Does Propecia Cause Prostate Cancer? What Are My Other Hair Loss Treatment Options?

I’d like to start taking Propecia, but I heard that it can cause prostate cancer. Is this true and if so what else can I take to stop my hair loss?

To my knowledge there has never been any evidence linking the use of Propecia and the development of Prostate Cancer. There was a recent study that followed a large group of men taking Propecia for several years. The study showed that in addition to the slowing down of hair loss, men taking Propecia had a lower incidence of BPH (Benign Prostate Hypertrophy) and a lower rate of Prostate Cancer than the general population. However the few people who did develop Prostate Cancer had higher grades of Cancer. The authors reasoning for this is that Propecia helps to keep the Prostate gland smaller which in turn leads to a lower rate of Benign Prostate Hypertrophy (enlargement) converting to Prostate Cancer. For those patients whose predisposition for developing Cancer was so strong (higher grade of Cancer) the Propecia had no effect on them.

There are a few other non surgical options for prevention of hair loss. First is the use of topical Rogaine solutions. Minoxidil which is the ingredient in Rogaine is a vasodialator, which leads to increased blood flow to the scalp. This may help flush the DHT away and not allow it to bind to the DHT receptors located on the genetically susceptible hair follicles. Secondly, there is low level laser therapy. This is an in office (hood) or take home (laser comb) device which applies laser light to the scalp and hair. It has been shown in some patients to slow down the progression of hair loss. In some patients it can stimulate sleeping hair follicles to wake up. It may also take thin, weak, dying hairs and make them a ticker healthier hair.

From my experience with hair lasers is that most people do obtain some visible benefit. In others the benefits are more underlying. I have never seen or heard of any negative effects from the use of low level laser therapy.

Glenn Charles, DO
Member, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons

Glenn Charles, DO Dr. Charles received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University, medical degree from Nova Southeastern University School of medicine in North Miami Beach, Fl. Completed his internship and residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Michigan State University affiliated hospitals. He acted as the primary physician trainer in hair restoration surgery for a large hair transplant organization from 1997-1999. Dr. Charles is active in several medical societies including, The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS), International Society of Cosmetic Laser Surgeons, and The American Society of Laser medicine and Surgery. Dr. Charles regularly has articles published in the Hair Transplant Forum International and is a faculty lecturer at the ISHRS annual conference. Most recently he performed surgery at the World Hair Society annual live surgery workshop, became a member of the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery Examination Committee, and listed in the Who's Who of doctors in 2002. Dr. Charles is a member of the International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons and recommended by the American Hair Loss Association. Visit Dr. Charles Website: www.charleshair.com

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