Which is right for you?
Propecia (aka Finasteride) – is an FDA approved drug that aids in slowing, stopping and even reversing hair loss through the reduction of the amount of DHT in our bodies. DHT is also important when it comes to sexual development during puberty.
Propecia is a systemic 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that often is associated with side effects such as low sex drive, poor erections and in isolated cases, erectile dysfunction. Because of these side effects many hair loss sufferers are afraid of taking propecia and opt for natural or herbal DHT Blockers such as saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil. This is due to herbal DHT Blockers reducing DHT impact typically without any side effects.
Finasteride, which is branded as Propecia or Proscar, reduces DHT by inhibiting an enzyme known as Type II 5-alpha reductase. DHT is derivative of testosterone, but this conversion needs the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase to occur. Finasteride inhibits this enzyme and in return, reduces DHT levels throughout the entire body. Finasteride is synthetic; it is made in a laboratory and is a chemically altered derivative of progesterone that binds to a cofactor needed for type II 5-alpha reductase expression.
Depending on the dose, Propecia has the ability to reduce DHT levels by up to 70%. Unfortunately, this comes with certain side effects in 2-5% of users:
-Impotence
-Depression
-Lack of sexual appetite
-Problems with orgasm
-Low ejaculation volumes
-Gynecomastia
In a past study, men taking 5mg of Finasteride (Proscar) saw and even higher incidence of side effect with 15% incidence in sexual side effects within twelve months. Proscar is not FDA approved for hair loss.
Natural DHT Blockers
The good news is that there are several natural DHT Blockers that reduce 5-alpha reductase activity, and consequently, the levels of DHT in the hair follicles. Studies have revealed that the extract from saw palmetto fruit is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. Additionally, fatty acids in pumpkin seed oil also reduce DHT levels. Other examples are green tea extract and volatile oils found in pyguem and nettle extracts.
An herbal DHT blocker is one that is food-based, chemically unaltered, and derived from a natural source. Pumpkin seed oil and saw palmetto extract are some of the most well know of these natural blockers that are derived from plants.
Herbal DHT Blockers rarely report side effects but have shown minor decrease in libido. However, the good news is that the side effects are significantly less common as compared to Finasteride. Additionally, Finasteride may result in more varieties of sexual dysfunction such as impotence, difficulty in achieving an erection as well as abnormal ejaculation.
Moreover, the adverse effects of saw palmetto or other natural DHT Blockers, are mild and infrequent and never persist after discontinuation of the supplement. A study found no evidence of major side effects after one and a half years of treatment
Effectiveness:
As a whole, Propecia is more effective side by side to a natural DHT Blockers, but you must consider the possible risks. Natural DHT Blocker as a good place to start prior to starting Propecia and may be enough to block the impact on the hair follicles
Additionally Propecia can be used together with an herbal DHT Blocker to produce the greatest results.
-Propecia is reduces 50-65% of DHT on average systemically
-Herbal DHT Blocker reduces DHT impact by 25%-35% on the hair and prostate
-Together they can block up 80% of DHT impact
When choosing a herbal DHT Blocker I recommend…. the Best Natural DHT Blocker
