Finasteride is a medicine to stop hair loss. Sometimes Finasteride can and build new terminal hair, but it happens rarely. It is believed that the main task – stop further hair loss. This drug is taken in pill form by mouth every day. The drug, based on Finasteride is Propecia approved for use by the Department of Quality Control Food and Drug Administration (FDA (Food and Drug Administration) or USFDA – a government agency under the Ministry of Health USA). This is one of the two drugs approved by the FDA for treatment of baldness.
What are the preparations on the basis of Finasteride?
The only drug on the basis of Finasteride to stop hair loss – is Propecia. In this preparation each tablet has 1 mg of Finasteride. To treat hair loss take 1 tablet per day.
There is also Finpecia – Indian analogue of Propecia (made by CIPLA), which is different from the composition and dosage of Propecia – in every tablet is 1 mg of Finasteride. This drug is much cheaper than Propecia.
But there are also other drugs, in which the active ingredient Finasteride all the same, but are intended for the treatment of prostate adenoma. They do not differ in composition, but different dosage of Finasteride per tablet, which increased to 5 mg compared with Propecia and Finpecia. It’s for example Proscar – the medicine for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
How Finasteride works?
Finasteride getting into the bloodstream begins to communicate with the 5-alpha-reductase second type instead of testosterone, thus not giving testosterone to transform into digitestosteron.
What is 5-alpha-reductase second type?
5-alpha-reductase is an enzyme, which converts the male sex hormone testosterone into a more potent androgen dihydrotestosterone, and also participates in the formation of neyrosteroidov allopregnanolona and THDOC. Thus, reducing the amount of 5-alpha-reductase (through linking it with Finasteride), decreases the total number of dihydrotestosterone. This is why the Finasteride and used – to reduce the concentration of DHT in the body.
What is DHT?
Dihydrotestosterone is biologically active form of testosterone, which is formed from it in the cells of target organs under the influence of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase. Dihydrotestosterone is much more associated with the androgen receptor tissues than the parent compound (testosterone). With the increased formation of dihydrotestosterone in the hair follicles associated excessive body hair body and / or “male” type of hair loss on the head in both sexes.
Dihydrotestosterone performs the following functions:
- Stimulation of sebaceous excretions and skin sebaceous glands
- Stimulation of cell proliferation (division) cells of the prostate
- Stimulation or inhibition of hair on certain parts of the body
- It stimulates the growth of sex organs in males during puberty
- Impact on erectile function in men (a desire, while testosterone is responsible for the erection)
- Supposed to affect the recovery of heavy physical exertion
So Finasteride reduces DHT did not affect it in the way the body?
Since the beginning of acceptance of Finasteride the level of dihydrotestosterone will be decreased and will no longer rise, until you stop taking the Finasteride drug. The level of testosterone in this case may rise to 10%. Gradually the concentration of DHT in the hair follicles diminish and that we needed.
How long do I need to use Finasteride?
While you are taking Finasteride, it works. If you stop taking them, then the effect ends. Finasteride should be taken while you value her hair, ie whole life (or until you have invented a new, more effective way).
When the first results?
First results can come to life in 6-12 months. In rare cases, the initial results may appear within 3 months.
What is the chance that Finasteride work and stop loss (grow new hair)?
The third phase of trials of Propecia has been conducted for few years. In the tests were used 60 dermatological clinics (33 – in the U.S.) and 1533 volunteers. 1,215 volunteers from tmentioned number stayed involved in the Propecia trials for the second year. Age of participants – 18-41 years. The degree of hair loss by Norwood – 3-5. All Participants received 1 mg of Propecia or placebo every day.
To assess the results both objective and subjective indicators were used. Subjective analysis included a survey of participants on the outcome of treatment. Objective analysis included measurements of density and thickness of hair, length anagenovoy phase and other indicators. Subjective and objective indicators were assessed by dermatologists who did not know what took participants (Propecia or placebo).
The first year of tests showed the following results:
- An increase in hair density at 1 dyuym2 +86 (+11%) for receiving Propecia
- Reduction in hair density of 1 dyuym2 -21 (-2.7%) for placebo
- The growth of new hair in 48% of host Propecia
The growth of new hair in 7% for placebo30% (48%) slightly noticeable increase in new hair for receiving Propecia18% (48%) a marked increase in new hair for taking Propecia6% (from 7%) slightly marked increase in new hair for receiving a placebo1% (from 7%) a marked increase in new hair for receiving a placebo
The second year of tests showed no further increase in density of hair. But there were also marked by further improving the overall condition of hair, which is associated with an increase anagenovoy phase and the diameter of the hair shaft. Participants receiving placebo continued to lose hair.