Androgenic alopecia, popularly known as male pattern baldness, is a common hair loss condition for men. According to statistics, it affects 85% of men in the UK by age 50 and usually starts in their early 30s.

Hair loss starts occurring in a well-defined pattern, beginning above both temples. With time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic shape. Hair also thins at the crown, progressing to partial or complete baldness. If you start noticing a similar hair loss pattern, you should try medication to prevent it.

Propecia hair loss medication is an effective way to save your hairline and prevent hair loss. It's also tested and proven. However, like any other medicine that disrupts natural phenomena, Propecia hair loss prevention tablets also have their side effects.

What is Propecia?
Propecia (Finasteride) is an oral medication that slows down or prevents hair loss in men. The drug aims to protect your native hair, making the thinning and falling out process slower and sometimes causing the hair to thicken. You need to know that Propecia does not help in regrowing hair.

Since it's not a drug for hair growth, it will not bring back permanently lost hair. But if you use it at the right time, it can do a great job at preserving your real hair and even thickening them to improve your existing hairline.

How does Propecia work?
Propecia hair loss medication works by inhibiting the hormones responsible for male pattern baldness or hair loss.

Testosterone is a hormone present in both males and females, although males normally have more testosterone in their bodies. Hair loss is caused when this hormone converts into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Propecia tablets block this conversion and assist your hair in retaining its natural thickness and strength.

You must take Propecia hair loss tablets for at least 3 months to a year to see results. If you stop taking the medication during this time frame, your hair loss will eventually return.

Propecia hair loss side effects
It is suggested that you do not take this medication without consulting your doctor first. In most cases, you won't be able to buy it without a prescription. This is because Propecia may have some serious side effects on your body, depending on your health conditions.

The side effects of Propecia may include:

●      Mood disorders

●      Reduced libido

●      Itching

●      Rashes

●      Hives

●      Breast tenderness in women

●      Breast growth

●      Inflammation on the face or lips

●      Painful ejaculation

●      Pain in testicles

●      Erectile dysfunction 

A very rare symptom can be breast cancer. If you feel lumps or pain in your breast, you should immediately stop taking the medication and consult your doctor.

Propecia for women
A common belief among many people is that hair loss is more prevalent in men than in women. Though that might be true to some extent, female pattern hair loss also often occurs in women. Since Propecia was primarily targeted to prevent male hair loss, it is not widely used or approved for females.

However, at times when other medications such as topical minoxidil and oral spironolactone have proven to be ineffective, Propecia might be prescribed.

This is more commonly the case for post-menopausal women because it minimizes the side effects. Propecia directly interrupts your hormonal cycles, so it's better you consult your doctor before using it. Pregnant women or women at a higher risk of breast cancer must avoid this medication completely.

Do Propecia hair loss tablets work for women?
There is limited research about using Propecia for women. However, a review of the existing clinical trials found that it can increase hair density and reduce hair shedding. The study included pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women with and without hyperandrogenism (too much testosterone).

In another study, 81.7% of the women who used Propecia for three years had increased hair thickness and encouraged hair growth.

When should women avoid hair loss medication?
Propecia has been found to have teratogenic effects. This is precisely why it isn't approved for pre-menopausal women. Pregnancies are often unplanned, and the drug can disturb the embryo's development. It is dangerous for the fetus and can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth or congenital disabilities in the baby.

Additionally, the medication is not recommended to breastfeeding women because the transmission of this drug through breast milk to the baby hasn't been studied. It is also more likely to harm a male fetus or baby because it inhibits testosterone.

If you're considering taking Propecia tablets, consult your general physician or gynecologist beforehand.

Propecia tablet - where to find them
Propecia and any other Finasteride medication are prescriptions only. If you're looking for an over-the-counter solution, you should try a Minoxidil treatment such as Rogaine.

Unless you suffer from a serious health condition, you don't have to stress about getting a prescription to take Propecia hair loss tablets. You can use an approved online pharmacy like Pharmacy Planet to get online consultations and prescriptions from their specialists.

Propecia cost is not covered by insurance and can cost up to £61 a month, depending on where you buy them.

The cost of Propecia tablets at Pharmacy Planet starts from £25 a month.

You can order Finasteride/Propecia tablets online at Pharmacy Planet and get them delivered to your doorstep at your convenience. Our certified specialists are also available for an online consultation whenever and wherever you need it.