There seems to be a world-wide push going on at the moment for Propecia which is a drug developed by Merck for hair loss.  Basically, it is a weaker form of their Proscar which is for treating an enlarged prostate.

The active ingredient is finasteride.

In the television adverts young healthy looking men are quoted as saying how they have regained a better head of hair after using this drug which basically helps prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and hair loss.

But…the ‘fine print’ about the side effects is played down somewhat.

The main side effects from a male perspective are:

• Decreased libido (sex drive
• Decreased volume of ejaculate
• Impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

Not only this, but there are also dangers to women who are around men using this drug!

This is the official warning!

“Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle crushed or broken Propecia tablets. The medication could be absorbed through the skin. Propecia is known to cause birth defects in a developing male baby. Exposure to whole tablets should be avoided whenever possible, however exposure to whole tablets is not expected to be harmful as long as the tablets are not swallowed.”

Now, added to these concerns are the results of a study which established that the drug can artificially lower the result of a PSA test used to screen for prostate cancer.   . Dr. Claus Roehrborn, chairman of urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center and one of the leading authors of the study has warned the medical community to be aware of this.

So, what do you do if you are losing your hair? 

Well, I really don’t think that taking drugs is the answer. Besides it does not work for everyone and even for those for whom it does help the results are not dramatic.

There are natural alternatives that have a similar action to this drug without any of the risks.  We include some of them in our Total Balance Men’s Plus.

However, it should be remembered that nothing will restore a full head of hair from normal male pattern baldness. 
Another alternative is a hair transplant.

Of course you can always console yourself with the old saying that, “grass doesn’t grow on a busy street”.