Merck's Propecia, scientifically known as finasteride, is a medication primarily prescribed to treat male pattern baldness and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As a specific inhibitor of the type II 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, it works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles over time. Propecia helps restore scalp hair by reducing DHT levels, thereby slowing down and potentially reversing hair loss. This oral tablet is taken daily and has been widely used since its FDA approval in 1997. Users often report gradual improvements in hair density after several months of consistent use, although individual results may vary.
