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Propecia and minoxidil

What hair-loss medicines are available in the UK?

There are two medicines available in the UK to treat male-pattern baldness. They are Propecia and minoxidil.

Which medicine is generally the most effective?

Propecia contains the active ingredient finasteride. Propecia needs to be prescribed by a doctor and is available through our online hair-loss treatment service. The other medicine is a lotion that contains minoxidil. This lotion is not available through this service, however, it can be obtained from most pharmacies without a prescription.

Propecia - how does it work?

To understand how Propecia works, you need to understand what causes male-pattern baldness in the first place. Male-pattern baldness is caused when the hormone testosterone is converted into DHT. DHT has an adverse effect on hair follicles (also known as the hair roots) and subsequently slows down or even stops hair production altogether. Propecia works by blocking this effect of DHT on the hair follicles.

Propecia - how effective is it?

The evidence available suggests that two thirds of men who take Propecia to treat male-pattern baldness will benefit from renewed hair growth. Propecia should stop further hair-loss in the remaining third of men. A man normally needs to take Propecia for at least 4 months before any effect is seen and the balding process will normally resume if treatment is stopped. Propecia is not normally available on the NHS.

Minoxidil - how does it work?

It remains unclear how minoxidil works but it appears to have a temporary stimulating effect on hair follicles.

Minoxidil - how effective is it?

Studies suggest that the balding process will slow in about half of men using minoxidil and that about 15% of men who use it will experience some hair re-growth.

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