Hypoandrogenic Effect and Propecia

I read this in the hair loss help web site about shedding and propecia.

If you experienced an increased amount of hair loss almost immediately after taking Propecia it is likely that you are experiencing a hypoandrogenic effect and not a shed. If this is that case then you should see a physician about possibly discontinuing the drug.

I have never heard of this. What is a hypoandrogenic effect?

You are not alone, as I have not heard of this hypoandrogenic effect either. If you consider androgen as the cause of hair loss, hypoandrogenic effect should be a good thing and should slow down or prevent hair loss.

It is believed that increased shedding immediately after starting on finasteride (Propecia) is due to the acceleration of the hair cycling process. This phenomenon may cause miniaturized hair to shed and it is thought that these follicles eventually get replaced with new hair, which may be thicker than the original.

If you experience increased shedding a few weeks after starting finasteride, don’t panic and don’t stop the medication. The shedding will usually slow down and finally stop within a few weeks.