Propecia
(Finasteride) is an oral hair loss medication taken once a day that has
been used with great success in the treatment of male pattern
baldness. Propecia
is derived from Proscar which is used to decrease prostate
enlargement.
Studies
indicate that Propecia will regrow hair in 50% of men after 6
months and 67% of men after 24 months. Additionally the
hair loss medication
will stop the continued loss of hair in 85% of men.
This is critical because without the treatment men will continue to become
more and more bald with age. The sooner balding men make
the commitment to use Propecia, the better off they will be.
If
a man is lucky enough to get the hair regrowth, it is typically
on top of the scalp and not the hairline. Propecia use
must be continued once it is started, or the individual will
lose the benefits of the hair loss medication. Side effects
of Propecia are very rare, but 1-2% of
men may experience some sexual dysfunction from the treatment, but this is
completely reversible after discontinuing the drug.
Dr.
Norwood and Dr. Lehr strongly believe that Propecia compliments
hair transplant surgery. With the cooperation of Merck
& Co. Inc., they will provide a complimentary one month
supply of Propecia with consultation.
Another very helpful medication is Rogaine (minoxidil).
This is a topical solution that is applied to the areas on the scalp prone
to hair loss twice a day. Just like Propecia, in the majority of
people it will help prevent further hair loss and, in some cases, will
actually lead to regrowth. It is available over the counter.
Some patients use it in combination with Propecia for even greater
potential improvement.
