Men's hair loss due to excess DHT production has recently had some encouraging news

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Prescription drugs Ok’d for treatment of male BPH (benign prostate enlargement) are showing promise for male pattern hair loss.

One of the prescription drugs for hair loss is Propecia (I use the generic form for great savings -same results - generic Propecia) and it's already a well known FDA approved product for MPB but it may soon have competition.

The term Androgenetic Alopecia is the term used to describe the most common reason for male hair loss and It basically comes down to a conversion of testosterone to a stronger form Called DHT for men and a drop in estrogen hormones for women apparently allowing more testosterone that women also produce but to a much lesser degree) to have a stronger effect.

This in turn causes the hair follicles to release enzymes known as alpha reductase 5ar and this begins the DHT conversion process—its this more potent DHT hormone that will eventually cause the hair follicles to go into a resting phase of the hair cycle and unlike the rest of the hair on your head this area doesn't keep up with the growth.

The graphs below shows the slow but almost certain progression of hair loss due to the hair follicle not cycling at the same time and in the same amount of time as the occipital hair - the hair below the balding area.

Contrary to some who believe the hair is gone in fact the producing follicle is usually still there but in a state of hibernation or resting phase and it has been shown that with the right combination of ingredients it – the follicle can usually be revived

I say this from my own personal experience as I have seen an improvement in several areas of my hair loss with the addition of a new and interesting drug that at this time is only approved for BPH - prostate enlargement- by the FDA

I have recently come across the product Avodart (Avalon in Europe) with the chemical name dutesteride and it can block over 90% of both types of DHT the body produces. While for instance Propecia (at this time the only FDA approved drug for male hair loss) only blocks up to 70% or less and only one type of DHT. but is still effective in most men to stop hair loss and cause some re growth on the crown and mid frontal areas

As to my personal re growth efforts I started to take Propecia and Avodart at the same time (early September 2004) but was later convinced by an article on the web that that was not necessary or advisable to use both drugs at the same time.

Anyway I saw improvement with both drugs and am now just using the Avodart with some good results-meaning I have hair coming in on the frontal hairline and as well as some velmus hair in the temple area and some re growth in the mid and crown area—using the palm of the hand test. I.E you know when you have hair coming in when you feel bristly hairs where there were none or only wispy velnus hairs before (yea not very scientific but it works for me)

It’s shaggy as different hairs have different growth and rest phases but as hair in general only grows approx ˝ inch a month for those without a hair loss problem it’s going to take time –Stay tuned..

I may later decide to start using 1 mg per day of Propecia in addition to the Avodart as I don’t see as much improvement in the crown area (I’m not very patient) that is specifically advertised as a plus for Propecia and hope the combo will help.

(update 1-26-07)  I have used generic avodart for over a year and am going to go back to just using Propecia as I think it may make the hair fuller-or I may mix the two again but for now through this year 2007 I intend to stick with the genric Propecia

Either way I am now at a point that I spend less time trying to arrange the hair in the frontal hair line as it is growing longer and thicker.

For me the frontal hair line area started to grow pretty quick and any guy who has hair loss knows what I am talking about as to trying to make a thin hairline look good is tough to impossible..

Certain side effects should be noted here – I am a male in his late forties and noticed an overall improvement in stress management but I can't really say this is because of the Avodart-just a personnel observation but I think it could be due to more Testosterone available and not being converted to DHT (maybe). There may be a possible benefit for men such as myself who are in their forties and over over and above the hair loss issue.

KEEP in mind this is Just a personal observation of myself and certainly in no way is intended as medical advice. Talk to your doctor on your possible need for more male hormone or using any drugs period.

CAUTION—sorry but women are not to use these drugs – birth defects can result but there is more on that in the women’s section of this site.

I would also suggest you check out a doctor's insight on this subject with a more medical slant who helps people with this problem daily and will give you even more practical suggestions and ideas on what your options are which may go beyond the scope of this site.

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