How Effective Is Propecia?
Propecia seems to be at least as effective as Rogaine. It may not regrow hair for everybody, and it may not regrow a full head of hair, but it does seem to have significant impact in first stopping further loss of hair in the case of most men, and in actually regrowing some significant amounts of hair for many.
The largest and most promising study conducted on Propecia was a two-year study conducted by Dr. Kieth Kaufman senior director of Merck Research Laboratories. This trial studied the effects of Propecia on 1,215 men with varying degree of hair loss in the vertex of the scalp. According to this study, p 83 percent of men who participated had the same amount of hair or more hair after taking Propecia for a two-year period.
Significantly, in the same study 72 percent of those taking a placebo lost more hair over the two-year period of the study. Also in the same study, of all those who took Propecia 66 percent gained hair, of whom 30 percent were classified as having minimal increase, 31 percent as having a moderate increase, and only 5 percent as having a great increase.
In another 12-month study, the effects of Propecia were tested on over 1800 men aged between 18 and 41, who suffered from mild to moderate hair loss. In this study participants were divided into a group that received Propecia and another taking a placebo. All participants, however, also received in addition a medicated shampoo called Neutrogena T/Gel. The results showed that men who took Propecia maintained or increased the number of visible hairs in the first year, which they maintained over a second year. In contrast, hair counts for men who were not given Propecia continued to decrease.
In summary, studies suggest that about 80% of balding men can stop any further hair loss by taking Propecia. In addition, as many as two thirds of balding men may have a significant regrowth of hair as a result of taking Propecia. Like Rogaine, Propecia tends to work only on the upper vortex and the anterior mid scalp, and not along the front hairline. In addition, it only works for people who show mild to moderate hair loss. Balding men with major or complete hair loss will not benefit from Propecia.
In general Propecia must be taken for at least three months before results can be expected. Hair generally grows at a rate of about 1/2 an inch per month. As a result it takes between three to six months to see the full effects of Propecia on a given individual. If no significant hair grows after 12 months it is unlikely that Propecia will ever work.
Like Rogaine, Propecia is effective only as long as it is taken. This means that like Rogaine it must be continuously taken to retain its benefits. Hair that is saved or gained due to Propecia will eventually be lost unless it is taken regularly for the rest of your life. This is important to consider when deciding whether to employ Propecia.