Proscar(0.625mg) Wk 1 - Seeking Your (+/-) Experience

[amff]

Hi Everyone -

I am a 28 year old male who has never taken any medication in my life, and in good shape. I noticed crown hair thinning in 2008, and read a lot about Minoxidil and Finasteride, but took a while before starting either. I have been using Minoxidil 5% for 17 months - saw results, but then took a break last year and had extreme shedding so started back again for the past 7 months.

After having an unfilled prescription finally started taking 1.25mg of Merck Proscar per day yesterday. I took so long to fill the script because I was terrified of the side effects. Hoping to hear people's realistic experiences with 1.25mg per day and the timeline of expected side effects if any. As well as the results you seen or problems you have experienced.

Considering switching to 0.675mg per day to minimize potential effects as 1mg is recommended for male pattern baldness and I am still taking Saw Palmetto and minoxidil and very early in hair thinning.

Looking for honest and open responses.

Thanks in advance!

amff

 

[Wuffer]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Hey man,

There have been a number of people posting similar threads to this. Unfortunately, the responses you get here will be biased, and the user base here does not represent the experience general population.

I am a person that believes Propecia is safe. There are many others that agree with me, and others that do not. You will read a ton of opinions about this drug. Just be sure that when you read something from an individual on this message board, that you can confirm what they are saying is true. If you can not confirm what they are saying, then you can not take it as advice.

Your best place for advice about this medication is your doctor.


If my personal experience will help you make a decision, here are the answers to my questions:

1. I've been on it for just over 3 months

2. I experienced testicular pain about 3 weeks after starting.

3. This side effect went away in a couple days, and has not returned.

4. There is raging debate about whether side effects are reversible or not. Studies conclude that they are. Many individuals claim that they are not.

5. I've gone from a NW3 to a NW2 in 3 months. Fantastic growth, I am very happy with the results.


My best advice for someone in your situation is to take your medication and forget about it. I wouldn't recommend visiting these forums and reading about side effects; this will only cause you to worry. Take a picture of your hair right now, then check every 3 or so months for your progress. Other than that, forget about it and go live your life! Finasteride is the best current treatment for hair loss.

Good luck!

 

[mashang]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

agreed with above...
i have been on finasteride since June 2010 @ 0.5mg, and Jan 2011 @ 1mg (full dose)
and the reason for the half dose was that i was also scared of taking it ,
but apart from the testicular pain that subsided 3 weeks or so in, i have nothing negative to report ....

As for hair, would like more growth , but you can have it all i guess

 

[Wuffer]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Monty posts a really good example of what I said in my first reply. His post is very strongly worded and emotionally charged, but doesn't contain any information that you can use to make your own decision. Again, you need to be able to confirm that what these people tell you is truth. He tries to get his point across with statements like: "they both f***ed me up". This is certainly a scary statement, but it simply doesn't contain any substance.

Also Monty, the fact that you were on it for 7 years is moot. It doesn't make your experience any more or less significant than mine or mashang's. You are saying your opinion holds more ground than 7 people who have been on for a year each?

This is the reason that you can't go by what people tell you on a message board. You need to examine the facts. If you experience difficulty sorting these facts out on your own, turn to your doctor, or another medical professional that can better help you make the decision. All of us hold a bias when it comes to Finasteride; even me. You can't base your decision on the opinion of a bunch of biased people.

 

[mashang]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

, strong words....

listen i am not going to state that finasteride is safe and i not going to state that its un safe either... i have merely sharing my experiences with some one who has asked for them,

 

[Wuffer]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Absolutely finfighter, the guy deserves to see both sides of the coin. I have to contantly say this, but i'm not trying to come out as an antagonist here, I just want to make sure the guy is making his decision based on facts. It's up to him to decide if your studies are conclusive or relevant enough.

I know you have posted these studies in other threads, so please just post a link to them instead of pasting them directly in this thread (they take up a LOT of real-estate in threads when they are all posted at once)

 

[Mens Rea]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Your best place for advice about this medication is your doctor.

Terrible advice. Most doctors don't even know what the 5ARII enzyme that finasteride inhibits is or how finasteride works.....

Research if yourself and make your own decisions. It's unlikely that your Doctor is a special example of someone that is especially well read up on finasteride. It just isn't likely.

4. There is raging debate about whether side effects are reversible or not. Studies conclude that they are. Many individuals claim that they are not.

The individuals that claim they are not (several thousand, at least) are speaking from personal experience. That's more than a "claim" really; it's their experience.

5. I've gone from a NW3 to a NW2 in 3 months. Fantastic growth, I am very happy with the results.

Yep. It's a potent drug and it works well for many. It supresses a natural androgen in the male body which can slow down or even stop hair loss.

You are reducing the DHT not only in your hair follicles but also everywhere else (mainly, your prostrate).

Potent drug which is why many guys are willing to take it.

Finasteride is the best current treatment for hair loss.

Good luck!

True and not true. Dutasteride is but its even more dangerous.

But yes, these drugs are the best drugs out there currently for hairloss. It's a little bit sad i guess and im sure in 40 years people will look back and think how crazy it was that men had to take a drug that messed with their important sex hormones to stop hair loss.

I prefer topical anti-androgens i think they have the future over the next 10 years until follicle cloning is successfully implemented.

All in all, its your choice. You'll probably be one of the majority who dont have any intolerable effects. My only qualm is finasteride is still a relatively new drug, 3 months is NOTHING. I took it for 6 months years ago without any issues. I then took it another year before realising i was heading for trouble.

Since finasteride is a long term comittment you are deciding to take a drug for potentially 20, 30, 50 years. When you get older your endoctrine system mightn't handle the lower DHT levels anymore esp when your testostone levels begin to drop naturally and your estrogen levels increase naturally. I predict another huge wave of problems from finasteride users in 10-15 years.


Again, it's easy for me to get off on a rant. I am biased but not completely unobjective either. I wouldn't take it if i was starting out again but that's easy for me to say.

If you want to take finasteride, go for it. It is unlikely you'll be like some of us who had persistent sides. Most people who had sides can drop it and be okay. Get bloods taken before you start. I know you think this sounds OTT but beleive me - i wish i did. It's your security blanket.

 

[Mens Rea]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

5AR2 is also found in the human spinal cord

Yes, this is true. This is why i mentioned a potential risk for longer term users.

I believe it was Dr Jacobs who was looking into the possibility of spinal cord damage due to this and the potential for the brain's messages not being fully transmitted down the spinal cord. Obviously speculation but such problems would almost surely be permanent.


You also mention how finasteride works. The allopregnanolone synthesis issues is a huge one for instance.

Let's be honest, it's a clumbsy drug that wasn't even made for hair loss. It does stop hair loss for many but to suggest its a universally safe drug is outrageous considering how it works and the problems some unfortunate people have had with it.


And just for the record. Most of propeciahelp seem to have screwed up adrenals and thyroids as a result of finasteride. It might start with the basic sex hormones such as DHT, Estrogen and Tesosterone but unnatural inhibition can cause a hormonal roller coaster in some unfortunatel people.


MAKE SURE TO GET BLOODS BEFORE EVEN LOOKING AT FINASTERIDE.

 

[1750]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

amff -

I too suffered some pretty serious side effects that were ongoing for a period of time.
I have about a centimeter of tissue under each nipple brought about from finasteride despite taking a number of aromatose inhibitors in conjunction with finasteride to try and counter it's effects. But it's a powerful drug..

finasteride worked really well for me with my hairloss... after a big shed my hair came back better than ever, no more male pattern baldness itch and not a single hair falling out during washing....unfortunately finasteride also gave me brain fog, mild depression, erectile dysfunction and gyno.

After a period of time off the drug my hormones eventually returned to a state of normality... but it did take a while.

that said... I still really wish I could use it for my hairloss as it worked..

My advice -
go see an endocrinologist or doctor who has some idea about the way hormones work and the correct tests to be undertaken.

Get some baseline levels of your hormones while not taking finasteride.
Then.. under the supervision of your doctor give it a go on a low dose (.25mg) for a period and check out the affects it's having on you.. also note how your general health is.

reality is... if you do give finasteride a go... you're also the one who must decide if you think it's of benefit to you or not...

 

[amff]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Hi Everyone -

Really appreciate the feedback, but would ask that you respect the questions I asked. My parents are both physicans and I am a highly educated individual myself so I don't need to know about studies with rats, etc . . . I understand you do not support finasteride so leave it at that.

I am really curious on the experiences to the questions I asked.

Finfighter - thanks for your multiple posts, but please stop multiple posting.

Warm regards,

amff

 

[Mens Rea]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Hi Everyone -



1. How long have you been on the medication?

I took it for 6 months then stopped. Mild tecticular ache only. I then took it again for 13 months before stopping due to lowered libido.


2. What side effects did you experience?

Initially just a little less libido. Then erections took more stimulation.

Watery semen
Prostrate Pain
Penis pain, shrinkage and tissue change

Screwed up hormonal profile - skyhigh estrogen.

3. How long does it take for expected side effects to subside if you had them?

Got worse after cessation. Slow decline from when i started getting the sides originally.

Still have them but trying to treat it now with different drugs. Been off drug over a year.


5. Results of the medication (ie - hair growth)

Didn't help my hair at all.

amff

 

[Wuffer]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

amff, I’m happy to hear you have decided to look at things objectively.

It's commonplace for particular individuals to swarm on people looking for advice, pasting pages of studies (even though I politely asked to simply post a link to them, apparently in an attempt to aggravate me). There is some really good unbiased advice available here, and I hope others will provide some more useful feedback on their experiences as well.

 

[amff]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Hi 1750 -

Thanks for your post.

I have a couple of questions for you:

1. If you don't mind me asking - how old were you when you started taking the drug?

2. When did the breast tissue start to develop? Has it gone back completely now or no?

3. How long were you on finasteride? What dosage?

Everyone else - as the standard dosage is 1mg / day and I am starting 1.25mg per day as it is 1/4 of the 5mg Proscar Tablet - should I try Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday - every other day - I have read this can be effective and minimize side effects.

Further information:- I am in good health - I had bloodwork done a year ago.
- I have a requisition from my family Doctor to get another blood test which I think I will do.

Really appreciate the support and further help . . .

amff

 

[amff]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Mens Rea - thank-you for your response - appreciate it and am sorry to hear the problems you have had. What was the dosage that you were taking? Were you on other medications? If you don't mind me asking how old are you? What drugs have you taken to try to reverse the affects? Again, I appreciate your comments here.

Finfighter - you made me smile with your polar opposite response. I hope you understand and appreciate that I do respect and appreciate your viewpoint, I just found the multiple posts a bit overwhelming. How long were you on the drug for? What dosage? What problems still exist for you? How old are you? I appreciate your comments as well.

amff

 

[Mens Rea]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Mens Rea - thank-you for your response - appreciate it and am sorry to hear the problems you have had. What was the dosage that you were taking? Were you on other medications? If you don't mind me asking how old are you? What drugs have you taken to try to reverse the affects? Again, I appreciate your comments here.

Im currently 25.

Tried finasteride originally when i was 21 or 22 i think and then again 23.

I was taking 1mg daily. No other medication whatsoever and i was otherwise 100% healthy.

I'm currently taking arimidex to manage my estrogen. I've taken lots of supplements like zinc, vitamin d3 , DIM etc but none of those did much.

Cialis helps my erections but obviously im trying to fix my hormonal imbalance to fix this naturally.

 

[amff]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

Wuffer - really appreciate your positivity. What is the dosage that you are on? What is your opinion / discussion with others regarding 1.25mg / day or 1.25mg every other day - thoughts?

 

[amff]

Re: Terrified of Finasteride Proscar (1.25mg) Side Effects . . .

[/quote]

Im currently 25.

Tried finasteride originally when i was 21 or 22 i think and then again 23.

I was taking 1mg daily. No other medication whatsoever and i was otherwise 100% healthy.

I'm currently taking arimidex to manage my estrogen. I've taken lots of supplements like zinc, vitamin d3 , DIM etc but none of those did much.

Cialis helps my erections but obviously im trying to fix my hormonal imbalance to fix this naturally.[/quote]


Mens Rea - so what were the steps and timelines that you noticed the changes. I am sorry to hear about the challenges you have faced and can only hope that I really do not have these. Wondering if the 1.25mg is going to make a significant difference in terms of effects. Personally I am not yet even on the Norwood Scale and have been using minoxidil 5% for the crown thinning on my head. It's amazing to think that 1mg of a drug can cause so many problems when 1mg is really so so small of a dosage. I can't imagine what men who take Proscar 5mg for their prostate problems face. Did your doctor have any other follow-up? I am not trying to dissect this too much, but am sorry to hear your experience.

amff

 

[Wuffer]

Re: Just started finasteride 1.25mg . . . Seeking experiences. .

amff,

I try my best to keep posts like these at a level playing field so that people can make the best decisions. There is a lot of information out there about finasteride, and it is certainly not without its risks. Taking any medication requires careful consideration, as I’m sure your parents have taught you!

I have been taking 1.25mg/day since January 1st this year. Honestly, I’m not the best one to ask about taking it every other day, as I have never had a reason to do this. I have read people reporting that doing this, or taking a smaller dose daily (0.5mg propecia, 0.625mg proscar) has resulted in less side effects. However, I haven't personally seen any studies that prove it has actually helped, or if it simply relieving psychosomatic symptoms in a number of users. Finasteride works on a flat dose response, and maintains the lowered DHT levels as long as you are at this flat dose. I'm sure some of the others can elaborate on this a bit more eloquently than I can!

I recommend starting on a regular dose, either 1mg or 1.25mg, if you are taking proscar. If you believe you are experiencing side effects, speak with your doctor and he/she may recommend cutting the dose in half to see if side effects cease. It is also worth noting that during clinical trials for Finasteride, roughly 2.0% of user’s experienced sexual side effects at first, but this reduced to 0.3% after 5 years. Side effects generally seem to lessen in intensity with continued treatment, if you experience them at all.

Side effects are a risk, but I don't personally believe persistence is a concern.

 

[amff]

Re: Just started finasteride 1.25mg . . . Seeking experiences. .

Finfighter - wanted to thank-you again for you last response and appreciate your comments. I am 28 years old. I started noticing thinning in the crown area at 26. I extensively researched finasteride and Minoxidil and consulted my family doctor as well as my father who is a family doctor - both of which said they a lot of patients on both and very few negative results. Desipte this, and hearing a whole whack-load of things on the net I was terrified so decided to try Minoxidil which I started in Jan 2009 and used until May 2010 - saw some of my crown fill in, but had a reduction in libido. What I didn't realize was the other changes in my life inbetween - I switched careers, I started my MBA, and was planning a wedding, as well as moved all within the same year - maybe this affected my libido?

Irregardless I was off Minoxidil for 6 months and in September noticed a lot more thinning than ever so started Minoxidil again and have been on it for 7 months again. Because of the increased shedding and thinning I saw my Family Doctor again in January and she did say that the thinning was increased so suggested I see a Dermatologist.

Last Friday I saw both a Dermatologist as well as a Hair Transplant Surgeon. I wanted to opt for a hair transplant to avoid medication and cover the thinning crown. The hair transplant Surgeon said that I was too young, and wanted to ensure that I was at least 35 to see where progression might occur to avoid an "island effect" - he said the front is the main focal point, so until it recesses in the front I had to wait. He suggested Proscar / Propecia and was surprised I hadn't tried it. I explained all of ths side effects and concerns and he said they were minimal. Later on that afternoon, I went to see a Derm and she suggested the same thing which is what made me fill the script after a year of deliberation.

As I am not a fan of medication in general, but am very supportive of Natural Health products I religiously take a Multi-Vitamin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Calcium, Omega-3, Saw Palmetto, Evening Primose Oil. I use Nioxin System 2 Shampoo / Conditioner and also use Nizoral 2-3x per week.

Appreciate all of the responses but must say I am concerned with some of the things mentioned here - I really don't want them to happen to me but won't know until I try. At the same time, unsure if the 1.25mg will be too much as 1mg is the standard dosage or if I should take 1.25mg every other day.

Wish I could have just had the hair transplant rather than take medication . . . I hate chemicals.

amff

 

[Wuffer]

Re: Just started finasteride 1.25mg . . . Seeking experiences. .

amff, keep in mind that the responses you have seen so far (save the ones from myself and mashang) do not come close to capturing the experience of the general population. Certainly, the negative responses you have seen need to be taken into consideration, but as I mentioned before, the responses you will get here do not represent those of the vast majority. I hope that some others will chime in on their experiences. If you check the 'Success stories' section, you will find hundreds of people with great experiences on this drug.

Finasteride (lets not consider dutasteride for right now) should be the core of your hair loss regimen. It is simply the best treatment we have right now. That being said, take a look in Finfighters signature for some other potential treatments. One of the more notable ones, CB-03-01, is still a few years off. I don't expect you or I to have to be in Finasteride for more than a couple years in light of these new treatments.

I agree with some of what was said. Finasteride can cause a hormonal shift in favor of estrogen. However, in the vast majority of men, this shift is either insignificant or it doesn't cause problems. If it does cause problems for you, simply reduce your dosage (under your doctors guidance) or discontinue treatment.