The majority of those that suffer from pattern baldness show high levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the scalp. DHT is a naturally produced hormone that is made when an enzyme called 5α-reductase converts molecules of testosterone into molecules of DHT. It is not precisely known why too much DHT in the scalp is bad for hair, but several lines of evidence show that DHT leads to hair loss.
The Solution – Finasteride
Finasteride is a fairly potent inhibitor of 5α-reductase Type II. It blocks most of the production of DHT from testosterone in the scalp. Blocking the 5α-reductase enzyme causes DHT levels in the scalp to drop, and hair loss subsequently slows or even stops. In fact, most Finasteride users can expect recently lost hair to regrow and hair loss to stop.
Finasteride, when given at an oral dose of 1 mg per day, has been shown to reduce the levels of DHT in the scalp by about 50%. Lowering scalp DHT tips the scales of hair cycle phases away from telogen (resting phase) toward anagen (growth phase). Studies show that patients taking Propecia have more hairs in the anagen phase and fewer in the telogen phase than those taking placebo (sugar pill). What is most interesting is that the weight of the hair increased more so than the number of scalp hairs. This indicates that Propecia thickens hair and promotes longer hair, which makes sense since more hair is growing rather than resting.
Pros and Cons
Finasteride is one of two products approved by the FDA for treating hair loss (the other is minoxidil). In clinical studies it has been shown to be effective at stopping or regrowing hair in 90% of men. However, it does require a prescription, and few (if any) medical insurance companies reimburse or cover the cost of finasteride. You must continue to take finasteride for as long as you wish to keep your hair, which is usually for life. If you stop taking finasteride, pattern hair loss will start again. It is not approved for use in the temple areas, although it may work there as well.
Side Effects
A very small percentage of men (2%) will experience sexual side effects from the drug. These side effects go away once the drug is stopped.
Conclusion
To combat male pattern baldness, DHT levels must be reduced. Finasteride works by inhibiting 5α-reductase Type II, which blocks the transformation of testosterone into DHT in the scalp. Lower scalp DHT allows for thicker hair, and promotes the anagen phase of the hair life cycle over the telogen phase. The optimal dose of Finasteride for male pattern baldness is 1 mg per day.
Where to Buy
Finasteride is marketed as Propecia in the United States, and is only available by prescription. Speak with your physician, or request a free consultation with Bosley Medical.
