Propecia dosage and sides!

[CRMagico]

Hi guys, I have been on Propecia now for just over a year (13 months) and I was wondering what to do. Before I started Propecia I had to do a blood test to make sure everything was okay. I now have to go for another blood test to make sure my libido and hormones are okay from been on the drug. When I first started Propecia, I did notice a lot weaker erections and no morning wood and stuff like that, but it says on the paper you get with the drug to continue and it might reside. I've continued now for a full year (1mg daily). Libido did improve a little since continued use but I'm still not sure if it's that good, I had a very high libido before Propecia. I rarely have morning wood and random erections through the day at all anymore :thumbdown2: (I'm only 20) However I can watch p**rn and get hard really fast or something like that? Some people say p**rn is really bad for erections also is that true? I only watch it like once every 2 weeks anyway! I was thinking about going to 1mg of Propecia every other day instead of daily and see if that would fix things up to normal again? Do you think I should just wait and see what my blood tests say before I make a decision? Will my blood tests be able to tell if Propecia is affection my libido and stuff? Sorry with all the questions, but thanks for your help guys!

 

[xRedStaRx]

Doesn't matter if you go EOD instead for hair anyway. And likely for any "side effects" either.

 

[CRMagico]

Thanks for your response mate! So EOD won't make a difference to hair or libido at all?

 

[zzzzz]

Thanks for your response mate! So EOD won't make a difference to hair or libido at all?

almost nothing

 

[mr.patches]

Some people claim taking finasteride EOD works, but I'd say most agree is the placebo effect. I'm taking zinc supplements to counteract sexual side effects, I've read it helps boosting testosterone levels and reduces estrogen levels at the same time but then again, I don't know how efficient it really is.

 

[CRMagico]

Thanks for your response guys Do you think I could take it only 2 or 3 times a week and that would help with libido? I know that if I drop Propecia I might loose all the results I've had with it? I've also been using Minoxidil 5% daily too. I'd love to stop Propecia and just continue using minoxidil but I know that would be unrealistic to keep my hair. I'm really considering a hair transplant! If Propecia was definitely giving me sides would I literally no be able to get an erection? I can still get them quite regularly but they just don't seem to come randomly anymore and morning wood doesn't occur hardly ever too. Sorry with the negativity, I'm not against the drug by any means just a little concerned! Thanks for your responses guys!

 

[SayifDoit]

I've seen a lot of people try to drop the dosage and loose a lot of ground, I'm not sure if you should risk it. what Norwood are you?

 

[CRMagico]

Thanks for your response SayifDoit I'm a Norwood 3.5 I think. Receded temples, thinning crown and hair at the front of the head really quite thin. I think Minoxidil and Propecia has helped has thickened the vellus hairs in the affected areas but for aesthetic and style purposes still looks exactly the same.

 

[zzzzz]

dropping your dosage will not help if it does 99% sure its placebo effect

 

[xp15]

Doesn't matter if you go EOD instead for hair anyway. And likely for any "side effects" either.

IIRC, you made another post which contained the suggestion to drop to EOD or to drop the dosage at .6mg and that could "reduce the amount of AR-5 in brain tissue", thereby reducing sides. Why the reversal here?

I've been looking into this issue, because one of the primary sides effects I've been experiencing is "brain fog" (whether real or imagined I'm still trying to determine...) Is it possible that the side effects could because by things other than DHT inhibition? I've read that finasteride can inhibit enzymes other than DHT, things that impact cognition, etc.

Even if .2mg inhibits nearly the same amount of DHT as 1mg, couldn't it be possible that the a lower dosage may reduce sides IF those sides are UNRELATED to the DHT inhibition?

 

[SayifDoit]

I get the feeling why you haven't experienced significant hair growth or gained anymore ground is because your hair loss is so aggressive, I mean you haven't showed any pictures but being a NW3.5 at 20 and you've been on propecia for 3.5 years, triggers alarm bells. I guess now you are simply maintaining, It won't last forever and when that day comes you may have to get on dutasteride. Definetly do not lower the dosage, unless you want to risk loads of ground. If the sides really are effecting you, think would you rather be bald or have hair but live with the sides? Your choice. Would like an image of your hair loss.

 

[CRMagico]

Sorry SayIfDoit I've only been on Propecia for 13 months not 3 years! I'll try and get some photo's and attach them

 

[xRedStaRx]

IIRC, you made another post which contained the suggestion to drop to EOD or to drop the dosage at .6mg and that could "reduce the amount of AR-5 in brain tissue", thereby reducing sides. Why the reversal here?

I've been looking into this issue, because one of the primary sides effects I've been experiencing is "brain fog" (whether real or imagined I'm still trying to determine...) Is it possible that the side effects could because by things other than DHT inhibition? I've read that finasteride can inhibit enzymes other than DHT, things that impact cognition, etc.

Even if .2mg inhibits nearly the same amount of DHT as 1mg, couldn't it be possible that the a lower dosage may reduce sides IF those sides are UNRELATED to the DHT inhibition?

His problem is sexual, not mental.

I do not know the inhibition curve of 5-AR enzymes inside brain tissue from finasteride doses, but I'm assuming they are not the same as serum DHT inhibition curves. Only way to find out is to try lower doses and/frequencies, while keeping your hair.

 

[SayifDoit]

Yeah that was mistype hah.
I don't know why I said 3.5 years, but yes hopefully you are at-least maintaining or just slowing it to a snails pace.
I look forward to the images!