Drugs – Page 204 – Balding Blog

July 7, 2008

Propecia and Male Breast Cancer – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dr. Rassman,

I have read all the relavent posts on this topic. From what I can see, it wouldn’t appear that there is a significant interaction between finasteride and breast cancer – partcularly when one takes into account that out of the 4 men in the 3047 sample, they were probably not the only ones with close relatives who had breast cancer. Add to this, the fact that this study was based on 5 times the finasteride dose of propecia and I am tempted to think it may not be an issue.

I’m not sure if you can comment on this but i don’t think that I will be carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes for susceptability considering that there is not a strong family history of the disease and My Mum has told me that her type of breast cancer was not genestically linked (’estrogen receptive’).

Considering all these points and the benefits I feel propecia will bring to me, I think that I will be proceeding with the drug. I am meeting with my trichologist in a few weeks so I will discuss the issues with them. I will probably follow this up with a doctors consultation afterwards but I can’t be sure that will provide me with much re-assurance.

This is currently the only issue stopping me taking the drug at present. I was rather happy to read the latest news about propecia and prostate cancer in this news link and others like it (ref; – CancerConsultants.com)

If I decide to take the drug I’ll check back on the blog every now and again and follow news reports to keep abreast of any new developments in this area. Then, should there be an issue, one can take appropriate action.

Thank you for reading. In your opinion, do you think I am approaching this from the right angle? Is my thinking sensible?

Many thanks for your time

If there were any statistical information linking breast cancer with Propecia (finasteride 1mg), I would think that it would have already come forward in our information-heavy society. You know the theory of safety in numbers? With over a million men on Propecia for almost a decade now, any reasonable connection with male breast cancer would be public by now.

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July 3, 2008

My Increased Sex Drive From Propecia Is Destroying My Social Life!!! – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

Hi Doc! this is an excellent site and I am a regular visitor. I really require your professional help as regards to Propecia and increased sex drive. I have searched through your site but couldn’t find an answer suitable for my situation.

I am a 25 year old male and been on Propecia for 2 years, 5% Rogaine Foam and Procerin for 6 months. It has stopped/slowed my hair loss without any noticeable hair growth. My problem is these drugs have increased my sex drive, so much so that I have to regularly masturbate which is destroying my social life, sometimes 6 times a day.

My question is maybe Propecia has increased my sex drive as research has shown that to be possible. I only noticed a high sex drive after starting Propecia, at first it was good, but to be honest with you it is destroying my social life. Would it be advisable to increase my dosage of Propecia to 2 tablets each day (2mg) or move to Proscar 5mg, or even move to 0.5 Avodart? As they have been shown to block more DHT and in order will lower sexual urges?

Dr. I am really confused and my high sex drive is making me depressed and constant masturbation to fulfill my sexual urges is making life a nightmare. I don’t speak to anyone about this because I feel ashamed and I am extremely shy when it comes to discussing these matters.

Sorry for the long message, and I look forward to reply and valuable advice.

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I suppose too much of anything can be a bad thing to some people. In our experience, a high sex drive is a common side effect of Propecia (more than a low sex drive), but a high sex drive is a very common “problem” for young men in their 20’s as well, medication or not. I once heard 99% of men masturbate and the other 1% lie. There is nothing wrong with a healthy sex drive.

Would increasing the finasteride dosage lower your sex drive? Doubtful. When the decreased sex drive is seen, a higher dose of the medication tends to make it worse. I do not have experience with increasing the dose in those who report an increased sex drive from the drug. You shouldn’t assume that Propecia (finasteride 1mg) is causing your problem and see a doctor if it is bothersome. Speak with your doctor about what to do about this. Are there other (non-sexual) hobbies you can focus on?

July 3, 2008

Nizoral (Ketoconazole) and Minoxidil – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Hi Dr Rassman,

If one was to take the information on this article below which you have probably read and any of the other articles online in reference to ketoconazole and hairloss would you consider the following? Nizoral (PDF file)

Compounding minoxidil and ketoconazole? I have seen solutions being compounded of 5-6% minoxidil and 0.3% ketoconazole. Or using a product like extina?

Keep up the good work

I read the article with interest, but I don’t really have any comments on it. The study mentions, “The clinical significance of the results awaits further controlled study in a larger group of subjects.” — and I agree with that comment. If someone will produce good data that shows us that when put together in the concentrations proposed is safe and effective, I would vote for it.

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July 2, 2008

Hair Transplant and Cigarettes – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

On June 2nd i had my procedure done, a total of 3000 grafts divided between the frontal area and back. My question is after day 14 i started to use minoxidil, and every time i use it and rub it into the scalp a large amount of hair falls out into my hand as i am rubbing it in. Is this normal? Can the minoxidil be doing more harm than good?

The other question i have is the fact that i am a smoker has me worried sick that the grafts will not grow because of this. My doctor never asked me if i was a smoker, or warned me not to smoke because it may harm grafts. However after doing some research it seems like i should have stopped prior to surgery and at least 10 days after, is this true? I am now 3 weeks post op and trying to quit, i definatly have cut down, is it to late?

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If rubbing minoxidil on your transplants causes hair to fall out, stop the rubbing process. Although it is usually safe to use minoxidil two weeks after a hair transplant, in your case it may not be good. Minoxidil is a known irritant in some people.

With regard to smoking and transplants, it is thought that there is a connection between hair growth from transplants being less for smokers than for non-smokers. The scientific evidence on this is not substantially strong, however. I do have patients that refused to cease their nicotine habit before or after their procedures and the results still turned out great. I’m certainly not suggesting you continue on with smoking as normal though (not to be preachy, but quitting should be something to consider with or without a hair transplant).

July 2, 2008

Doctor Won’t Prescribe 18 Year Old Propecia – Balding Blog

I recently turned eighteen years old and have noticed a recession of my hairline in the corner’s of my hairline. My grandfather’s father and father both have hair loss and my mother’s father as well, though not as significant.

I recently went to see a doctor(after a long wait, grr) and he wouldn’t give me a prescription for Propecia because of the effects on hormone’s for someone my age. But as I recall, reading through this site, Propecia ought to be most effective for someone my age.

He referred me to a dermatologist, whom is booking for November(my god, about 5-6 months…).

My question is ‘What are the effects on the hormone’s on someone my age taking Propecia and is it worth the successful hair regrowth which should come from someone my age?’

Thank you.

It is not unreasonable for an 18 year old with proven genetic hair loss to take Propecia (finasteride 1mg). You’re likely past the age of puberty, so I don’t understand what problems your doctor has with the medication. Propecia does work best when the genetic hair loss is caught early.

To prove that you have genetic hair loss (and not just a maturing hairline), then you should get your hair mapped out to see if there is any substantial miniaturization behind the mature hairline, and if so, then this drug will be effective and generally indicated. Your doctor will make the final determination on prescribing you this medication, however. Also, you might consider asking your doctor to refer you to a different dermatologist — one that doesn’t have you waiting half a year to see him.

July 2, 2008

I’m Using Androgel for My Low Testosterone Levels — Will This Increase My DHT? – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Dr. Rassman,
My family doctor did a blood test and it revealed I had low Testosterone Levels. He prescribed Androgel and I apply this daily. My question is will this increase my DHT/hairloss? Thank you.

Possibly yes, and I suspect that it should not make a difference with regard to hair loss if you are taking finasteride (Propecia), because of the competitive inhibition that occurs at the site where the enzyme is made that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

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July 2, 2008

Minoxidil, Vitamins, and Shampoo for $3000?! – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

I purchased a package where it contains solutions such as minoxidil 5%, shampoos, scalp cleanser, conditioner and vitamins. Along with that comes a once a month hair spa as well. Total of $3000.00. I have canceled and requested a full refund because i believe i can purchase these solutions elsewhere. I can do all this at home, with out that hair spa which i dont think is a big deal for A LOT less. Your opinion, did i do the right thing? The main thing here is the minoxidil 5%. The others are vitamins/herbs,etc where i still can purchase elsewhere such as rite aid, etc. Am i correct????

It sounds like you made a good decision. I am careful about my pennies as well. The minoxidil is FDA approved to treat hair loss, and is proven to work in some men. Although I don’t know which vitamins and scalp cleansers were included in your $3000 package, I know that none of them will regrow your hair like minoxidil or finasteride.

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July 2, 2008

Rogaine and Pregnancy – Hair Loss Information by Dr. William Rassman

Me & my husband have been using Rogaine 2% & 5% for about 5 yrs now, my question is when do I need to stop the Rogain before I get pregnant? How about my husband?

Your husband does not have to stop taking Rogaine (minoxidil), as there should be no impact on the pregnancy. As for you, that is a conversation you should have with your obstetrician. I generally do not like any pregnant woman to take any drug, but this is a decision between you and your doctor. See DrugSafetySite.com for more.

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July 1, 2008

Early Stage Hair Loss (with Photo) – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

I thought I’d send you the picture of my current hair situation for use on your Blog because it’s hard to find pictures of men who are truly in the early stages of balding. And not just a maturing hairline or are in the more advanced stages. It’s also hard to find any good pictures on the internet because of camera quality, lighting and such.

This is a picture of me three and a half months ago when I went to Dr. Bernstein for a consult. He put me on Proscar and said to comeback in a year.

So far, I’m starting to see small hairs growing out above my temples in the 1/2″ area of my hair above my temples that I lost about two and a half years or so ago when I was 22. This loss caused a more pronounced widows peak and moved me from a NW2 to a NW3. You can also clearly see the thinning in the anterior mid-scalp. I’m not sure when this started because I used to use gel and leave my hair wet which made the loss undectable. But you can better explain what is going on in this picture, so I’ll let you do it. Do you normally see a good response from Proscar with this type of thinning? Thanks for all the great help this Blog offers!

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Thank you for allowing me to publish your photo. Click it to enlarge.

It is difficult to assess your hair loss from the photo you provided, but if Dr Robert Bernstein found miniaturization during an in-person exam, then it is there. Since your hair loss is quite early, finasteride should do wonders for you. I should note, however, that if you were prescribed Proscar (finasteride 5mg), you are only to take 1/4 tablet a day to treat your hair loss. After a year on finasteride, another miniaturization exam will show whether the medication was beneficial for you in halting your hair loss. I suspect that it will be.

July 1, 2008

Heart Palpitations and Minoxidil – Hair Loss Information – Balding Blog

If minoxidil causes heart palpitations, would stopping it stop the heart palpitations, or would they persist for a while after stopping the drug?

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Minoxidil can cause heart palpitations, but palpitations can occur even when people are not on minoxidil, and this may be a sign of a heart problem. If, after stopping the minoxidil, you continue to have these palpitations, see your doctor.