Propecia/Finasteride

Propecia is a prescription medication marketed by MSD, containing the active ingredient finasteride. It can help to significantly slow down hair loss, and in some cases has even been shown to encourage the regrowth of lost hair, in small amounts. Finasteride works by preventing the hormonal conversion in the body (testosterone to dihydrotestosterone) which causes hair loss.

Male pattern baldness most typically begins to affect men in their thirties, but it can affect men of a younger age too. Whereas some men may take over 15 years to lose most of their hair after the process has begun, a smaller number of men may find that they lose their hair very quickly, going almost completely bald within the space of five years.

Hair loss is very common, affecting up to a half of all men by the time they reach 40. But that doesn't make it any less daunting a prospect for some.

While many men choose to embrace hair loss and adopt baldness as part of their look, others might not be as confident to do so. Some men might prefer to hold onto their hair because they feel that being bald doesn't suit them, and seek treatment.

The cause of hair loss in male pattern baldness is the conversion of a hormone in the body. When testosterone changes to dihydrotestosterone, this results in the loss or thinning of hair on the scalp, and/or at the front of the head (hairline). This transition is caused by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase.

The main ingredient in Propecia is a substance called finasteride, and this works by inhibiting the activity of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, therefore reducing the rate of conversion of the testosterone hormone into dihydrotestosterone, and reducing hair loss.

In clinical trials, around 90% of men using Propecia found the drug either prevented hair loss or promoted some regrowth when compared to baseline.

Please be aware that this treatment does not permanently reverse the process of hair loss. Men who are genetically predisposed to hair loss will continue to lose their hair if they stop taking the treatment; and the drug can become less effective over time.

Men who haven’t used Propecia before should speak to their GP in person before taking it for the first time. A doctor may need to perform a physical examination of the affected area to ensure that the treatment is suitable.

If you have used this treatment before, you can buy Propecia online from our UK pharmacy by completing our taking our remote consultation. Fill in our medical questionnaire, and your order will be reviewed by one of our GMC-registered doctors. Following approval, your treatment will be dispensed at our pharmacy, before being collected and shipped by tracked courier.

Active Ingredient

Finasteride is a 5-Alpha-Reductase inhibitor. This means that it reduces the activity of an enzyme, 5-A-R. It is this enzyme which facilitates the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This conversion is a natural phenomenon in men. Hair loss is caused by raised levels of DHT, and typically affects most men by the time they are into their 30s. By lowering the presence of DHT, the medication works to reduce the thinning and shedding of hair.