Propecia

Propecia is used in the treatment of male pattern hair loss or baldness. Male pattern baldness is related to genes and male sex hormones. It usually follows a pattern of receding hairline and hair thinning on the crown, and is caused by hormones and genetic predisposition. Every single strand of hair you have sits in a tiny hole (cavity) in the skin called a follicle. Baldness in general occurs when the hair follicle shrinks over time, resulting in shorter and finer hair. Eventually, the follicle does not grow a new hair. However, the follicles remain alive, which show that it's possible to grow new hair.

For treatment Propecia (Finasteride) is a pill that affects the production of a certain male hormone linked to baldness. The hair follicles are then not affected by this hormone, and can enlarge back to normal. It therefore slows or stops hair loss, but must be taken regularly as hair loss returns when you stop using this medicine. The treatment was launched in the UK in 2002, although it has been available in the USA since 1997.