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Study on topical finasteride with minimal sexual side effects reported

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26636418

2016 Jan;54(1):19-27. doi: 10.5414/CP202467.

Effects of a novel finasteride 0.25% topical solution on scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone in healthy men with androgenetic alopecia.

Caserini M, Radicioni M, Leuratti C, Terragni E, Iorizzo M, Palmieri R.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

The effects on scalp and serum dihydrotestosterone (DHT) of different doses of a novel topical solution of 0.25% finasteride (P-3074), a type 2 5?-reductase, were investigated in men with androgenetic alopecia.

METHODS:

Two randomized, parallel-group studies were conducted. Study I: 18 men received 1 mL (2.275 mg) P-3074, applied to the scalp once a day (o.d.) or twice a day (b.i.d), or 1 mg oral tablet o.d. for 1 week. Study II: 32 men received P-3074 at the dose of 100 (0.2275 mg), 200 (0.455 mg), 300 (0.6285 mg), or 400 (0.91 mg) ?L or the vehicle o.d. for 1 week. Scalp and serum DHT and serum testosterone were evaluated at baseline and treatment end.

RESULTS:

Change from baseline in scalp DHT was -70% for P-3074 o.d. and approx. -50% for P-3074 b.i.d. and the tablet. Serum DHT decreased by 60 – 70%. The doses of 100 and 200 ?L P-3074 resulted in a -47/-52% scalp DHT reduction, similar to the 300 and 400 ?L doses (i.e., -37/-54%). A -5.6% inhibition was observed for the vehicle. Serum DHT was reduced by only -24/-26% with 100 and 200 ?L P-3074 and by -44/-48% with 300 and 400 ?L P-3074. No relevant changes occurred for serum testosterone.

CONCLUSIONS:

The novel finasteride 0.25% solution applied o.d. at the doses of 100 and 200 ?L results in an appropriate inhibition of scalp DHT potentially minimizing the untoward sexual side-effects linked to a systemic DHT reduction.


2019-10-01 10:13:12Study on topical finasteride with minimal sexual side effects reported

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Study – Isolated Crown Balding and the Risk of Prostate Cancer

Snippet from the abstract:

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a genetically determined skin condition strongly age dependent and androgens are assumed to play an important role in its development. A link between AGA and prostate cancer has been hypothesized because of their similar risk factors.

We sought to systematically review the evidence available on the association between AGA and risk of prostate cancer.

We searched the electronic databases MEDLINE and Cochrane for studies examining the association between AGA and risk of prostate cancer. We estimated pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals. We also analyzed the OR for individual hair loss patterns, as defined by the Hamilton scale.

Read the rest — Androgenetic alopecia and risk of prostate cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Although many authors have investigated a possible association between androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and prostate cancer, there is not yet a definitive answer. Patients with any pattern genetic balding did not have an increased risk of prostate cancer, but patients with just vertex pattern AGA (crown balding without balding in other areas) had a significantly increased risk of prostate cancer versus control subjects. Vertex pattern AGA may be associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer.

In another publication, there was a higher risk of heart disease in patients with pure crown balding.

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Study – Hair Care in African American Girls

Snippet from the study abstract:

BACKGROUND: Few studies have extensively examined the prevalence of hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair conditions in African American girls.

OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the prevalence of hair care practices and their association with traction alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis (SD), and tinea capitis (TC).

METHODS: A questionnaire was administered to caregivers of African American girls aged 1 to 15 years. Multivariate analyses were performed to determine the association of hair care practices with reported disorders.

Read the rest — Hair care practices and their association with scalp and hair disorders in African American girls.

201 surveys were sent out to caregivers of African American girls aged 1 to 15 years to look for links between traction alopecia, ringworm, and seborrheic dermatitis. Almost all of the respondents used oil/grease in the hair, and a substantial number used ponytails, braids, or cornrows. The results were published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

The study concluded: “Certain hair care practices were strongly associated with development of traction alopecia and SD.” The situation of traction alopecia in women of African decent is epidemic in Western society. Many, many women have ruined their hair and developed significant balding from the various ways they went about managing their kinky hair.

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Studies on Rat Penis with Finasteride

Would you tell me what you think of this article? https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22375859

I get these types of emails from many patients. I have no idea what they mean except for the rat. There is no evidence that this is a problem in humans who take Finasteride.


2017-06-13 10:17:38Studies on Rat Penis with Finasteride

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Stuck Between Two Doctors’ Opinions On Propecia Side Effects

alcohol

I’m 32 and have been taking Propecia for 1.5 years. I’ve also been having problems with erections and possibly libido. They’ve gotten worse and are causing real problems in my life.

I’m not 100% sure it’s because of the Propecia because for a few yearsbefore I started taking Propecia, I was having some issues with maintaining an erection, though much less severe.

My prescribing doctor, who specializes in hair loss, says it’s very unlikely it’s the Propecia, citing the trials that show ~1% difference from placebo. To try and help the erection issues, he prescribed that I take a half a Viagra before bed every other night for three nights (without following it with sex) to see if that extra physical help might help me overcome a psychological issue. Though the Viagra helped when I took it, it didn’t change anything longer-term.

A little frustrated with this doctor and his dismissiveness towards my concerns, I went to get a second opinion. The second doctor immediately said that I should stop Propecia. He seemed convinced that Propecia was causing it, especially since I’m relatively young. He said the most prudent course of action right now is to immediately discontinue use and he suggested using Rogaine to try and retain
hair.

I’m not sure what to do with the two extreme opinions. I know that sometimes these symptoms can by rooted in psychological causes, especially since I was very nervous about this particular side-effect for years before finally starting Propecia. And I guess I should mention that Propecia seems to be working well with my hair loss.

I’m stuck between two seemingly extreme opinions and was hoping you guys might have some additional information that these two doctors haven’t given me. For example, I’ve read anecdotes about people reducing to 0.5mg and the symptoms improving. Any ideas on what I should look in to?

Thank you guys so much.

I am not the one to break the tie between the two doctors who have different opinions on Propecia and its side effects and how it relates to your issues.

I do know that Propecia can cause sexual side effects in 1 to 2% of the men. I also know men in their 30’s can also have libido and erection problems. It may even be a combination of both. I do not know!

You should see a doctor and have some basic testing such as your testosterone level and consider all your options, make an informed decision on a plan of action, and follow up with that doctor to see how the plan is working.

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Stroke following PRP (article)

This is a disturbing article because it put a new risk for PRP, although very a very remote risk. The doctor may have entered one of the vessels that communicated through the skull into the brain. Although these connections are usually small, we have known that such connections exist. The post-treatment of necrosis also indicates that possibly too much PRP was injected into the scalp, enough to cause the necrosis, again an unusual happening. The stroke may have been related to the use of fat cells in the mixture with the PRP but the connections from the scalp to the brain are clearly known anatomical vessels. Two unusual complications, both rare, suggest that there is more to what happened than just a standard PRP treatment. This was published in the Journal of Neurology and Stroke (Click to enlarge the page)


2020-03-03 08:51:52Stroke following PRP (article)

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Stressed, Thyroid Problems, Male Patterned Balding Class 3, Eyebrow Hair Loss and Possible DUPA Present

With thyroid problems complicating your story, it is hard to tell you what is happening without having a full battery of tests in hand, including an examination of your scalp with a hand microscope. There is no substitute for a one-on-one with a good caring doctor to get control of your situation.


2018-08-15 09:01:06Stressed, Thyroid Problems, Male Patterned Balding Class 3, Eyebrow Hair Loss and Possible DUPA Present

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Stressed 16 Year Old With Thinning Hair

I’m 16 years old, I first noticed my hair loss, probably early this year. I was worried, but not to worried as it wasnt that bad, and I figured it was natural for your hairline to shift. But I went the get my haircut and the guy cutting my hair told me I had “better brace myself for early baldness” that striked me as odd, because, while I knew something was happening with my hair, I didint realize that it was that noticable. I told my parents that I was concerned, but they pretty much brushed it off as me being paranoid. So I thought that maybe that was it for a while… then I noticed how much hair was on my hands everytime I shampoo in the shower, and no matter how long I do it there is always hair on my hands, and then on the towel I use to dry my hair. SO I begain to research on the internet, but I didint find anything that great, except for this site, and maybe a few others, the rest where just sites trying to sell miricle potions. I read up as much as I can on this. mainly the hair on the top and front of my head seems to be the hair that is falling out, and it almost looks like back of my head too, wear I part my hair, but I am un sure. I’ve become so self concious, and scared. I’ve spent many a night, laying awake in bed, almost in tears, trying as hard as I can to fiure out a solution. At first I was just gonna live with it and when I had to, just cut what hair I had left really short, or just shave my head all together, but when I really looked at it, looked at myself, that just wouldnt look good. There are men who can pull off being bald, and look great, but I just cant. I hate going to school and just looking around and seeing all these full heads off hair, and I’m sitting there trying as best I can to cover up my thinning hair. I look at it, and I dont care if I (in a perfect world) lost my hair in my 40’s or 30’s. My father is bald, his father is not, but his grandfather was, and my other grandfather on my mothers side is. I’m just very stressed out, and didnt know where to turn… some days I feel like “eh, just gotta live with it” while others I cant stand to look at myself, and mope around pretty much in tears. right now, I’d love to just get a hair transplant, I know I cant, but I wish I could, because from the things I’ve seen at other transplant websites, the hair is pretty much a natural head of hair, and it looks great. I appologize for this long, drawn out, and horribly put together thing, but while I write this, I’m extremeley stressed out about my hair. Well thanks for this blog, and helping us guys out.

First you need to know that balding can start in the teen years. As I have said many times on this site, you need to get a diagnosis and have your hair mapped out for miniaturization and then you will know if you have just developed a fine hair (natural) or are thinning in the balding sense (many miniaturized hairs will be seen). If you have miniaturization, then you probably will follow the bald side of the family. There is good news here, because a daily pill of Propecia will likely slow it down or prevent it. At that point you could be doing something about it, but there is no point to worry about something that may not be. Your parents are like many of the doctors out there who do not really understand balding and its management. Show this blog to them, select particular sections on it and then get to see a good doctor who will map out your scalp as I have suggested here.