This cuts down on the formation of DHT, the hormone responsible for hair loss. Finasteride has proven in clinical trials to be safe and effective in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. In general, women with hair loss are not prescribed Propecia because of the risk of a certain type of birth defect if they become pregnant while taking it.

Propecia works best for early to moderate degrees of hair loss. Men with extensive hair loss are unlikely to see much regrowth with Propecia and are better candidates for hair transplantation. In addition, regrowth that does occur with Propecia is better over the crown of the scalp than at the frontal receding hairline.

Many men will get the best results by taking Propecia to prevent further hair loss and having hair transplantation done to fill in areas such as the frontal hairline.

When it was first introduced, there was tremendous amount of media attention given to minoxidil and when it did not live up to the expectations surrounding it, there was significant disappointment. However, minoxidil is moderately effective and can be helpful for some people.

Recently Rogaine in a 5% concentration has become available and has been reported to be much more effective than the 2% product. Some patients combine Propecia with minoxidil to get the best results.

Before spending any money on any of these "miracle cures", keep in mind that these products have not been carefully analyzed in scientific studies to determine whether they are safe and effective.

Although finasteride and minoxidil are the only approved medical treatments for hair loss in men, there are many others which are being studied and will be available in the next few years. More than likely, they will work better than finasteride or minoxidil. Researchers are even developing treatments using gene therapy and "hair cloning" so there is good reason to be optimistic.

Unfortunately, no major breakthrough in medical treatment is expected in the next few years so it doesn't make sense to wait. The current medical options combined with surgical hair restoration provide most people with a satisfying answer to their hair loss problem.