Archive for November, 2007

The Temporary Propecia Itch

Tuesday, November 20th, 2007

If you just started Propecia and your scalp has begun to itch, you are not alone.  Some users of Propecia experience an itchy scalp for the first few months of treatment, and this is considered a normal side effect as your body adjusts to Propecia. 

The itching should subside within three to five months, right around when you begin seeing new hair growth in your scalp.  The itch is not permanent, but rather temporary, and if you can manage through the first months of minor itching, the Propecia results will certainly pay off with a head of fuller hair.  The question of whether the itching is prompted by hair re-growth or a change in DHT has not yet been answered, but we do know that the itching sensation is temporary. 

In the interim, some Propecia users have rinsed their hair with Apple Cider Vinegar, and it relieves the itching for an extended period of time.  If the itching is regular, you can incorporate this natural method of alleviating the symptoms.  Also, employing emu oil or a good conditioner can cure the itch and make your scalp more comfortable.  Generally, most Propecia users who experience itch notice that the symptom fades after the first few months of treatment. 

Does Propecia Always Work?

Monday, November 19th, 2007

In the clinical trails involving participation by thousands of men, Propecia has yielded positive results for two thirds of the men. Over 60% of the men reported that there was an increase in hair growth. Most of the men had been taking Propecia for two years.  

83% of the men in the clinical trials reported that there was no further hair loss. 30% of the men showed a slight improvement, 31% a moderate improvement, and there was a great increase in hair re-growth for 5% of the participants. Imagine how great each of these participants felt when they noticed the first signs of re-growth and noticed no further hair loss?

Propecia is a great treatment that stops male pattern hair loss from occurring and doing any further damage. The only way to get prescription-strength Propecia is by obtaining a prescription from your doctor. Once you start taking Propecia, you will start to notice results in as little as three months. Some men experienced hair re-growth in only six months. Propecia is a one-a-day-pill that really makes a difference.

Are you too young for Propecia?

Sunday, November 18th, 2007

 Some younger men who are experiencing the signs of hair loss wonder if Propecia is right for them.  The major concern for men aged 18 – 21 is whether Propecia will impact the remainder of their physical growth.  

The different studies on Propecia and hair loss in general is that DHT is not a factor in bone density or muscle mass, thus DHT is not related to growth.  However, research has not been specifically conducted to find the minimum age threshold that is right for Propecia.  A good rule of thumb is that if you are still in puberty, Propecia is not right for you.  However, if you have finished the vast majority of your growing, then you may want to consider using Propecia.  The earlier you begin using Propecia to treat the signs of hairless, the better the results will be at maintaining your hairline and fullness. 

If you are considered about your age and Propecia, you may want to consider beginning with a half dose of Propecia first, which would be .5 mg.  You can purchase a pill cutter at the pharmacy and simply halve the Propecia tablet.  Many older users of Propecia only take .5 mg and find it effective, and thus, it may be something you should consider if your youth is a concern.   

Getting a prescription for Proscar vs. Propecia

Saturday, November 17th, 2007

 We have heard from some finasteride users that they have asked their doctors to prescribe Proscar instead of Propecia for hair loss prevention, thus saving them prescription costs.  In order to create the dosage of Propecia, these users use pill cutters to quarter the Proscar into the appropriate mg. 

This may or may not work depending upon your doctor and age.  If you are a strapping lad in his 20s, then the likelihood that your doctor and insurance company would prescribe you Proscar is very slim.  Your doctor does not want to have his medical malpractice insurance increase because he prescribed Proscar to you, if you do not have prostate issues. 

However, if you are a mature man who has a higher risk of prostate complications, then you can talk to your doctor to see if he would be willing to provide you with a Proscar prescription instead of Propecia.  Proscar is covered by most insurance companies, and therefore, would provide you with a lower prescription cost than Propecia.

Getting Propecia refills from your doctor

Friday, November 16th, 2007

 Most doctors prescribe only a three month supply for Propecia, yet it is a prescription that you have to take for the long-term in order to maintain your hairline. 

You can put your wallet and HMO card back in your wallet.  You do not have to visit your doctor each time to refill your Propecia prescription.  Of course, for their own pockets, they would love for you to visit, but it really is not necessary.  For most doctors, you will be able to request over the phone three sets of three-month refills.  Save your co-pay money and simply call in the next three sets of Propecia refills.  For some doctors, you can simply leave a message on their prescription line or with the receptionist, and they will automatically call in your Propecia refill to your pharmacy. 

Then, at the nine month mark, most doctors will want you to come in for a visit (and fork over a co-pay) to evaluate the progress.  For the $20 - $40 co-pay once a year, it is not too cost-prohibitive when you are gaining back your hair.  Propecia is a long-term hair loss solution, but you will need to take it for the long-term to keep seeing results.  Call in your Propecia refills as many times as possible before you need to pop in for another office visit.