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Does Propecia Work on Receding Hairlines?
Are you looking for a way to reverse your receding hairline? Many men find that hair loss is one of the hardest signs of aging to deal with. The good news is that there are many options for treating hair loss in men today. One of the most popular is an oral medication known as finasteride, which is sold under the commercial name Propecia and used to stop hair loss on the top of the scalp. Although this drug was not originally approved for a receding hairline, many men are interested in trying this medication for that purpose as well. HairLossSpecialists has the lowdown on whether Propecia might be the right choice for treating frontal hair loss in some men.
What is Propecia?
Propecia is the only oral drug approved by the FDA for treating male pattern hair loss. The medication works at the molecular level to stop hair loss by inhibiting production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone or DHT. This hormone is produced when testosterone combines with an enzyme known as 5 Alpha Reductase. When DHT is created, it attacks hair follicles, causing them to shrink and become inactive. This process often results in male hair loss in the middle to later years of life. By inhibiting the production of DHT, Propecia can slow hair loss and even cause hair to regrow in some areas, if the hair follicle is still able to function in that capacity.
Propecia was originally approved to treat male pattern baldness at the top of the scalp, or the crown. The reason may be that the hair follicles on the top and back of the head are more resistant to the effects of DHT, making it easier to catch hair loss in its earlier stages. Propecia is only able to work on hair follicles that are still active; it cannot regenerate follicles that have disappeared completely. Most medical professionals agree that Propecia is most effective at maintaining a current hair count, rather than actually growing new hair, and should be used in the early stages of hair loss if it is to be a successful hair loss treatment.
Where does it Work?
Because initial research showed that Propecia works effectively on the top of the scalp, the FDA approved the drug specifically for that purpose. However, additional research suggests that Propecia may work on other areas of the scalp as well, including the frontal and mid-scalp regions. In fact, some studies have shown that a significant number of men using Propecia have seen improvement in their frontal hair loss as well. This medication may stop hairline regression and even grow new hair in that area in some patients.
The results of some of these studies, along with anecdotal evidence, have led some physicians and patients to believe that Propecia can help with frontal hair loss in men as well. It should be noted that Propecia is not appropriate for women, including women who have experienced any sort of hair loss. The drug also must be taken over the course of a lifetime to maintain positive results. Patients who stop using Propecia may see a reverse in hair regrowth within three to six months.
The choice to use Propecia is a personal one that should be made between a patient and doctor. To discuss Propecia and other potential receding hairline treatments with a hair loss specialist in your area, contact us for a free consultation today.
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