We are constantly asked a lot of questions about the medicine Finasteride. Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
Finasteride is known to work on the body’s hormones? How does that actually happen?
The male hormone testosterone is converted to its active form dihydrotestosterone (DHT) with the help of an enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme has two forms typeI and type II. Type II is present on the hair follicles and prostate gland. Finasteride inhibits thistype II 5-alpha reductase enzyme thus reducing the levels of DHT. DHT is the hormone responsible for converting the terminal hairs on scalp to fine vellus hair like that seen on the body thus leading onto baldness.
How exactly does Finasteride work?
By inhibiting 5-alpha reductase enzyme, finasteride reduces the level of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is responsible for baldness. When the DHT levels are lowered, there is reversal of the process of hair loss.
Who all can take Finasteride?
Clinical studies and tests have shown that Finasteride can be used to treat male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. It can not only arrest hair loss, but also promote the growth of new hair. It is the only US FDA approved oral drug that is specific for treatment of male pattern baldness. It is safely advised after the age of 18 years.
Can women also use Finasteride?
It is not recommended for women, because the manner, in which balding takes place in women, is different, including pattern baldness. In addition, Finasteride can cause abnormalities in the genitalia of the unborn foetus, especially the male one.
How fast does Finasteride start taking effect?
Most doctors will prescribe a daily dose for three months or more. Ideally, in this period, there should be lesser hair fall and growth of new hair should become visible. It works better on the crown area than the front and hairline.
Does Finasteride have any side effects?
Multiple clinical tests and studies were conducted on Finasteride, and almost all of them showed the medication to be safe. However, there was a small percentage that complained about certain side effects.
| Drop in libido | 1.8% |
| Erectile dysfunction | 1.3% |
| Decreased amount of ejaculated bodily fluids | 0.8% |
Thus finasteride is a good treatment option for mild to moderate degrees of baldness.
Every day, we see several people, who have lost their self-esteem and confidence, because of their hair loss and balding. However, with so many new methods being innovated each day and numerous medicines being discovered, there is always hope.
In a recent presentation, Kenneth J. Washenik, MD, PhD, the clinical assistant professor at NYU Langone Medical Center informed the world about quite a few new developments. He was making this presentation at the annual conference of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Some of the medical advances and treatments that he spoke about, included:
A. Finasteride & Minoxidil have been given the nod by FDA and these have become the first line of therapy for treating any hair loss in men. In women, there are also certain other hormonal treatments which have shown great results.
B. Latisse: 
Latisse, started out as a drug used for growing eyelashes, but now is being seen as a possible option for hair regrowth as well. This FDA approved medicine has been used to regrow eyelashes, but the medication is not strong enough, as of now, to penetrate the scalp. However, studies are underway, and with an improved version, there is hope to restart the cells in the scalp, to promote the growth of new hair.
C. Cloning: There were also talks about cell-based hair follicle regeneration, wherein the cells which are found around each hair follicle are taken out and nurtured in a controlled environment. However the human 
trials are yet to field any result. However, Washenik was of the opinion that the best options would be combination treatments. So, there is hope and more than just a light at the end of the tunnel!
Can Finasteride be a substitute for a procedure, treatment or therapy that fights baldness and promotes hair regrowth? What should your consumption pattern be? Is it based on what you gleaned from the net? More serious thought needs to be given, before you decide to pop the pill! To begin with, have you even considered discussing this with a hair care expert with a proven track record? Or are you treating this lightly like a subject that merely warrants dinnertime discussion and then casually dismissed? If this is a serious matter for you, then it goes without saying that it needs serious contemplation. A good practice would be to read the leaflet, inside the pack, to keep one’s self abreast of possible side effects.
How long can you safely take Finasteride?
Growth chart most definitely differs from person to person. Hair growth may seem to improve in a few months or upto a year, but stopping the treatment may signal the return of baldness. Also, are you prepared for the side effects? Have you braced yourself for what could go wrong? Finasteride is also known to influence results of a blood test for detecting prostate cancer and cause several worrisome symptoms in men which require medical attention. They are pain or lumps in breast area, discharge from nipples and inability to have an erection. Breast cancer in men who have taken Finasteride has also been reported. Always remember that an overdose is dangerous and if you come across someone who may have had an overdose, the person needs to be rushed to the hospital , WITH the container, even if it is empty. Self-doctoring can prove disastrous. It is the same with recommending Finasteride to someone else who seems to suffer with the same conditions. Only a medically qualified professional can prescribe Finasteride and its dose. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and precise evaluation of your condition and openly discussing your misapprehensions instead of depending on hearsay. A K Clinics has centers in Ludhiana, Delhi and Mumbai where renowned surgeons can aid you in your quest for therapy that works best for you. Is it FUE that will benefit you or are you looking for answers to hair thinning problems? You can get more insights and consultation advice at www.akclinics.com
Male Pattern Baldness has been a killer of many hopes of illustrious careers, of relationships that wilted before blossoming. For men, grappling with baldness can be extremely embarrassing; especially when faced with a problem whose root cause is not easily understood. For instance, male hormones cause changes that affect hair follicles and make them more sensitive while converting the main male hormone called testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. As a result hair follicles begin to shrink and in extreme cases, men may become depressed; unable to cope with the social stigma of being called “tuckloo” or “ganja.”
To an extent, this problem can be redressed by a drug called Finasteride but this is not a wonder drug. Taking prescribed doses will certainly help, but it cannot be considered a sure-cure. There are many other important factors to consider before using Finasteride. This is especially critical for those suffering from allergies or who are already using complementary medicines, even herbal ones. Another vital factor is that high doses are available and a person needs to ensure that he is not taking different variations, as this can prove harmful. When unsure about the tablets, its best to touch base with the doctor, instead of risking complications later. Also, never combine taking doses, to make up for a missed dose; but the flexibility Finasteride provides, is that the tablets can be taken before or after meals. Set a routine, to take the tablets at the same time everyday, this reduces the chances of forgetting a dose.
However, this doesn’t mean you self-prescribe or recommend this drug to others even though they show the same symptoms. Medical supervision and advice is critical and self-help is foolishly dangerous, in this case. Also, do not let advertisements or testimonials lure you. Correct counseling from veterans like world renowned surgeons at A K Clinics can prevent you from avoidable complications and suffering later on. Visit www.akclinics.org or call for consultations at our Delhi, Ludhiana & Mumbai centers, where our team of qualified and trained doctors will provide you with guidance based on your individual needs.
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