I just recently quit taking finasteride due to experiencing some sexual side effects that did not decrease when trying a smaller dose. My doctor advised me to stop finasteride for six months to see if my sexual symptoms improved. I took my last pill a month ago.
I was on finasteride from age 24 to 27, and, while not improving my hair loss, it at least kept further loss from occurring. I’m starting to feel anxious about the catch-up hair loss that could come within the next few months. Would minoxidil help prevent this catch-up loss from occurring, or is it more or less inevitable?
Finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) works in different ways. Rogaine will not necessarily stop catch up hair loss that sometimes occurs after stopping Propecia.
There is no cure for genetic hair loss in men (Male Pattern Balding). These medications (and even surgery) help address the balding. Medications can postpone the hair loss to varying degrees in individuals and each individual has different results and experiences with Propecia / Rogain / and any medication for that matter.