Propecia is a medication that is a first-line treatment for pattern hair loss in men (alopecia). Despite the fact that this is an off-label indication, millions of patients all over the world rely on Propecia (generic name Finasteride), expecting significant hair growth as the result of long-term therapy. However, it takes time to achieve the desired effect, and sometimes patients start wondering if their therapy even works. This article is intended to reveal the Propecia recovery timeline results, describe the Propecia timeline in details and explain why it is important to continue the therapy even though you may experience inconvenient adverse effects during your treatment.
Firstly, let us define the mechanism of action of Propecia. The active substance, known as Finasteride, is administered orally, and then it acts by inhibiting the 5a-reductaze enzyme, which is responsible for testosterone to dihydrotestosterone conversion. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone, which regulates many important processes in body: particularly, the development of sexual function, and hair growth. As any hormone therapy, Propecia therapy requires time to take effect; it takes months and years to notice the significant difference, and it is best if you have Propecia timeline photos or pictures to compare the results unbiasedly. Otherwise, it may look like Propecia does not work as expected.
Typically, Propecia affects the sexual function in males, as a side result of its action. The medication was designed for treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (prostate enlargement), and this can potentially mask the early stages of prostate cancer, though Propecia reduces the risk of getting one. Most common side effects of Propecia are related to sexual function: patients complain about erectile dysfunction or abnormal ejaculation (delayed ejaculation or difficulties in achieving orgasm). It is important to know that Propecia side effects timeline is positive: after a year or two, even if the patient has experienced side effects (which happens in less than 1% cases), the chances are high that those adverse effects will diminish and vanish.
After a year of regular intake of Propecia, more than 80% of reported before side effects disappear, as the body adapts to the changes in hormone levels. Erectile function is back to normal after several months of continuous administration of the drug, so there is no need to worry about getting it back to normal. However, discontinuation of the therapy does not necessarily result in immediate restoration of sexual function; it may take several months, similarly, to get erection and ejaculation normalized.
Now, the important part. Propecia regrowth timeline may not be very inspiring at first sight, but when you reach your first anniversary taking Propecia, you will notice significant change in your hair state. Even after the first month, you should notice that hair loss has stopped; then, after 3-4 months, patients start noticing first improvements in the state of their scalp. Hair become thicker, and regrowth occurs. Patients may receive even better results than they have expected. However, shortly after the discontinuation of Propecia, hair growth reduces, and hair loss may recur.