Category: Drugs

Hi Doctor,

I am a 36 year old male and have been on Proscar (quartered) for 7 months now. I have been getting alot of itching in the front 3rd of my scalp and it seems I am loosing an abnormal amount of hairs, just up front. Could this be a shed?? And do you think they will come back?

It is difficult to answer your question without a complete medical history and exam, including a miniaturization study. Your hair loss may be a normal progress with or without Propecia/Proscar (finasteride). It may actually be less than it would have been if you were not on finasteride. Unfortunately, we will never truly know unless you had your hair loss and miniaturization status documented before starting the drug. If you think that the itching is related to the medication (possible allergy), try stopping it for a week and see if the itching stops. One week off the medication should not be a problem.

Hi Doctor,
I am a 25 yr old man, and when I noticed I was rapidly losing my hair, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Bernstein, who put me on Propecia. I have been happy with the Propecia, as it has at least halted my hair loss with no side effects.

However, when I went to give blood today, I noticed that I was not allowed to, as Propecia was on the list of medications that would disallow me from giving blood. I was wondering if this will always be the case, i.e. as long as you are on Propecia you simply cannot give blood. This would actually be pretty devestating to me, since I have given blood at least once per year since college and I consider it one of the most meaningful and important things someone can do for society. And if I remain on Propecia for the rest of my life, would that for certain mean I wouldn’t be able to give blood for the rest of my life?

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

Yes, it is true that patients taking Propecia cannot donate blood for the very small risk that it may be given to a female patient who is pregnant. It is the same reason why Propecia is not approved for women (and especially so for pregnant women). It is unfortunate, but it is a choice of priority in the end. I commend you on your altruism.

Hi Dr Rassman, I find your site very interesting and helpful. After living in denial for six months I have finally conceded that the balding process has begun and have started taking propecia. I have only been on the drug for a week however I am already noticing sensitive nipples.

I am much too concerned about losing my hair to be bothered by very mild occasional pain, however developing gyno is something that really worries me, especially as i already have a very slight case of it from puperty (despite the fact that I am fit and slim). I plan on speaking to my doctor about this, but I would like to know from your experience, does sensitive nipples always turn into gyno? Would I be premature in halting the medication based on this alone? Is there a chance that it could simply go away as my body adapts to the drug, or even if it continues not necessarily mean I will develop gyno?

Thanks for your time.

Yes, it is possible for sensitive nipples to develop into gynecomastia. I would try stopping it (you are early in the process) and see if the sensitivity goes away. Certainly checking with your doctor is important. Breast enlargement or nodules can occur with Propecia, but it is relatively rare (about 1 in 300-500 cases).

Dear Doctor I was just wondering : isn’t there a way you can stop/reverse hair loss without affecting DHT serum levels? I was on propecia for a short time and, due to sides, had to quit. My dermatologist explained that since propecia lowers your body’s dht levels it may also cause side effects in some people. He also said I could try a topical formulation of spironolactone and progesterone. Have you had any experience with those two products in your practice?

Alternatively what medication would you put me on ?(I am a NW 2-3V ; 30 years old) Should I just wait for new powerful medications to come out,but in this case how long before something new and possibly revolutionary appears? thanks in advance for your help

DHT is one of the causes for male pattern hair loss (androgenic hair loss). Drugs such as Propecia (finasteride 1mg) and minoxidil are the only medications scientifically proven and approved by the FDA for the treatment for male pattern hair loss. Drugs such as spironolactone and progesterone have not been studied extensively or have shown variable response for clinical effectiveness on slowing or reversing hair loss. As such, I do not prescribe those medications in my practice.

You can keep waiting for the next treatment to come out, but there is no telling when the next great drug will be available. Dutasteride is currently in clinical trials for treating hair loss, but I do not know when that will be completed.

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Hi there,

I am a 22-year old sportsman. I am considering Minoxidil, but for me it is VERY important is doesn’t affect my sport (running) at all.

My questions:

1. Is it a drug?
2. Can I have any physical problems such as high heartbeat…
3. If I stop using it will I get even thinner than I was before the cure?

1. Yes, minoxidil is a drug.
2. Minoxidil can drop your blood pressure (that is what it was originally designed for) and as such, it can theoretically produce a higher heart rate if the blood pressure drops from its use.
3. If you start minoxidil and it is effective, the hair will become dependent upon it so, if/when you stop it you will lose the hairs that grew because of it.

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