Revealing study examines finasteride for prostate treatment

A revealing study into finasteride, the drug that is marketed as hair loss treatment Propecia, has wielded interesting results.

Finasteride is not only marketed as Propecia, but also Proscar: a drug that reduces the size of the prostate. Enlarged prostates are common in older men. Around four in ten men in their fifties have enlarged prostate glands. It was the use of finasteride to treat this problem which was scrutinized by a recent study.

More than 21,000 men were studied in 23 trials, most of which were funded by drug companies. It was found that one of Proscar’s biggest benefits was that, when used in the long-term, it cut the need for surgery. One study showed that Proscar cut the chances of men with enlarged prostates ending up needing surgery, or ending up in the emergency room, because they couldn’t urinate.

Elderly men who are not sexually active are likely to benefit most from the treatment, researchers believe.

Propecia for hair loss

While Proscar is used to treat prostate problems, Propecia works to combat an entirely different ailment. Male pattern baldness affects two thirds of men by the age of 30. Among men who are 50, this proportion rises to 50%. By 60, the majority of men have some degree of baldness. Male pattern baldness is a hereditary condition. In modern times, the onset of baldness is not always inevitable. Propecia works by reducing the levels of DHT – a hormone which causes hair loss – in the body. In doing so, it not only stems the onset of baldness, but can actually stimulate hair growth too. Many men are embarrassed or uncomfortable about going bald. For such men, Propecia can be an effective solution.