In order to inhibit androgenic alopecia at all costs, we reach for various preparations for hair loss, including those questionable in terms of safety for our body. One of such controversial agents is finasteride. What are its strengths and weaknesses? Is its prolonged use dangerous for your health?
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Finasteride – effects and effectiveness
Belonging to the group of steroids, a chemical compound called finasteride, is the main component of drugs used in prostatic hyperplasia (prostate). In addition, this agent is also used to combat androgenetic alopecia. Medicines containing finasteride are available with a prescription and include Adaster, Antiprost, FinaGen, Finaster, Propecia and Proscar. The mechanism of action of finasteride is to stop the production of 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme is a direct “culprit” in the transformation of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which in turn is responsible for weakening of hair follicles, and as a result – for androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride therefore contributes to blocking the harmful activity of DHT, effectively inhibiting further hair loss and deepening baldness.
Finasteride – side effects
Although finasteride-based drugs can be an effective barrier against androgenetic alopecia, it is worth noting the other side of the coin, which is a whole range of side effects that may appear along with the treatment. Decreased or lost libido, fertility disorders, reduced sperm count, disturbed sexual performance, enlarged breasts, reduced testicles – probably no man would like to see such symptoms in himself. Unfortunately, these and similar hormonal disorders may occur during prolonged treatment with finasteride. It is also disadvantageous that androgenic alopecia is temporarily inhibited. After discontinuation of the drug, hair starts to fall out again.
Finasteride – opinions
Opinions about finasteride as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia are mostly not favorable. 90% of men who decided to take this drug complain about hormonal imbalance, which is manifested by problems with fertility, decreased (or absent) sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, swollen and painful breasts, etc. What is worse, some men emphasize that these complaints did not disappear with the discontinuation of finasteride, but continued.
In summary, finasteride can negatively affect the body, causing hormonal disorders that no man would probably want to deal with. In contrast, a natural remedy for androgenetic alopecia, such as Profolandoes not have any of the above mentioned side effects. You can read more about Profolan at this article.
