Male pattern baldness is a condition that affects an estimated 50% of men by the age of 35. Finasteride is one medication that may be prescribed to help reverse hair loss. In this blog post, you shall find out;
- What causes male pattern baldness
- How Finasteride can help stop it from occurring or getting worse.
What is Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a condition characterized by the gradual thinning of hair on the scalp. You can find it in both men and women, but it affects more men than women. This is because the Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) stimulates growth.
At the same time, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blocks this effect as it causes hair follicles to shrink, making them less capable of producing new hair. This results in the gradual thinning and eventual loss of these hairs on the scalp.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
Male pattern baldness is a condition that affects men due to hereditary factors or other health issues such as prostate cancer treatment, high cholesterol levels, and some medications.
What are the symptoms of Male Pattern Baldness?
The symptoms of male pattern baldness vary depending on the severity. Common symptoms include:
- Thinning hair at temples and crown
- Smaller, lighter hairs sticking out from the scalp
- Head may look larger due to lack of hair or receding hairline
How Can You Prevent Male Pattern Baldness?
To prevent male pattern baldness, you can take precautions by:
- Being aware of the medications that may cause it, such as some antibiotics and other drugs for prostate cancer treatment, high cholesterol levels or diabetes.
- Eating healthy foods like fruits rich in antioxidants to help combat DHT production. It would help if you also avoided smoking cigarettes which may contribute to hair loss.
- Practicing stress management techniques such as yoga or meditation and taking up mindfulness exercises to alleviate anxiety symptoms that may be causing the condition.
What are the Treatment Options for Male Pattern Baldness?
The treatment options for male pattern baldness include Finasteride which can help stop hair loss and promote hair growth. The medication works by blocking the effects of DHT at the base of follicles which stimulates new hair to grow.
It is taken once a day with or without food in tablet form, usually starting two months after the first symptom of hair loss. You can also take Minoxidil that stimulates blood flow to the scalp, which can help reverse or prevent hair loss.
It is applied directly onto the scalp twice a day and should be started as soon as possible after noticing symptoms for best results.
Is Male Pattern Baldness Curable?
Male pattern baldness is not curable, but some medications can help prevent the condition from getting worse.
Benefits of Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness
It may be prescribed for males with hair loss to stop the condition from getting worse and promote hair growth. Finasteride for hair loss is taken in pill form once a day with or without food for two months after the first symptom of hair loss to work most effectively. It can also get prescribed indefinitely, but it should not get discontinued abruptly as this may lead to an increased risk of adverse reactions.
The Downside of Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness
Finasteride’s side effects are usually mild and temporary, such as fatigue, dizziness, or trouble sleeping. However, it can lead to adverse reactions such as impotence in men who have sexual intercourse with their partners while taking the medication.
Where to Get Finasteride?
You can get Finasteride by seeing your doctor and requesting a prescription. It is also available over the counter at some retailers in lower doses. Still, it should not be used without first consulting with a physician to ensure that you are taking the appropriate dosage for your condition.
The truth about Finasteride is that it can be a helpful drug for some people with male pattern baldness. However, it should not be considered a cure but rather a way to slow down the progression of hair loss in men who have limited or no other options available.
This article has provided information on what Finasteride does and how it works to help those suffering from hair loss. Now you are armed with all the facts and understand why this medication may work for your needs.
If you still feel unsure if Finasteride might be right for you, please consult your physician before making any decisions about whether or not it will offer relief from Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) symptoms.
