern baldness affects most men. But there is nothing to feel devastated about it and you are not the only one with this problem anyway. Studies show that male pattern hair loss affects approximately half the male population by the time they reach the age of 50. And many of them do not even get a clue that they are losing hair until much of it is gone. But the heartening thing is that with proper and timely treatment, you can not just stop hair from falling off, but can also get some of your lost hair back.

Stages of male hair loss

Unlike random hair fall, male pattern baldness follows a typical pattern. With the help of patient surveys and clinical observations, experts have reached a general consensus about the different phases of hair loss:

• Phase 1: The hairline starts to recede.
• Phase 2: The anterior part of the head gets exposed, followed by disappearance of hair from a very small region at the vertex.
• Phase 3: Similar to the previous phase, only the rate of disappearance accelerates.
• Phase 4: The receding hairline is about to meet the the hairless region at the vertex, which is also expanding.
• Phase 5: Phase 4 culminates, causing a bald scalp with very thin covering of hair on either side of the vertex.

Even if you want, you may not be able to prevent the first 2 phases of male pattern baldness. This is because by the time you will come to know about your hair loss, much of it will be gone. But what you can do is talk to your doctor to prevent further damage. Unlike many other losses, hair loss is not irreparable and with finasteride, you will notice significant improvement in just about 3 months.

Propecia finasteride for prevention of male pattern baldness

This FDA-approved once a day pill is intended to treat male pattern baldness. Propecia is the brand name for finasteride, the active ingredient in this drug. Finasteride helps reduce a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Experts believe that DHT is responsible for male pattern hair loss, along with genetic factors. DHT triggers hair fall by causing the hair follicles to contract and preventing hair from coming out of the contracted follicles. What finasteride does is it blocks the production of DHT and in doing so, keeps the hair follicles from contracting.

You are the one to mind your head!

Hair loss can affect some men negatively, causing distress and poor body image. On the other hand, some men live just fine with a shiny scalp. So it is not compulsory to treat male pattern baldness. You are in the best position to decide what you need to do. It is advisable that you should talk to your doctor first and discuss your problem frankly.

Unravel the truth about male pattern hair loss

Male hair loss is an unfortunate and extremely demoralising problem which many young men face just as they are about to venture into the realms of socialising. Male pattern baldness causes more concern that other types of hair loss. For many men, it usually starts at an early age, sometimes during the late twenties, and continues for more than 20-25 years. Hair loss can be fairly rapid, causing guys to go bald in as little as 5 years. But the good news is that the condition can be treated successfully and with timely and effective treatment, it is even possible to trigger hair regrowth. But sadly, people are fed with tons of incomplete and wrong information about hair loss. Here are 5 commonest misconceptions that are embedded in most people's mind.

Hair loss is a maternal inheritance

Male pattern baldness, which is caused by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), is mainly a genetic problem. So there is no reason to spare the father! If anybody from your father's family ever suffered from the problem, you may also pick it up.

Wearing a hat may trigger pattern hair loss

Many men like to put on hats or fancy headgears. For them this myth sounds really scary. The truth is unless you wear a hat so tight that it cuts off circulation to the hair follicles, you won't go bald.

Cut and shave more to make it thicker

When you cut hair from your scalp, it only appears that you get a thicker look on the top! But in reality, nothing of that sort happens. Frequent shaving too does nothing in favour of hair growth on the head.

Sometimes I see hairs coming off while combing. This is a sign of male pattern baldness.

On an average basis, a normal person with no testosterone-dihydrotestosterone problem may experience hair fall. It is estimated that about 100 hairs come off every day. So occasional stray hairs on your comb should not bother you at all.

Genetic hair loss is not treatable

This is another gross misconception. There are trusted and 100% safe non-surgical means to prevent hair fall and even to restore your full-grown look. Propecia finasteride is one of the most sought after drugs when it comes to prevention and renewal of hair growth.

How to prevent male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness, medically known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss experienced by men. The term 'pattern baldness' indicates a specific type of male hair loss – first hairline starts to recede from the crown, which is followed by disappearance of hair from the mid-anterior region of the scalp. This type of hair fall is triggered by androgenic hormones. An individual can suffer from it any time – be it in his twenties or fifties. But the condition is preventable with medicines such as Propecia finasteride, which, if used as prescribed, can in fact encourage hair regrowth.

What causes hair to fall off?

An androgenic hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is responsible for male pattern baldness. Actually the normal growth rate of hair is an inch in every couple of months or so. This rate continues for about 2-6 years, after which hair no longer grows and comes off. Each hair is rooted in a follicle, which contracts over time, slowing hair growth. Shrinking of follicles also makes hair thinner. The end result is a shrunk follicle without any hair rooted in it.

According to experts, when a man has male pattern baldness, his follicles become genetically sensitive to androgenic hormones. As a result of this, the follicles no longer respond to the hormones and hair starts to fall off. So to prevent the problem, it is important to use a medicine that can keep the follicles alive. Propecia has finasteride as its active ingredient, which is a synthetic anti-androgen. It reduces androgenic hormones and in doing so, prevent male pattern baldness and even encourages new hair growth.

What does Propecia do to prevent male hair loss?

Manufactured by Merck and Co., Inc., Propecia is an FDA-approved prescription only medicine. It is basically a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor which can prevent the hair follicles from getting exposed to the DHT hormones. This makes sure the hair follicles stay alive and capable of producing new hair. But for the medicine to work effectively, you need to use it for about 3 months at a stretch. Only then you will notice any significant change on your scalp. But do not stop taking the medicine as soon as you see the positive results. You should complete the course to get long-term benefits of the treatment.

Is Propecia safe for all?

Propecia is only indicated for men. It does not work for women suffering from any kind of hair loss problem. Pregnant or expecting women shouldn't even handle the pill if its crushed or broken, as it may affect the foetus. Keep the drug away from children's reach.

Can men prevent pattern hair loss without medical assistance?

Studies have so far unearthed that mostly genetic factors cause androgenic alopecia or pattern hair loss. So it is not possible to prevent it without treatment. Similarly, do not get alarmed if you see a few stray hairs on your comb occasionally. All types of hair loss is not genetic and you can prevent non-genetic hair fall by making a few small adjustments in your hair care regime.