Though it can be upsetting, hair loss is often nothing to worry about. Some types of hair loss, however, may be permanent, such as male and female pattern baldness – which often runs in the family.[1]
There are medications available to treat hair loss by helping to stimulate hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
In this article, find out everything you need to know about Propecia medication, including its uses, side effects and active ingredient. Plus, discover some alternative treatments for hair loss.
WHAT IS PROPECIA?
Propecia is the name of a branded medication that is used to treat hair loss – specifically male pattern baldness. It is highly effective in helping to prevent further hair loss in men, while also increasing hair growth.
Propecia is available as a 1mg tablet, but it is only prescribed privately in the UK, so it cannot be bought over-the-counter.
IS PROPECIA THE SAME AS FINASTERIDE?
Propecia contains the active ingredient finasteride, which is also available as a generic, unbranded version of the medication.
Given that Finasteride tablets are not a branded version of the medication, they tend to be less expensive than Propecia tablets.
HOW DOES PROPECIA TREAT HAIR LOSS?
Finasteride – the active ingredient in Propecia medication – helps to reverse the balding process by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
The suppression of this enzyme lowers the levels of dihydrotestosterone in the scalp, ultimately helping to prevent further hair loss while stimulating increased hair growth.
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PROPECIA?
As with all medications, Propecia can cause certain side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Side effects can include:
- Erectile dysfunction or impotence
- A decrease in libido
- Ejaculation disorders
It’s also important to note that Propecia medication is generally not recommended for women.
What’s more, pregnant women must not touch crushed or broken finasteride tablets, as the medication can pass through the skin and cause harm to an unborn baby. [2]
ALTERNATIVE HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS
Regaine for Men
Regaine for Men Extra Strength Scalp Foam contains minoxidil, which helps aid blood flow to the hair follicles on the scalp.
Regaine For Men helps to regrow hair and prevent further hair loss. It is most effective for younger men who have been losing hair for a short period of time, or for men who only have a small bald patch.
Regaine for Women
Regaine for Women Once a Day Scalp Foam also contains the active ingredient minoxidil and can be used to treat hair loss in women aged 19-65 years old.
Regaine for Women works best in women who have thinning hair on the scalp, and for women who are younger and have only been experiencing hair loss for a short period of time.
WHERE TO BUY PROPECIA OR FINASTERIDE
You can buy Propecia or Finasteride from an accredited online pharmacy like PostMyMeds in just 3 simple steps:
- Complete a quick, 60-second consultation
- Select a suitable treatment
- Get fast, free and discrete delivery
