What we know about Propecia.

Propecia: uses

Propecia is used to shrink an enlarged prostate ( benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH ) in adult men. It may be used alone or taken in combination with other medications to reduce symptoms of BPH and may also reduce need for surgery.

Propecia may improve symptoms of BPH and provide benefits such as decreased urge to urinate, better urine flow with less straining, less of a feeling that bladder is not completely emptied, and decreased nighttime urination.

Propecia works by decreasing the amount of a natural body hormone ( DHT ) that causes growth of prostate.

Women and children shouldn't use this medication.

Propecia: how to use

Read Patient Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before we start taking Propecia and each time we get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take Propecia by mouth, with or without food, usually once a day, or as directed by your doctor.

If tablet is crushed or broken, it shouldn't be handled by a woman who is pregnant or by a woman who may become pregnant ( see also Precautions section ) .

Use Propecia regularly in order to get most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time each day. Don't stop taking Propecia without consulting your doctor.

It may take 6-12 months to notice a benefit.

Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

Propecia: side effects

Decreased sexual ability/desire may occur while use Propecia. In some men, Propecia can decrease amount of semen released during sex. This is harmless. Propecia may also increase hair growth. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed Propecia because he or she has judged that benefit to we is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Propecia don't have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

A very serious allergic reaction to Propecia is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include:

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Propecia: precautions

Before taking Propecia, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

Before using Propecia, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

Propecia shouldn't be used in children.

The drug can be absorbed through skin. If film coating of tablet has been broken or tablet crushed, it should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Exposing a developing male infant to Propecia can result in abnormalities of genitals.

Propecia isn't recommended for use in women and mustn't be used during pregnancy. If we become pregnant or think we may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

Because Propecia isn't intended for use in women, it's not known if Propecia passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Propecia: interactions

Your healthcare professionals ( e. g. , doctor or pharmacist ) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for it. Don't start, stop or change dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using Propecia, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use.

Propecia can affect the results of the blood test used to detect prostate cancer ( prostatic-specific antigen or PSA levels ) . Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know we use this drug.

This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Propecia, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Shipping options for Propecia

Hair Loss - Causes, Prevention & Treatments

Beautiful shining hair is akin to beauty & health. However, many people experience unjustified hair loss, which negatively affects their social life and self perception. Hair loss can be attributed to several reasons including hormone changes, dandruff, exposure to chemicals, side effects of strong medications, side effects of radiation, etc. Sometimes hair loss can be the most visible aspect of some serious diseases, inadequate nutrition, or serious physical conditions.

Causes of Hair Loss

Stress & associated hormone changes

Side effects of some medicines

Ill health of liver, kidney and other internal organs

Radiation

Dandruff & other skin diseases

Incomplete nutrition - lack of proteins, minerals ( like zinc ) & vitamins

Exposure to chemicals

Excess use of shampoo, soap

Application of too much or too little oil

Kinds of Hair Loss

Hair loss can be classified into different kinds according to nature of hair loss.

Alopecia areata is characterized by loss of hair in circles. This is mainly induced by stress and mental trauma. Certain physical conditions like Systematic Lupas Erythematosus ( SLE ) can also be a cause of this condition.

Alopecia totalis is characterized by total loss of hair from head, leaving behind a bald head and even barren eyebrows. The skin of head turns smooth.

Diffuse alopecia condition has unhealthy, thin and short hair.

Trichotillomania is another condition, prevalent among children, characterized by children pulling their hair and eating it. Children do this without their conscious knowledge and hair they eat can remain in the stomach as a ball of hair, leading to pain.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common type of hair loss found among men. This is caused by excess activity of androgen, a hormone. Women too can suffer from this problem.

Holistic Food to Prevent Hair Loss

Every nutrient that helps in normal body functioning is also required for proper hair growth. Proteins, carbohydrates, lipids ( fat ) , minerals and vitamins play important roles in body functioning and hair growth as well. Inadequate nutrition also first reflects on hair.

The Essential Food Items to Take to Prevent Hair Loss

Include in your diet a good mixture of everything listed below. Take a mix of everything in moderation. Curcuma longa, cumin seed, etc are good spices to prepare food. Similarly, gooseberry ( Embellica officinale ) , dried grapes, pea ( small green pea ) , etc also promote good physical health and hair growth.

Green and colored vegetables

Wholegrain rice and wheat

Carbohydrate rich root items - tapioca, sweet potato, etc

Egg

Milk and dairy products

Fruits - especially orange, grapes, and other slightly sour fruits

However, quality of the atmosphere, ground, etc under which plants grow also affect quality of the food we take. Food crops grown with excess use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, etc have very limited quality.

Food Items to Avoid

If we care about your hair and physical health, avoid the following items.

Soft drinks

Fast food

Overly cooked food

Processed food ( canned, packaged )

Agreed, these items are good for your tongue. However, what's good for your tongue may not be good for your body, blood and hair.

Hair Care Precautions

Note following points to take good care of your hair.

Gently dry your hair with a clean towel after bathing

Always use a clean comb

Do not comb wet hair

Do not comb your hair too often

Comb your hair in direction of its growth and not against it

Don't use shampoos that contain chemicals - better option is natural shampoos prepared from hibiscus leaves, henna, grounded small green pea, etc

Apply enough oil on hair 30 minutes before bathing - coconut oil, sesame oil, etc are enough

Be gentle on your hair. Don't rub your hair violently and use hair dryer sparingly. Shampoos that contain chemicals actively destabilize your hair. We can prepare natural herbal shampoo from materials available from your backyard itself and it is better than any shampoo that you pay big prices for.

Ayurvedic Means of Hair Care and Hair Growth Measures

Ayurveda suggests different hair oils for healthy hair growth. Amalaki ( Emblica officinale ) is a major component of Ayurvedic hair oils. Massage your scalp with these oils and we can see healthier hair growth.

Treatments for Hair Loss

Allopathy medicine has quite a few treatments for hair loss, which are listed below.

1. Minoxidil - this medicine prescribed for blood pressure is prescribed for hair loss too. Apply the medicine on your scalp. Effectiveness is 10-20%. Hair loss will come back once we stop using the medicine.

2. Finasteride - this medicine usually prescribed for prostrate enlargement is handy treatment against hair loss. Temporary loss of libido and lowered quality of semen are usual side effects of using this medicine. Women shan't use this, as it can cause women to give birth to handicapped child.

3. Hair transplantation - hair from one part of the head is transplanted to other parts of scanty hair growth. Strip incision, laser grafting, punch grafts, etc are the main types of hair transplantation treatments. The possibility of hair fall in two-three years and scars at the areas where hair is taken are to be taken care of.

4. Scalp Reduction - a kind of plastic surgery, where skin of hairless area is removed and skin from hairy area is stretched. The success depends on hairless area of head and elasticity of skin.

5. Hairpiece or toupee - wigs are attached to skin, without being noticed. Can wear and tear in long run.

In case of hair loss, cure is almost impossible and even prevention is difficult. Put your focus on better physical and mental health than worrying about lost hair.

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