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Finasteride, commonly known by its brand name Propecia, is a medication prescribed to treat male pattern hair loss (MPHL) and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). But while it is frequently lauded as a viable means of reducing the appearance of MPHL, some patients may not be aware of how long it takes for the drug to take effect.
How Propecia Works to Treat MPHL
Propecia is an oral medication that works by blocking the production of DHT, a type of hormone that can contribute to male pattern hair loss. It’s typically taken in 1mg doses and should be taken daily for the drug to be effective.
How Long Does It Take for Propecia to Work for Hair Loss?
Generally speaking, it can take up to 4 months for results from taking Propecia to first become noticeable. Hair loss can be a slow process, but the good news is that research shows that Propecia may be able to help slow this process. Generally, after 12 months of taking Propecia, people may see a noticeable improvement in their hair loss symptoms.
Side Effects of Propecia
Although Propecia is generally considered safe in the long-term, there are some potential side effects associated with taking the medication. These can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and decreased ejaculate volume. Additionally, there have been cases of male breast tissue enlargement linked to taking the medication.
Health Effects of Propecia
In addition to potentially helping to treat symptoms of male pattern hair loss, there have been additional health benefits linked to taking Propecia. One study showed that men taking Propecia for three years or more had a lower risk of prostate cancer diagnosis than men who did not take the medication. Additionally, a separate trial found that taking 0.5mg Propecia daily may be able to help prevent the development of BPH among men with a high risk of the condition.
Conclusion
For many men, Propecia has become the go-to solution in the fight against hair loss. While the medication isn’t necessarily a quick fix, taking it as prescribed may be able to help slow down the progress of male pattern hair loss and improve hair regrowth. Additionally, there are potential health benefits of taking Propecia regularly, including a lower risk of developing prostate cancer. It’s important to discuss potential treatment options with a doctor, as well as the potential side effects before starting any kind of medication.
