Finasteride for hair loss: side effects?

Hair loss | Acura Clinic Weert - Plastic surgery

There are many products on the market that can help with hereditary hair loss. One of the best-known active ingredients is finasteride. However, it is not "without" and can lead to problematic side effects in rare cases. Those affected are therefore faced with a choice: Rather have less hair and no side effects or take finasteride permanently and suffer from possible side effects. But there is also an alternative.

What happens with hereditary hair loss?

It has many names: hereditary hair loss, congenital hair loss, androgenetic alopecia or alopecia androgenetica. This refers to a form of hair loss that affects around 60% - 80% of men and 20% - 30% of women in Germany.

The hair follicles react hypersensitively to the body's own hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a conversion product of testosterone. This hypersensitivity is usually inherited from one parent. In the course of this sensitivity, the blood vessels that supply the hair follicles with nutrients recede.

As a result, the follicles atrophy more and more. The growth phase of the hair is shortened, the resting phase is extended. The hair cycle becomes shorter from time to time. The result: new hair grows back less vigorously and falls out earlier.

Finasteride is not "without"

Shampoos and tablets promise to alleviate the symptoms. However, many sufferers also turn to finasteride, an active ingredient that is used to treat benign prostate enlargement and hereditary hair loss. The product is commercially available under the names Propecia or Proscar, for example.

Researchers from the Boston University School of Medicine (BUSM), in collaboration with colleagues from the Lahey Clinic from Denmark and Germany that finasteride can sometimes cause significant side effects: loss of libido, impotence, ejaculation disorders, infertility or gynaecomastia. Furthermore, reddening of the skin and skin rashes, weight gain, drowsiness, testicular pain and breast cancer in men and even depression have been observed.

Another problem with this medical agent:

While hair loss resumes immediately after discontinuation of finasteride, the side effects mentioned, such as impotence, can often persist even after discontinuation of the medication.

Alternative without medication: Hair transplantation

If the side effects of finasteride or other hair loss medication are too sensitive for you, you can switch to the rreconstructive hair surgery to counteract hair loss and baldness.

The patient's own intact hair follicles are redistributed from the back of the head to the bald, fine-haired areas on the head. There they then ensure visually thicker, permanently growing hair.

Hair transplantation in Weert (Netherlands)

Are you considering a hair transplant? Then you've come to the right place.

The location of our Acura clinic in Weert is easily accessible from Germany and can be reached from many cities within a short time.

Another advantage: Plastic surgery procedures are significantly cheaper here in the Netherlands than in Germany, although the quality standards are just as high and the surgeons are just as competent and experienced.

Photo: © "Senior man and hair loss issue" #56548149 © goodluz - fotolia.com

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