How many people here are using Finasteride and what is your experience so far?

[Grammaton Cleric]

Well, since I lost my post...



Pretty much.

I realize you are concerned about mental health effects. However, I recommend you read this Q&A with Dr. Bernstein.




Also, a lot of drugs can cause sexual side effects, and generally those effects go away upon discontinuing the medication. What you put in your body is your decision, but just make sure you do so with all of the relevant facts. I can give you an anecdote, my own personal testimony, and say that I am as virile as ever (can't get enough), but I'll give you something far better.

http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/research/propecia-causes-no-statistically-significant-change-in-sexual-function-says-2004-tosti-study/

http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/research/research-propecia-sexual-side-effects/

Read this as well,

http://www.bernsteinmedical.com/answers/are-propecia-side-effects-irreversible/

The matter of persistent sexual side effects is one that will require further study, but up to here, finasteride has an excellent safety profile. As a 26 year old man (my birthday was just a few days ago) I am as concerned about my sexual function as you are, and I am more than comfortable taking finasteride. That's just me.

Here's a new study for yah http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25460297

Abstract 5α-reductases, a unique family of enzymes with a wide host of substrates and tissue distributions, play a key role in the metabolism of androgens, progestins, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. These enzymes are the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of a host of neurosteroids, which are critical for central nervous system function. Androgens and glucocorticoids modulate mitochondrial function, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism and energy balance. Thus, the inhibition of these regulatory enzymes results in an imbalance in steroid metabolism and clearance rates, which leads to altered physiological processes. In this report, we advance the hypothesis that inhibition of 5α-reductases by finasteride and dutasteride alters not only steroid metabolism but also interferes with the downstream actions and signaling of these hormones. We suggest that finasteride and dutasteride inhibit 5α-reductase activities and reduce the clearance of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, potentiating insulin resistance, diabetes and vascular disease.

[ParanoiaDestroya]

Anyway, I always tell people to talk to their doctor and decide with them if finasteride is a viable route in their case. I tend to avoid looking at fanatical internet forum posts. I stick to the study data and to the opinions of medical experts - people like Bernstein.

[Vincent777]

Edit

I am sorry, did you mean I should edit my last post because it's irrelevant or you edited something?

Actually just watched few interviews with Dr Hilary Jones and he sounds quite professional, it's just that this article came out first and I thought oh no, not another Dr. Oz type.

Thanks for the last post and advice, I appreciate it.

[Vincent777]

Here's a new study for yah http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25460297

Abstract 5α-reductases, a unique family of enzymes with a wide host of substrates and tissue distributions, play a key role in the metabolism of androgens, progestins, mineralocorticoids and glucocorticoids. These enzymes are the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of a host of neurosteroids, which are critical for central nervous system function. Androgens and glucocorticoids modulate mitochondrial function, carbohydrate, protein and lipid metabolism and energy balance. Thus, the inhibition of these regulatory enzymes results in an imbalance in steroid metabolism and clearance rates, which leads to altered physiological processes. In this report, we advance the hypothesis that inhibition of 5α-reductases by finasteride and dutasteride alters not only steroid metabolism but also interferes with the downstream actions and signaling of these hormones. We suggest that finasteride and dutasteride inhibit 5α-reductase activities and reduce the clearance of glucocorticoids and mineralocorticoids, potentiating insulin resistance, diabetes and vascular disease.

Very interesting, thank you for this. Much appreciated!

[Artista]

Hi Vincent777 !
Ive been on 1mg Finasteride per day (generic Dr Reddys) for just over 1 year and 6months.
Aug. 2015 with be my 2nd year on it!
It has done very well for my hair ,realistically speaking.
If I were not satisfied with it I would have stopped taking it long ago.
Ive had NO major side effects (lessening of my ejaculate but THAT'S ALL)
Its AOK

[Soxfaninfl]

March 2015 will be the three year mark that I've been on Finasteride. I've had great results because I got on it 2 weeks after I noticed my hairloss begin. You can't tell I was losing hair. Almost 3 years agio. I've had no side effects at all. My only regret was that I wasted money taking the brand name for 2 years. I made the switch to generic Proscar in March of 2014 and quarter the 5mg pills.

[mariechin1234]

You should check with your doctor immediately if any of these side effects occur when taking finasteride:

More common
Chills
cold sweats
confusion
dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

Less common
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
breast enlargement and tenderness
hives or welts
itchy skin
rapid weight gain
redness of the skin
skin rash
swelling of the lips and face
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual weight gain or loss

[flappytom]

Never had the balls to pull the triger, to use oral propecia, i didnt have sides with drLee 0.1% fina minox. Im lookimg mostly for Maintenance plus ht.

[Illusion]

I can see why people think that starting propecia is a big thing, almost like a hurdle. However, the truth is that finasteride is a well-tolerated drug. Lot's of people use it with minor to no side effects. However, the internet magnifies the bad things in particular, as can be seen on propeciahelp.

I'm always glad to see people post their long-term succes with finasteride on forums. However, I rarely see those posts (anymore). It's not surprising though; why visit a hair loss forum when the medication you're taking is working just fine for you? You should keep this in mind when you get scared at first by the finasteride horror stories.

[cantstopwontstop]

If you think about it, the only people who talk about finastride are usually the few who have had unfortunate sides. Gives it such a bad rep... Luckily, this forum is full of helpful individuals willing to share their positive experiences. Iv been on it for almost 2 years and started at 18. No noticable sides thus far. Easy to use and really the best option as of right now. If maintaining hair is important, go for it. Like many have said fin works best to hault or slow MPB not much regrowth however it is possible.

[RanDave]

Thank you. I'm afraid it isn't like that anymore, I've cut it short this summer. Thank you for sharing your experience.

As far as I can see on the site they sell Merck's Propecia.

http://www.healthexpress.co.uk/hairloss_info.html

Thank you for the link. Merck's Propecia is a brand and it should be expensive. I take its generic version that is less expensive.

[decarjos]

Ok, so my hair is thinning pretty badly and I am seriously considering to start taking Propecia but the horror stories on the net are really freaking me out.

How many people on this forum have been using finasteride and could you please share your experience with it and if you had any side effects?

I was considering doing my hormonal blood tests and start taking 0.5 or 0.25 mg of Propecia per day for a month or three and do my blood test again to compare.

Thank you in advance bros!

I've been on Finesteride (1.25 mg/day) and Minoxidil (Rogaine) for 7 months now. I've had legit regrowth and zero side effects. All together, it's like $20/mo. Real no-brainer. Check it:

https://www.baldtruthtalk.com/showthread.php?18544-Minoxidil-Finesteride

My doctor prescribed it - no blood tests, no warnings of side effects. I don't know about you, but I'd trust an actual doctor over "the internet" any day. My suspicion is that substantial side effects are either placebo, or extremely rare like an adverse reaction to a vaccine - literally 1 in a million. I mean, just go in for your annual physical, which with most health insurance is fully covered, and casually ask your doctor. It's painless, and he/she will know more than any forum or YouTube video out there. And keep in mind these are the only two things that are actually backed with science and clinical studies for hair loss treatment. You can find anything on the internet. I wouldn't be too worried.

[Notcoolanymore]

I don't know about you, but I'd trust an actual doctor over "the internet" any day. My suspicion is that substantial side effects are either placebo, or extremely rare like an adverse reaction to a vaccine - literally 1 in a million.

I agree 100%.

And I checked out your thread...One of the best transplants I have seen.

[decarjos]

I agree 100%.

And I checked out your thread...One of the best transplants I have seen.

I do not have any transplants. Ha not sure why but you are the second guy to assume that... I have only used the fin and minox, no transplants. That's it.

[Notcoolanymore]

I do not have any transplants. Ha not sure why but you are the second guy to assume that... I have only used the fin and minox, no transplants. That's it.

Sorry, that was a joke. I read the transplant comment in your other thread and though it was funny so decided to pile on. Any way, your results look pretty damn good. Hope you have continued success.