1. After using Propecia(finasteride) for a prolonged period, would cessation of use of the drug result in the same sudden rapid hair loss off all hairs that would have been lost without the use of the drug, like suddenly stopping use of Rogaine(minoxidil)?

Catch up hair loss has been reported with the long term use of minoxidil


2. What are the possible harmful effects of Propecia and Rogaine?

Side effects of Propecia are minimal and mostly reversible. These side effects include decreased sex drive in men (significant in about one percent of patients), as well as some reports of testicular pain/tenderness, and breast tenderness or enlargement. This medication may also decrease the volume of semen, but it does not affect the sperm count or fertility. Side effects of Rogaine include the irritation and dryness of skin that may cause itching (tends to be aggravated by the alcohol base solution in Rogaine). This itching was reported in up to six percent of patients. Because of its minimal absorption from the skin level in its usual applications,systemic side effects tend to be minimal if not absent. While being treated with Rogaine, some patients have reported orthostatic hypotension (dropping blood pressure in standing position). Also, minoxidil (Rogaine) is not recommended for pregnant or nursing women.


3. Especially in regards to women handling Propecia and/or a man taking the drug while trying to have a baby?

Although finasteride is naturally secreted in our body fluids (including semen), the amount that is naturally present within those liquids is extremely small and continually considered a negligible amount. Although to date there have been no reported side effects on babies whose fathers were on Propecia (finasteride), pregnant women should neither take the medication nor get involved with handling or splitting the pills because of the chance of inhalation of the medication particles and/or its absorption.


4. Can the man cease taking the drug until his wife has conceived a child?

As mentioned in the answer to the previous question and based on the studies done on the amount of finasteride present in semen, cessation of the medication is not necessary before or during pregnancy for the partners of men who take it.


5. What medications can help control hair loss?

The only two FDA approved medications to assist with hair loss are minoxidil/Rogaine (for both men and women) and finasteride/Propecia (only indicated for men). There are some additional medications that help improve the growth of the hair, but they are not routinely recommended for hair loss prevention or treatment the way the aforementioned are.


6. What are the advanced hair transplant techniques?

Hair transplant surgery techniques have been dramatically revolutionized over the past two decades. Though past hair transplant patients were not afforded this modern opportunity, today, we can restore patient s hair with totally natural and undetectable results. Microscopic methods of hair restoration have helped minimize the damage to hair follicles during hair restoration surgery, while also allowing the hairs to be easily dissected into their natural grouping (known as follicular units).Follicular unit transplantation has brought hair restoration to a new horizon. It has improved both the quality of hair restoration procedures as well as the chance of survival in harvested grafts. The current combination of available medical and surgical treatments for hair restoration has now made the male patterned baldness a curable condition. Thus, it would be fair to say that, "Staying bald is now optional for men who suffer from male patterned baldness in today s world."