Walt Larsen, M.D.
Marta Rendon, M.D.Propecia is the only once-a-day pill developed to treat mild to moderate male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in MEN ONLY. There is not sufficient evidence that Propecia works for receding hairlines at the temples.
You will need to take Propecia for as long as you want to grow or maintain your hair. It's important to stick with Propecia for at least 12 months to judge how well it's working for you.
A 5-year clinical study demonstrated the effectiveness of Propecia. After 2 years of treatment, 99% of men had visible results (growth or no further hair loss). After 5 years of treatment, 90% of men had visible results (growth or no further hair loss).
Although some men notice a difference in as little as 3 months of starting treatment with Propecia, most men have to use Propecia for at least 6 months before seeing visible results.
Propecia can work over the long term only if you continue taking it. If you stop taking Propecia, you will likely lose any hair you have gained within 12 months of stopping treatment.
How Propecia Works
Scientists believe that male pattern hair loss is inherited from either side of the family and that a chemical called dihydrotestosterone—more commonly referred to as DHT—is a key factor in hair loss.
DHT is a substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. Scientists believe DHT and family history are key factors in hair loss.
Propecia significantly reduces DHT, a key cause of hair loss, by inhibiting the formation of DHT in your scalp. Lowering DHT appears to inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles.
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