Propecia’s Sides Effects – How Bad Are They?
It’s one thing to go bald but the thought of impotence is an entirely different ball game. Propecia is a familiar name in the world of male hair loss but there’s still a lot of hesitation regarding its side effects, particularly among younger men. Already feeling slightly vulnerable at the recession of their hairlines, for young men in their prime, decreased sex drive, less semen production and difficulty in getting an erection are not things they’re prepared to risk in order to retain a full head of hair. Yet there is ample evidence that Propecia is a safe and effective hair loss treatment, with minimal chance of side effects.
Less than 2% of men who take Propecia experience such sexual consequences and they soon disperse once a person stops using the medication. Most men would happily sacrifice their locks if it meant they could keep their sexual dignity, but most don’t realise that they’ve got more chance of ending up with a swollen pancreas on paracetamol or bleeding intestines from ibuprofen than any of the side effects of Propecia.
Propecia is a tablet that prevents hair loss in men by inhibiting the formation of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is essential during the development of the male foetus and throughout puberty for the maturing of male characteristics, but as an adult, the only thing DHT is believed to contribute to is prostate enlargement and acne.
Propecia was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997 and after more than ten years of being medically approved as a treatment for hair loss, there have been no reports of serious long term side effects as a result of using the 1mg, one-a-day treatment. A five-year controlled clinical study provided not only long-term scientific data of Propecia’s effectiveness in treating male pattern baldness, but also confirmed the excellent safety profile of Propecia.
Some men would agree that the benefits likely to be gained far outweigh the 2% chance of experiencing the side effects of Propecia. Another reason to give it a try at least is because Propecia doesn’t stay in the system for long — a week once ceasing use in fact — and if you do experience any negative outcomes, they stop once Propecia is out of the body. Still, some can have their cake and eat it too. The majority of those who do experience side effects will see a gradual cessation within a couple of months of continued use.
There may be nothing more natural than going bald but it doesn’t mean men have to like it. Those who are concerned should speak to a hair loss specialist about what method of retention would be best for them — because everyone’s different.
Author: Kate Moody
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Times
Rogaine – Does This Hair Loss Product Really Work?
After it was accidentally discovered that Minoxidil can induce hair growth, the product called Rogaine was born back in 1988. At that time, Rogaine, which is essentially Minoxidil in a lotion form that is applied directly to the scalp, was only available by prescription and the active ingredient was a low 2%.
Fast-forward to 1995: The food and drug administration deemed Rogaine to be safe enough to be sold without a prescription in most pharmacies as well as standard grocery stores. This spawned the creation of similar generic products that also contained the ingredient in Minoxidil. The owners of such products eventually increased the active ingredient dosage from 2% to as high as 5%, and this was a smart move because the higher dosage actually created faster results so both the customer and the product owners were happy.
What causes Rogaine to work?
As stated above, Rogaine causes hair growth as a result of the drug Minoxidil. Although we know that Minoxidil works well, researchers are still unsure as to the exact reason why it can create strands of new hair to grow on areas of the scalp that have been bald for years.
One theory was that Minoxidil had an impact on DHT levels better in the blood. If you are unfamiliar with DHT, it is simply a form of testosterone that affects sensitive hair follicles as a person ages. However, it became known that Minoxidil had absolutely no effect on DHT levels.
The one characteristic that Minoxidil has on the body is that it helps in large blood vessels, commonly referred to as a “vasodilator”. But, again researchers are baffled because it is not proven that hair growth is caused by any vasodilators.
What we do know is that the Minoxidil reduces the speed at which hair follicles shrink and it also causes hair follicles that have shrunk to start growing full-size hair strands again. This drug also keeps hair that is currently in a growth stage to remain that way for an extended period of time. In other words, minoxidil can help keep hair follicles in the “anagen phase” of hair regeneration longer than it normally would have.
Most importantly, if your hair remains in this growth phase of the regeneration process for a longer period of time, the results are thicker and longer hair.
Author: Antony Wilton
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Smart cooker
Question – Does Propecia Work?
The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) gave its answer to the question “Does Propecia Work? when it gave approval to Merck & Co. to market this drug back in 1998.
For any drug to receive FDA approval, years of tests are involved and a huge investment of time and resources on the part of the pharmaceutical companies involved.
In the case of Propecia, over 1,500 men were involved in a two year study. The results showed that over 80% noticed an improvement in their hair growth and density. So the answer to the question “Does Propecia work?” is: Yes, in the majority of cases.
Obviously results differ on an individual basis and some men will experience better results than others. The drug needs to be taken daily for at least 2-3 months before making a final decision as to whether it is worth continuing.
Bear in mind that once you start taking Propecia you have committed yourself to a lifelong course of medication. Stop taking Propecia after hair has started to increase and you risk losing what you gained.
Just how does Propecia work?
The male hormone testosterone is involved. It is a contributing factor in the production of DHT, (Dihydrotestosterone) which can cause hair follicles to malfunction and shut down. Propecia blocks the process in which DHT is formed.
Each Propecia tablet contains 1mg of Finasteride, a drug originally used to combat prostate cancer in men over 50. It was prescribed in 5mg doses. It was noted that those who used this drug often experienced increased hair growth. Propecia is just the brand name of a different version of Finasteride specifically prescribed to combat male hair loss on the crown of the head or the mid-scalp area.
Does Propecia work for women too?
No. Precautions issued with the drug stress that this medication is for men only.
Additionally, although each tablet is coated pregnant women or women who think they might be pregnant are advised not to handle this medication. Contact with crushed or broken Propecia tablets can lead to deformities in the sex organs of male children.
Does Propecia work for all kinds of hair loss?
No. The drug is effective for hair loss on the crown of the head and mid-scalp. There is insufficient evidence to suggest it can help a receding hair line or loss of hair on the sides of the head.
From comments on user forums to do with hair loss it is evident that Propecia does work for many men. However, there are serious precautionary factors to consider:
1. This is a lifelong commitment which can be quite costly. Additionally the long term effects over decades of use are at this point impossible to predict.
2. A small percentage of men (around 3%) experienced various forms of sexual dysfunction including impotence, once they started taking Propecia. These effects quickly disappeared once the medication was stopped. In the clinical trials it is true that around 2% of the men using the placebo, a sugar tablet, also experienced forms of sexual dysfunction. So the number of men actually affected is quite small. However, it is important to be aware of these side effects.
Regretfully there is no ideal solution for hair loss at this time. However, there are a variety of choices available in combating hair loss. Prescription drugs such as Propecia are one option. Natural herbal remedies without side effects are another. See the resource box.
In conclusion: Does Propecia work? Yes, in the majority of cases from all the clinical evidence and user feedback available. Are you prepared for the possible implications of long term use? That is something you have to seriously consider.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Programmable Pressure Cooker
Products For Hair Loss – Does Rogaine Prevent Or Cure Thinning Hair?
What is this hype regarding a wonder drug called Rogaine Minoxidil? Is it true that it has a success rate of 55% among men? Wasn’t it earlier marketed under a different brand name and by a different company too? Well this article is supposed to address these queries about Rogaine. As you have been rightly informed, Rogaine was initially marketed as Linoten, a medicine to cure high levels of blood pressure, by the Upjohn Company. Later this company was taken over by Pfizer. This medicine was first launched in the form of Rogaine minoxidil as a prescription hair treatment drug (approved by Food and Drug administration, USA) in the year 1988. Later, owing to its popularity and demand, in 1996 its designation was changed to over the counter drug. Though the minoxidil was earlier used to cause vasodilatation and subsequent lowering of blood pressure, nowadays it has become quite a rage as one of the best products for hair loss treatment between both the sexes. Even then people who are willing to apply this innovative-discovery-in-the-name of products for hair loss for their benefit, must consult a doctor for knowledge about the necessary side effects on their particular body.
This product for hair loss treatment is available in the form of a topical solution, which when locally applied on bald spots of places showing symptoms of hair loss, works wonders. Don’t get disheartened if you do not get the desired results immediately. Only after months of rigorous application, will you see the difference. Before that even more hair fall may occur.
Why has Rogaine suddenly acquired the front column of every advertisement billboard? Well, the good news for men is that Rogaine is available in the form of foam. Which means that you no more have to wait for the cream to start the action? Although you have to bring your skin temperature little lower, by washing your hands with cold water or else the foam will melt, but still it means the ease of use factor goes up.
However, you have to remember that this is the stronger 5% strong solution, and women are strictly forbidden from using it. Or else they will start developing unwanted facial hair; its better that they stick to using the less harmful 2% solution.
Not all scalps respond in a similar fashion to Rogaine. Neither do all parts of the scalp; in some cases, a bald patch in the mid scalp area on the crown of the head. You should consult a dermatologist to know the type of scalp you have and apply this product for hair loss accordingly.
Now to some statistics: Rogaine is probably the most successful of all products for hair loss. Its company makes an annual profit more than 1 billion dollar a year. This rise in sales can be attributed to its going over the counter in 1996. Before that, it made an annual profit of $700 million.
Author: Mathew Gibson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cool mobile gadgets
Does Rogaine Work?
In a single word, YES! Rogaine works as a hair loss treatment. Otherwise, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration of US) would not approve it. FDA is a tough authority, and never approves a medication, unless there are some high quality scientific proof showing usage of that drug is safe and results are good.
Yes, Rogaine (Minoxidil) works. HOWEVER, this does NOT mean that:
* Rogaine regrows hair in ALL of people
* Rogaine restores ALL of your hair
* The quality of the new hair just like the your normal ones
* Rogaine works for ALL types of baldness
* Rogaine works forever
The truth is:
* Rogaine GENERALLY regrows hair in most of men and women
* In some cases, it yields miraculous results, and restores almost all of your hairs and they are really thick
* In some case, it results in a thin coverage of thin hair
* In some case, of course, the result is far from satisfying.
Rogaine’s success may depend on how advanced your hair loss has become. So, the more severe hair loss problem, the less the results are satisfying. One of the real benefits of Rogaine is keeping what hair you have or slowing your thinning. So, it is especially good at preventing hair loss. So, when you detect a hair loss problem, you should take action as soon as possible. Rogaine is especially effective in maintaining or growing hair in the crown area (the top back of the head). It is not effective in the frontal hairline areas. Rogaine works for both men and women. Some people say it is also more effective in women than in men.
How Does Rogaine work?
Rogaine revitalizes shrunken hair follicles, thus increasing their size. When you use Rogaine regularly, your follicles may increase in size and in number, and the growing phase may become longer. This may then produce longer, thicker hairs. The exact mechanism of action of Rogaine as hair loss treatment is not known. However, scientist showed that Rogaine increases the blood flow to the balding areas of the scalp. Some researchers believe that Rogaine (minoxidil) works by opening the follicle’s potassium channels located in the cells.
Author: Edgar Gilbertson
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Cellphone news
Rogaine – How Rogaine Was Accidentally Discovered From A High Blood Pressure Medication
Rogaine is a powerful hair loss prevention medication that was first released in 1988. In fact, Rogaine was the very first product that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration that was specifically released to treat balding and thinning hair in both men and women. It went through years of clinical research and testing before being released to the public.
What Is Rogaine Made Of?
Rogaine gets its powerful effects from a drug named minoxidil. It comes as a lotion and is applied to the scalp area by rubbing a small amount into the skin. The good thing about Rogaine is that it is colorless and odorless. Nobody around you will be able to tell that you have a medicinal hair loss product rubbed into your scalp.
If Rogaine Came Out In 1988, Why Was Minoxidil Already On The Market Before Then?
For those of you who know the history of Rogaine and its amazing active ingredient, minoxidil, you are probably wondering why minoxidil was already being sold as a medication long before Rogaine was released in 1988. This is where the history of Rogaine becomes interesting.
Minoxidil was already on the pharmaceutical market and being sold in pill form. Individuals needed a doctor’s prescription in order to purchase minoxidil. Ironically enough, this drug was used to treat people suffering from high blood pressure. The product name that these pills were sold through was called Loniten.
How Loniten, A High-Blood Pressure Medication, Gave Birth To Rogaine
As mentioned above, Loniten was taken by many patients to lower their blood pressure. And guess what the key ingredient in this prescription pill was? Minoxidil.
After enough patients were taking this product, they did feel relief that their blood pressure was being treated, but they started to complain to their doctors about an interesting side effect: Hair Growth!
Now I would not exactly call this a negative complaint, as those patients that were experiencing thinning hair or bald patches had noticed an increase in new hair growth on parts of their scalp that had been completely bald for up to several years prior.
Too Much Hair Growth!
Unfortunately, new hair growth did not just pertain to the scalp. People that were taking the prescription medication for high blood pressure, Loniten, also started to see unwanted hair growing over other body parts. They were seeing new hair growth on their arms, back, chest, legs, everywhere! At first the doctors were very excited to have discovered a hair growth solution, but this extra hair growth created the problems.
Rogaine Is Born
As the old saying goes, every problem has with it the seed of a great solution. Doctors and researchers quickly tended to the side effects of this unwanted hair growth as a result of taking Loniten, which as you know contained the active ingredient minoxidil. What they did was create a topical lotion made up of minoxidil that could be applied separately to the scalp area.
This new lotion form would then have the ability to only grow hair on top of the head while not affecting the rest of the body. The results became an extraordinary a success in this new hair loss prevention product was titled Rogaine.
Author: Sam Turner
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Digital Camera Information
What Is The Most Often Used Topical Treatment For Male and Female Pattern Baldness?
There is no arguing that balding and/or thinning hair is a troubling development for many men and women, After all our hair is part of who we are, and is many plays a role in how we express ourselves, how others perceive us to be, and is even a determining factor in our personal and private relationships.
In the world of hair loss causes there is no bigger scrooge than a condition known medically as androgenetic alopecia, or less formally as male or female pattern baldness. It is responsible for nine out of ten cases of balding in men and one out of every four or five in women. This most common of all hair loss conditions is progressive, will not reverse itself without some form of treatment, and has often produced extensive follicle damage by the time it is noticed. The combination of the number of instances, progressive nature, and the lack of viable treatment options has made topical minoxidil the primary treatment method for both men and women.
Topical minoxidil is the only topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and goes under the brand names Rogaine and Loniten. Minoxidil was originally produced in pill form for the treatment of hypertension (blood pressure) but was also found to promote hair growth. Topical minoxidil must be applied twice a day to the scalp and is both moderately affordable ($30 per month) and widely available.
Studies show that indeed it does work for most people, but not all. It is weakest in its ability to re-grow hair, with only about a 30 percent success rate. On the other hand topical minoxidil is extremely effective in slowing the balding and thinning process, boasting an impressive 90 percent success rate.
While the numbers are pretty good, especially since there are so few viable options, there is some confusion as to exactly how topical minoxidil works. Some experts simply say they don’t know while others point to minoxidil’s ability to enlarge follicles, encourage dormant hairs to grow, and prolong a hairs growth phase.
Many natural health experts believe that the effectiveness of topical minoxidil can be enhanced with the help of herbal supplements such as saw palmetto and/or nettle root extract. There seems to be emerging science which supports this hypothesis, and utilizing these herbs could be a valuable tool in reversing both male and female pattern balding.
What Next? There are currently a handful of hair re-growth products (specially formulated for both men and women) which have been proven effective both in blocking harmful hormones and bringing the all important dead hair follicles back to life. These specially formulated treatments can be used both as a preventative tool, starting before hair loss becomes severe, or after loss of hair has become noticeable. Whatever the level of balding or thinning you are experiencing these products could be just what is needed to overcome this latest life challenge.
Rob D. Hawkins is an enthusiastic advocate for the use of natural health products and natural living with over 10 years
experience in the field.
Learn more about natural remedies and natural health at
Purchase Remedies.com
Finasteride Propecia Hair Loss Drug – Answers To Frequently Asked Questions
Finasteride Propecia is one of only two prescription drugs approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to combat hair loss. Originally Finasteride was used for prostate enlargement in men over 50.
Then in January 1998 the FDA approved Finasteride Propecia 1 mg per day for the treatment of hair loss in men. As with any prescription drug, there can be limitations and side effects.
Browse this FAQ page to get a basic understanding of how Finasteride Propecia works for hair loss and decide whether you will consult your doctor about the possibility of getting a prescription.
Just exactly what is Finasteride Propecia?
Finasteride for hair loss is a non-addictive oral medication manufactured by Merck & Co. Inc. under the name Propecia. Each film coated tablet contains 1 mg of Finasteride and it may be taken with or without food. Just swallow it with a glass of water.
Who is Finasteride Propecia intended for?
Men only! Women and children should not take this drug.
Additionally, pregnant women or women who might be pregnant should not handle broken or crushed tablets of Finasteride Propecia to avoid the risk of causing abnormalities in a male baby’s sex organs.
Men who are experiencing hair loss on the crown of the head or in the mid-scalp area may benefit from Finasteride Propecia. At present there is no evidence to prove it is effective for a receeding hairline or for hair loss on the sides of the head around the temples.
How soon can I expect to see results?
Taking 1 tablet per day (it makes no difference if the dose is increased) results are often seen within 3 to 6 months, namely, a slowing down or stopping of hair loss, and an increased hair density.
Do I have to keep taking Finasteride Propecia?
If you want to maintain the benefit of using this drug then continued use is recommended. It is possible you can lose the hair you gain 9 to 12 months after you stop taking the drug.
What results can I expect?
Results obviously vary from person to person. Many men note a slowing down of hair loss after taking Finasteride Propecia and an increase in the number of visible scalp hairs, although it seems you will not be able to grow back all hair you have lost by taking this drug.
Clinical studies showed that after two years approximately 8 out of 10 men either kept their hair or grew more. 17% of the 1,553 men involved in the test continued to lose hair.
How does Finasteride Propecia work?
The medication causes a significant drop in DHT levels in both the scalp and the blood. DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is one of the main culprits in causing hair loss. Finasteride Propecia blocks the conversion of the male hormone testosterone into DHT.
What are the side effects of Finasteride Propecia?
About 3.8% of the men involved in clinical trials experienced some form of sexual dysfunction. As the percentage indicates, the likelihood is uncommon and the side effects disappeared within a few weeks once the medication was stopped.
The side effects become apparent before the user notices any improvement in hair growth. This is important to note as there is no risk of losing any hair gained through stopping the medication.
From the information presented above it can be seen that the decision to use Finasteride Propecia to combat hair loss must be thought out carefully.
Pros And Cons
On the negative side, there is a small risk of sexual dysfunction and the medication has to be taken indefinitely to maintain any improvement in hair growth.
On the positive side, there is a high chance this medication will make a difference to hair loss and the chances of re-growth.
Consult with your doctor and see whether he feels you would be a good candidate for Finasteride Propecia!
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: US Dollar credit card
Hair Loss Treatment – The Rogaine Minoxidil Story
Rogaine Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment came on the market back in 1988 after gaining FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval to be sold as a prescription drug.
Then in 1996 the status was changed so Rogaine Minoxidil could be sold over the counter instead of being prescription only. This has no doubt accelerated the growth of Rogaine Minoxidil as a popular hair loss treatment for both men and women.
Minoxidil was originally a drug used to treat high blood pressure. It was marketed under the name Loniten by the Upjohn company (now part of Pfizer). It works by relaxing blood vessels to allow the blood to pass through easily. However, patients using Minoxidil for high blood pressure noticed the following side effects:
- hair growth
- weight gain
- increased heartbeat
- chest pain
It was the hair growth side effect that caught attention and after further development Minoxidil was manufactured in 2% and 5% doses under the brand name Rogaine to combat hair loss.
Two Versions
The 2% version could be used for men and women while the 5% version was recommended for men only. Some women who used the extra strength noticed undesirable facial hair growth.
In view of the effect on the blood circulation, heart patients are advised to consult their doctor before considering using Rogaine Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment.
In all its forms, Rogaine Minoxidil is a topical solution that needs to be massaged into the scalp areas affected by hair loss. This must be done daily and patience is needed as results may not be seen for many months. Initially there may even be more hair loss before improvement is seen.
In view of the fact that Rogaine Minoxidil changed from being a prescription only hair loss treatment to over the counter status indicates the side effects are no longer deemed that serious. In fact, from user feedback it appears the side effect that causes most concern is skin irritation on the scalp.
Additionally, users report that Rogaine Minoxidil can make the hair extremely greasy. Applying it first thing in the morning after a shower can result in the hair appearing limp and matted through the day – a condition many men and women find a major disadvantage.
Relief For Men
Relief for men has come in the form of Rogaine Minoxidil Foam. This new application seems to overcome this negative side effect. Like shaving foam in appearance, this new form of Rogaine Minoxidil can be easily applied to the scalp.
Rogaine Minoxidil Foam contains 5% Minoxidil and is therefore recommended for men only. It is suggested you wash your hands under cold water first before using the foam dispenser so the foam doesn’t melt so quickly in the hand before applying it to the scalp. The foam appears to melt as it comes to skin temperature.
It needs to be stressed that Rogaine Minoxidil is not a whole scalp hair loss treatment. In the clinical trials it worked best for hair loss on the crown of the head and mid-scalp area. Hair loss at the temples or a receding hairline seemed to not respond in the same way as hair loss or thinning hair on the top of the head.
Nevertheless, the popularity of Rogaine Minoxidil as a hair loss treatment cannot be disputed. From the time it came on the market in 1988 to the time it’s status was changed in 1996, some estimates put sales at over $700 million. From 1996 to the present with its over the counter availability the sales must be colossal.
Scientific studies indicate Rogaine Minoxidil does work for many. In one trial, over 55% of men regrew hair. That means 45% did not see any improvement. It seemed to work best on men who had been experiencing hair loss for less than 10 years with a balding patch under 4 inches across with some hairs in the middle of the balding patch.
A Realistic Appraisal
These details help give a realistic picture. As the manufacturer clearly states: “Not everyone responds to Rogaine. Individual results vary.”
There are at present only two FDA approved medications for hair loss treatment – Rogaine and Propecia. Propecia is for men only and it appears to have a higher success rate than Rogaine although the side effects need consideration as well as the lifelong commitment.
So if you are looking for a hair loss treatment, you may wish to consider Rogaine Minoxidil. You could be one of the group who find it is the answer they have been looking for.
Author: Mike Jones
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Canada duty
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