If you are losing your hair, you may have thought about trying Propecia to regain your youthful mane. Available by prescription, it has been shown to effectively treat male pattern baldness. Of course you will need to see a doctor before you start this medication, but if you are thinking about using it you will want to read this guide on how to use Propecia for hair loss.

• The content in this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor before using the information presented here.

• Propecia (finasteride) is a prescription drug specifically used to treat male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting DHT, which is a substance in the body that causes follicles to shrink and thus stop producing hair. According to its manufacturers, clinical studies have shown that 66 percent of users experienced hair regrowth with Propecia within 2 years, while 33 percent stopped losing hair. Only 1 percent of those studied lost a noticable amount of hair in that same time period. It usually takes between 3 to 12 months to see results.

• There are many types of hair loss, and Propecia is only used for male pattern baldness. It is important to rule out other possible causes which would require alternate treatments. Propecia will not regrow hair lost due to these conditions:

1. Stress
2. Malnutrition
3. Scalp Infection
4. Chemotherapy

(Creative Commons photo by Simon Lesley)

• Losing your hair may be frustrating or embarrassing, but it is not dangerous to your health. Many men simply choose to accept the tresses (or lack thereof) that Mother Nature has dealt them. You must decide for yourself if baldness is something you can live with, or if it is so unbearable that assuming the risks and side effects of taking drugs is worth it. You may also look into other options such as shampoos, hair plugs or even aromatherapy before deciding which course to take.

• Once your research is done and you have decided that you wish to try Propecia, it's time to take a trip to your family doctor. Tell him/her how long you have been experiencing hair loss, any other medical conditions you have, and what your expectations are. Once the doctor hands you your prescription, head to the pharmacist to pick up your pills. Now you can get started!

1. Take one tablet daily.

2. You do not need to take Propecia with food.

3. Never take more than one tablet per day, even if you miss a day.

1. Possible side effects include:

2. Rash

3. Nausea

4. Facial Swelling

5. Ejaculation Problems

6. Breast Tenderness/Enlargement

7. Testicular Pain

8. Sexual Side Effects

9. Inaccurate Prostate Cancer Test Results

• Propecia has been shown to successfully treat male pattern baldness. If you believe you suffer from this and wish to pursue treatment, consult your doctor for a prescription. Be sure to follow all instructions, and do not give Propecia to women or children. This is a promising drug, and perhaps you will be among the lucky men who see their hair grow back and achieve a full, thick mane once again.

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• Introduction
• Step 1: Identify the Problem
• Step 2: Think About the Options
• Step 3: See Your Doctor
• Step 4: Begin Taking Propecia
• Side Effects
• Conclusion