When scientists conducted a long term study on men with certain types of male pattern hair loss, two out of every three men that were given Propecia regrew their hair. The men who were given a placebo (fake medication) lost their hair. This provided proof that this hair loss pill actually works.

But there are good and bad points to this pill and you should be aware of all the facts before you decide that this is right for you, and before concluding that your baldness is something that needs to be corrected.

Good Points

The good point about Propecia is the fact that the study went so well. Hair counts were measured on a test spot that was about one inch around on the top of the head. The study was then compared to placebo takers by measuring the same amount of space on the tops of their heads.

All of the men on placebos lost their hair, while the patients who took the actual Propecia pill began seeing evidence that it was working from day one by lowering DHT levels. In the first year, most of the men grew hair, while some took just a little longer. The hair count for the people taking the pill increased with maximum hair growth taking place after two years of taking the medication.

Bad Points

This type of pill is not to be used by females, nor are they to touch a broken or crushed capsule if they are pregnant. Taking this pill as a woman would cause further problems with hair loss and could result in abnormalities with male sexual areas with the unborn child. If the woman does come across the active ingredient that is found in this pill, they need to consult their physician.

Some of the men tested did experience sexual side effects from this medication and had less desire for sex. Some had difficulty in achieving an erection or saw a decrease in the amount of semen. However, these side effects only occurred in less than two percent of the men and did go away once they quit taking the medication.

Men who took Propecia daily saw results in as little as three months, but if they stopped taking it, the results gradually went away over a period of one year. Bear in mind that if you are taking this medication, and it hasn't worked within twelve months, the treatment is not likely to work or benefit you at all. This medication can only be obtained with a prescription, so you will need to consult with your doctor should you wish to try it.