Propecia works combating hair loss by significantly reducing the amount of DHT which is a chemical that affects hair loss in men. Propecia inhibits the formation of DHT in your scalp which according to Merck, the company that produces Propecia, by lowering this DHT appears to inhibit the further shrinking of affected hair follicles. Hair loss is the result of a chemical imbalance DHT the substance in the body that can shrink the hair follicle until it no longer produces visible hair. It is believed that DHT and family history are the main reasons for hair loss but Propecia helps re-grow visible hair and reduces further hair loss. Lost hair follicles and their regeneration has long been the subject of many studies and Propecia attempts to make this happen.

Propecia is the first pill approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration proved to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex and anterior mid-scalp area in men. Those who have taken Propecia have seen results in as little as three months after beginning to use the medication.

Propecia begins to work from day one in most men taking it and it has been demonstrated in studies to be effective in most men two out of three men on Propecia experienced re-growth of hair as measured by actual hair counts. Taking the once-a-day pill works to lower the amount of DHT in your scalp.

By starting take Propecia you may see a decrease in hair loss beginning in as little as 3 months and by 6 to 12 months, you may see new hair growth. Should it not work for you after 12 months, it is unlikely to be of benefit and you may want to try a different hair loss treatment. If you stop taking Propecia, you will likely lose any hair you’ve gained within 12 months of stopping treatment. Propecia has been used by more than 1 million men in the United States since the drug’s introduction in 1998.

The FDA-approved pill is the first to be proved to treat male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of head) and anterior mid-scalp area (middle front of head) in men. Hair loss affects over 50 percent of men over the age of 50 years and is usually a hereditary complaint. Propecia has proved to be the most comprehensive treatment for hair loss in men and although there have been other treatments such as Rogaine, Propecia appears to be the treatment of preference.