Does Propecia really work?

The short answer is “yes”, or at least “yes in more than 80% of men”. Male pattern baldness is a very common condition, affecting around 6.5 million men in the UK. 50% of British men will experience some form of male pattern baldness over the age of 50 years old - but for some men hair loss can occur much earlier in life. 

A number of hair loss treatments are available, Propecia (finasteride) being the most effective. More than 90% of men who use Propecia experience an improvement, while 66% will benefit from renewed hair growth. If you wish to order Propecia or learn more about prescription treatments, visit our online clinic.

Propecia research

In a five year medical study, two groups of men took a daily tablet of either finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia) or a placebo (a dummy pill). The results were striking.

Around 90% of the men taking finasteride found that their hair loss stopped within six to 12 months, and 66% even reported regrowth. In contrast, the entire placebo group experienced hair loss. Furthermore, Men taking finasteride reported significant increases in hair density, and improvement in the appearance of their hair after treatment.

How long does Propecia take to work?

Propecia works fairly quickly, but it's not instant. You may need to take Propecia for up to three months before you see a benefit, although the best results may take up to 12 months to appear for some men. 

Signs Propecia is working

The good news is Propecia stops hair loss in nine out of 10 men who take it for 12 months, so you might see the rate of your hair loss slowing down. Two thirds of men taking Propecia enjoy some form of hair regrowth, which means you might have hair where you previously had lost it.

However if no benefits have appeared after 12 months of taking Propecia you should consider seeking an alternative form of treatment. 

Does Propecia work for everyone?

Propecia is most effective for men experiencing male pattern baldness. Although female pattern baldness exists (albeit far less commonly) there is no clinical evidence to support the use of Propecia in women, in fact it can be dangerous for women. Certain types of hair loss - such as alopecia totalis - cannot be treated by Propecia. Ultimately hair loss is a natural result of ageing: the older you grow, the less effective Propecia will become.

Does Propecia work permanently?

It is important to remember that Propecia is a hair loss treatment, not a cure. Once you stop taking Propecia your testosterone will start converting into DHT as before. Gradually your hair loss will resume, and it is likely that you will lose any hair that you have gained within 12 months of stopping the treatment.

Can Propecia stop working?

Yes, if you stop taking Propecia it will stop having an effect and hair loss will continue. You will have to keep taking Propecia for as long as you would like to halt your hair loss. 

Taking more than 1 tablet a day will not make Propecia work faster or better, but may increase the chances of experiencing side effects.

Propecia not working after 12 months

If you’ve been taking Propecia for some time and think it’s not working as well, please speak to your clinician.

Why isn't Propecia working for me?

Everyone’s bodies are different, and while one treatment might work for 1 person it may not work for another. If after three to six months of taking Propecia you’ve not seen any improvement in your hair loss, it’s worth speaking to your clinician. They will be able to advise what the best next steps are. 

Regaine is a popular hair loss treatment. The active ingredient in Regaine helps to slow hair loss and encourage regrowth. It’s usually applied to the head in a foam. 

Who does Propecia work best for?

It’s best to start treatment as soon as you notice your hair thinning and receding. This gives you the best chance at slowing the process and potentially encouraging regrowth. 

Can you take Propecia for life?

Propecia can be taken for long periods of time. It’s important to remember that when you stop taking Propecia your hair loss will most likely begin again. 

What happens when I stop taking Propecia?

It’s important to remember that when you stop taking Propecia your hair loss will most likely begin again. 

Online Doctor hair loss clinic

If you're experiencing hair loss, our hair loss clinics might be able to help. We have a range of hair loss treatments for men as well as treatments for women, including Finasteride, Propecia, prescription bundles and over the counter treatment options including minoxidil, biotin and hair loss shampoo. 

References

https://patient.info/mens-health/male-pattern-baldness
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0022202X15529357