If you have done any research for your hair loss you may have heard or even been prescribed Propecia (Generic name – Finasteride) an FDA approved Type II- Alpha Reductant which inhibits the body’s Testosterone from converting to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT has been linked to hair loss by blocking blood flow to the hair follicle.
Unfortunately with any medication there are side effects and Finasteride is no exception. Finasteride works by altering the body’s hormones which can lead to sexual and other side effects (Finasteride (Oral Route) Side Effects – Mayo Clinic)
If you have already experienced side effects from Finasteride or are unwilling to take the medication; there are some alternatives you may want to try. One of those alternatives is the natural supplement sold at your local drug store called Saw Palmetto. Although not an FDA approved medication, it has been shown that an extract of Saw Palmetto berries may block 5-Alpha Reductase which is an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.
There is no concrete evidence that this is a viable substitute for Finasteride but it may be worth a try if you do not want to take finasteride or if you have experienced side effects from the medication.