If you don’t know what Finasteride is, don’t worry. It is marketed under a variety of generic names, some of them being Proscar, Propecia, Fincar, Finpecia and Finax. Basically, this chemical is a synthetic antiandrogen. The enzyme responsible for making dihydrotestosterone out of testosterone is called reductase. In small doses, the medical profession employs it in treating benign prostatic hyperplasia, and in larger doses it treats prostate cancer. The chemical is one of the best agents for treating enlarged prostates and prostate cancer.
A couple of major applications for this chemical involve the male prostate. Its main use is to treat Prostate Cancer. In many cases, it reportedly minimized the risk of this illness by as much as 30%. Research supports the manufacturer’s claims, and the majority of study participants were treated successfully. However, both doctors and patients were concerned that a link might be established between Finasteride and an increased risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer. Several studies were performed in which the participants’ prostates were removed. These studies revealed that there was not a significant risk to patients who used the chemical.
This chemical is also used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, also known as BHP or enlarged prostate. The normal dose used to treat this condition is 5 milligrams per day. A number of patients have discovered that up to 6 months and more may be needed for the full benefits of Finasteride to show. While it may seem obvious, the medication only provides benefits while the person continues to take it. Once the person stops using the drug, hair loss resumes. The drug helps BHP sufferers by alleviating difficult urination, hesitation at the beginning of urination and reduced urine flow and reducing the number of times he must get up to urinate during the night.
In addition to the medical uses for this drug, people with mild to moderate hair loss can also benefit from taking it. Approximately half the people who took low doses of Propecia without prescription found that their hair loss stopped and there was a moderate regrowth of hair. Above an average number of individuals undergoing this treatment in many groups showed elevated difference in hair count. Nonetheless, the major difference between this product and others, like minoxidil, is that it appears to be ineffective for females. Women with a bit of hair loss haven’t seen major hair regrowth with this product. Although, there were contentions that the control groups skewed toward post-menopausal hair loss as opposed to early commencement of hair loss. While physicians have and can prescribe this remedy for females, birth control must be practiced to avoid pregnancy during the course of the treatment.
Some side effects are reported, as is the case with just about all kinds of treatments. Some can be mild, and some can be more severe. They should be regarded seriously and discussed with your physician. If you have symptoms of an enlarged prostate you should see a doctor ASAP. Before leaping into anything new because of some possible hair loss, it is best to ask good questions of your own doctor so that you have some good information.