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The aging process, although it may be frustrating, is inevitable. As we get older, the majority of us get fatter, get fatigued, and have pains that we never had before. We can chose to do particular things to fight the bad effects of aging like exercising and eating better. It is sad to start aging, looking older, and losing hair. Hair loss happens more often to men, and it is a big hit to one’s self-esteem. There are a wide variety of prescription and over the counter products that claim to reverse hair loss. Finasteride is a prescription that has been shown to work.

Wikipedia states that Finasteride is a synthetic anti-androgen – something that inhibits the effects of male sex hormones. Finasteride, which is sold under the names of Fincar, Proscar, and Finara at a 5 milligram dosage, was originally sold as a remedy for men with benign prostate hyperplasia to help reduce urinary problems. Finasteride has been proven, however, to help males with hair loss issues. With a one milligram dosage, finasteride (or Propecia) can stop and reverse male pattern baldness.

Taken orally, a 1 milligram dose of finasteride inhibits an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink (Wellness Letter, University CA Berkely). Clinical trials show that finasteride helps in the conversion of hair into an active growth period, stops and reverses the shrinking of the hair follicles, as well as slows the advancement of hair loss. Propecia works best on men who are just starting to lose their hair and are not totally bald. It is more effective on hair loss around the crown instead of a receding hairline. It takes about six months to see a real difference, so you need to be patient; then by about two years, a majority of the hair growth has happened. If you want to keep your hair, then you will need to take this drug forever. In addition, the drug is only really useful when your baldness is because of androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss).

Unusual side effects include erectile dysfunction and decreased sex drive. Younger men also need to take into consideration the fact that Propecia will affect their hormones for as long as they take it, and presently there is not enough data to show what may occur after long term use.

WARNING: It is important to know that the FDA has not approved this medication for women. This drug can cause severe birth defects in male babies. Women who are pregnant as well as women that may become pregnant shouldn’t even touch any crushed or broken tablets.