Propecia derives from the prostate drug Proscar (Finasteride) for the treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). This drug is currently for men only and is taken orally, one pill a day.

The drug slows down the transformation of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the key factor in male pattern baldness among genetically predisposed men. The transformation is formed by the enzymes 5-alpha reductase I & II, which is found in men with male pattern baldness. 5-alpha reductase I is found in the sebaceous glands and 5-alpha reductase II is found in the hair follicle. This will cause the hair to either die or shrink into a vellus hair. A vellus hair in most cases will not mature beyond the texture of a babies hair.

Propecia is a drug and can cause side effects in some men, such as reduced libido. The drug does slow down the production of DHT, but can’t stop it all together. Therefore DHT still forms on the hair follicle at the scalp level. This is why it is important to use a topical solution in addition to Propecia to remove all the debris that is formed at the scalp level. The Megaderm product line by Apollo works great at reducing the activity of alpha reductase at the scalp level as well as providing the proper nutrients and vitamins that a person with male pattern baldness needs.