Understanding the products you are purchasing or have been prescribed can offer peace of mind to people wanting clarification.
Finasteride is a scientifically-backed medication that is often given to men who are experiencing male pattern hair loss, but what does it do?
Let’s look at what the treatment does and the effects you can expect to see.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride was first given FDA approval in 1997 and has been used as an effective hair loss treatment ever since. It was first used to combat other health illnesses but it was discovered that it would work as a route for male pattern hair loss treatment too.
This medication is usually prescribed in its oral form, but there is a topical application reserved for some men.
Every man has a degree of testosterone in their body and some of this is transformed into Dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that contributes towards developing male characteristics. However, DHT also has negative effects on our hair as higher hormone levels are associated with hair loss.
Finasteride works by blocking the DHT hormone from reaching your scalp and hair follicles, protecting your hair against the harmful effects of this androgen. The oral route is often preferred because some men have high production levels of DHT in other body parts so this means it will target those areas.
How effective is Finasteride?
Although male pattern hair loss is often genetic, that doesn’t mean nothing can be done to fight the effects of it. Oral Finasteride is proven to work in at least 80% of men, offering hope to those who thought there was none. These odds increase if you combine Finasteride with Minoxidil, another prescription medication.
Consistent use is required to feel the full effects of the medication. Within 3 months, you might notice the first signs of the treatment working, with more significant changes occurring after half a year. After 9-12 months, you can expect the complete effects of the treatment to be evident, but you must continue taking the medication beyond this point or the same signs you saw before could return.
Shedding might occur within the first few months of treatment but this is nothing to be concerned about. Your scalp needs to remove the unhealthy hair to make way for newer, stronger ones.
Side effects are rare but not totally unheard of. If you experience bloating, erectile dysfunction, redness, or rashes, stop taking the medication and those side effects should subside. Speak to your doctor or a Sons consultant if you are concerned about this.
Sons has a wide range of products designed to help men facing hair loss problems. If you want to know what other treatments can help your issues, get in touch with us today.