| Effectiveness
- Women |
The
Merck & Co (manufacturer of Propecia) study
found no effectiveness in women and states Propecia
should NOT be used by women (note 2). Finasteride
may cause abnormalities of the external genitalia
of a male fetus of a pregnant woman. |
Slightly
more than 30% show improvement.
In women, minoxidil may cause facial hair growth,
especially on the forehead and cheeks (note 3).
|
Over
93% success rate (note 4) |
Ability to Predict Effectiveness of Treatments |
There
is no way to predict who will respond to treatments. |
There
is no way to predict who will respond to treatments.
|
Using
a Digital Imaging system, one can accurately predict
the effectiveness of patient treatments. |
| Side
Effects |
Finasteride
(the main ingredient of Propecia) can cause severe
side effects, including impotence, so researchers
warn that the treatment may be best for men who
aren’t sexually active. Finasteride is still
available under the brand name Propecia (note
5).
Possible
side effects from taking Propecia:
* related sexual adverse side effects have occurred
in men including one or more of the following:
decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, seminal
fluid disorders, decreased volume of semen
* allergic reactions including rash, itching,
hives and swelling of the lips and face; problems
with semen discharge; breast tenderness and enlargement;
and testicular pain. You should promptly report
to your doctor any changes in your breasts such
as lumps, pain or nipple discharge. Tell your
doctor promptly about these or any other unusual
side effects.
* PROPECIA can affect a blood test called PSA
(Prostate-Specific Antigen) for the screening
of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done,
you should tell your doctor that you are taking
PROPECIA.
* According to the manufacturer, the side effects
of Propecia last up to a year but there are too
many posts on the Internet from individuals that
stating longer adverse effects.
There
are thousands and thousands of posts on the Internet
regarding the adverse effects people have experienced
after taking Propecia (note 7). |
Minoxidil
(the main ingredient of Rogaine) can cause the following
side effects:
* itching of the scalp, redness,
dryness and flaking.
* Minoxidil was initially created to help blood
pressure problems and being the active ingredient
in Rogaine it may create some side effects like:
irregular or very fast heartbeats, chest pain,
and headaches.
* Fainting, difficulties in breathing, chest pains,
headaches, increased heartbeat can be other side
effects of minoxidil (due to the change of the
blood pressure), unexplained rapid weight gain,
swelling or puffiness of hands, face, ankles,
or stomach, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and problems
with vision.
|
In
the years of treatments there have been no reported
side effects (note 6). |
| When
to begin treatments |
Treatments
should begin as soon as you start to notice hair
loss. The sooner you start treatments, the better
your chances of retarding hair loss. |
Treatments
should begin as soon as you start to notice hair
loss. The sooner you start treatments, the better
your chances of retarding hair loss. |
Treatments should begin as soon as you start to
notice hair loss. The sooner you start treatments,
the better your chances of retarding hair loss. |
.gif)
