Propecia
Propecia is available from the Belgravia Centre by visiting the centre for a free consultation or completing an online diagnostic form for Belgravia ’s world-wide mail-order hair loss service.
What Is Propecia?
Over 20 years ago a drug by the name of Proscar was approved for prevention of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). Its active ingredient was 5mg of Finasteride, and it was taken once daily by men over 60. Finasteride was shown to inhibit the formation of the hormone Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is known to help in the formation of Prostate Cancer. Dihydrotestosterone is also known to be the cause of male hair loss.
2 Year Propecia Study
Merck Pharmaceuticals sought to find the smallest effective quantity of finasteride and test its long-term effects on 1,553 men between ages 18 and 41 with mild to moderate thinning hair. Based on their research, 1mg daily was selected, and after 2 years of daily treatment, over 83% of the 1,553 men experiencing male hair loss had actually maintained or increased their hair count from baseline. Visual assessments concluded that over 80% had improved appearances.
5 Year Propecia Study
According to an assessment of photographs by an independent panel of dermatologists, in a 5-year clinical study of 279 men, 9 of 10 achieved visible results: 48% experienced hair regrowth and 42% stopped losing their hair.
Nearly 70% of men who took Propecia regrew hair, as measured by hair count. All of the men in the study who were not taking Propecia lost hair.
How to get the best out of Propecia?
An example of hair growth results achieved from the use of a
treatment course consisting primarily on Propecia and minoxidil. More treatment course hair growth photos
Because Minoxidil and Propecia (the only two proven treatments for hair loss) work in different ways, combining their use creates the most effective treatment basis for the prevention of hair loss. Minoxidil is available from The Belgravia Centre in a 4% or 5% liquid with the added hair growth booster ‘Medroxyprogesterone’ (MPG) or in an exclusive extra-strength cream produced and prescribed only by the Belgravia pharmacy – Minoxidil 12.5% + Azelaic Acid.
There are also hair growth boosters that help to maximise results of Propecia. Boosters include the LaserComb (the only proven device for hair loss) and Belgravia ’s own hair growth supplement, Hair Vitalics.
Who is Propecia Suitable For?
Propecia is only approved for use in Men over the age of 18.
Propecia’s Method of Action
Refer to the male hair loss section for information on the causes of Male Pattern Hair Loss, this may help you understand Propecia’s methods of action more clearly.
When taken, Propecia works to inhibit the formation of DHT (the product that causes genetic hair loss) within the system. Within a few months of using Propecia the overall DHT levels will have remained low enough on a constant basis that the adverse effects DHT is having on the follicles will stop, resulting in a cessation of hair loss.
What is in Propecia?
Propecia contains 1mg of Finasteride, a systemic DHT inhibitor which has been used for over 20 years at five times the dosage (in the form of Proscar) to help treat men with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
What are the Possible Side Effects of Propecia?
Like all prescription products, Propecia may cause side effects. In clinical studies, side effects from Propecia were uncommon and did not affect most men. A small number of men using Propecia experienced certain minor sexual side effects. These men reported one or more of the following whilst taking Propecia: less desire for sex, difficulty in achieving an erection and a decrease in the amount of semen. Each of these side effects occurred in less than 2% of men. The side effects went away in men who stopped taking Propecia. They also disappeared in most men who continued taking Propecia.
The following have been reported from general use of Propecia: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation, breast tenderness and enlargement and testicular pain.
If any of these side effects occur, Stop taking Propecia and inform The Belgravia Centre immediately.
It is important that those with liver function problems consult a physician prior to taking Propecia, as it is extensively metabolised in the liver.
Propecia can affect a blood test called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Propecia.
If you are looking to start a family, cease usage of Propecia one week before conception, this will assure that all traces of Propecia are out of your system. Studies in America have found that the daily intake of Propecia will not affect foetal production adversely but we always advise a 1 week gap for safety. More information on Propecia Side effects.
New Findings – Evidence that Propecia Reduces Cancer
A recent study indicates that long-term use of Propecia may in fact reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer. More information can be found here.
How to Use Propecia
Propecia should be administered at 1mg daily in pill form, with no exceptions. Many people talk about custom dosing, skipping days, doubling up, etc. Taking Propecia in this way will not only adversely affect response, but will also do your system more harm than good. Hormones are very delicate and operate in conjunction with each other; therefore a constant daily dose of Propecia will ensure a stable hormonal environment and keep your biology in harmony.