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Should I ride out my Finasteride side-effects?

I’m 19 and I’ve been taking 1 mg of fin daily for one week. My libido has dropped and it takes forever to get an erection. I also have slight ball ache, watery semen, and possibly some headaches, but that’s probably just because I haven’t gotten enough sleep this week. I’m not paranoid to be honest. But will these side effects subside eventually? Should I try to ride them out? It’s mainly the low libido that’s worrying me. It’s unfortunate timing since I met a girl I really like recently.

If you have sexual side effect from finasteride and don’t reverse them by reducing the dose, then you should stop the drug. The risks for Post Finasteride Syndrome (if it exists) is high if you continue to take the drug. You should see the doctor who prescribed the drug to you for advice.


2021-02-27 10:43:54Should I ride out my Finasteride side-effects?

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Should I Replace Propecia with Minoxidil?

What about Regaine Minoxidil 2% thats sprays the hair. Is it effective? This way I avoid having the side effects of the propecia.

Minoxidil is effective on its own, but for men, I’ve seen a greater response to Propecia and it is what I recommend for my patients. Minoxidil (available over the counter without prescription) is not a substitute for Propecia (by doctor’s prescription only).

If you’re considering switching from Propecia to minoxidil and have been on Propecia for a while and saw benefits from it, I have no doubt that you will lose lots of hair if you swap one for the other. It should be noted that both medications have their risks of side effects, although quite small.

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Should I keep my hair short as I am losing hair?

Longer hair is better when you are losing hair because you can style it to make it look better and you can use products to make your hair thicker (thickening agents available at your hair salon).


2020-11-04 09:57:39Should I keep my hair short as I am losing hair?

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Should I Increase My Saw Palmetto Intake?

I am taking saw palmetto to slow my hair loss, but it seems to not stop the hairs from falling, rather when they do fall, they have a bulb on the end with the saw palmetto, but without, they are bulbless. Does this mean I should increase my saw palmetto intake?

Saw palmettoSaw palmetto is not proven to work for treating male pattern baldness, so increasing saw palmetto will likely have no effect. Traditionally, food supplement companies jumped on the bandwagon to promote saw palmetto for hair loss, as they made a connection that the herb helps with prostate issues. In fact, there is no clear evidence that even that is true. Now for years people have been taking saw palmetto for prostate problems, but no study I’ve seen has been able to prove that it really works, even though it has been embedded in our popular culture to be true. Somewhere along the road someone made the connection that since finasteride and saw palmetto are for prostate problems, saw palmetto may also work for hair. This is not true!

To put it into perspective, finasteride 5mg pills (marketed as a brand name Proscar) is a drug that helps with prostate conditions. A side effect of finasteride 5mg (Proscar) was that it grew hair on balding men who were taking the medication for their prostate conditions. The drug company saw the marketing potential for such side effect (of growing hair on balding men) and marketed finasteride 1mg (as Propecia) for genetic male pattern baldness. Propecia and Proscar are the same medication in different doses. You don’t need the higher (5mg) dose to grow hair. As such, some patients take Proscar and break up the pill in 1/4 pieces (ideally it would be 1/5, but that is difficult) to take for hair loss. If your hair is important to you, consider the use of Propecia rather than saw palmetto.

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Should I Have Scalp Reduction Surgery for a Small Bald Spot Above My Ear?

Hello,

After having a bald spot on the left side of my head for 28 years, I’d like to do something about it. The bald spot is circular in shape and 2cm in diameter, about 7cm directly above my left ear. The hair fell out when I was 2 and the bald spot has remained the same size for as long as I can remember. I am able to cover it with hair surrounding it, but it does take an emotional toll on me as I see it every day and I have to be very careful every month when having my haircut.

I saw a dermatologist about a year ago who told me it’s triangular alopecia. He was not able to locate any hair follicles under the skin, and told me the chance of regrowth is slim to none, especially as there has been no hair there for 28 years. He suggested we first try cortisone injections which did not work, and then referred me to a specialist. I went to see a specialist and he recommended scalp reduction surgery given the small area and lack of hair follicles.

I’ve done some reading on scalp reduction surgery, on your blog and others. The risks seem to be significant (stretchback, slot scaring, hair angled incorrectly, etc.) and it’s clear you’re not a proponent. I’ve also been unable to find any success stories/testimonials online. I’m going to ask the specialist to share more information (# of surgeries he’s done, before/after photos, # of surgeries I’ll need, risks, type of incision, etc.), but before doing so I’m hoping to get your advice.

Given the small area (2cm in diameter) and being able to cover with existing hair, do you think this is a case for a successful scalp reduction surgery? If not, are there any alternatives you’d suggest (e.g., Rogaine, hair transplant)? Both my dad and grandpa have full heads of hair, so I’m not really worry about the hair on the left side of my head receding back to the site of the bald spot.

Thanks for your help!

Scalp reduction surgery, in my opinion, generally carries more risks than benefits. Small scars such as you describe do not do well with scalp reductions, as I have seen many patients for consultations over the years with failed scalp reduction / scar revision surgeries and difficult scars that result from the surgery.

Triangular alopecia is best treated with hair transplant surgery.

For a better assessment diagnosis and treatment options, please follow up with your doctor. Or if you are in the Los Angeles area, you can also visit me for a consultation.

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Should I Have a Transplant Now or Wait Until My Balding Is Worse?

Hi Doctor,

I am considering a hair transplant and I just wanted to ask you a question. I’m 30 and a Norwood 3. I am thinning in and around that part of the hairline but maybe alittle on top. It’s thinner than my crown and sides let just say that. My back and crown is thick and untouched by the mpb gene. I’ve got very thick hair where it is not thinning and more than able donor supply. 2.0 cm hair count.

I’m just thinking in general should I do one now to get my hairline and thicken the front. Then 1-2 for the top over the next 10 years then done. Or wait 2-3 years and get a larger one done then another 2 years after? Just thinking in regards to scar and the lifetime master plan? Thanks

Only YOU can answer this question. A hair transplant is an elective cosmetic surgery to enhance your appearance. It is not a necessity. If you want to look better now with a fuller, hairier look, then it is your choice. If you want to wait until you have more hair loss before going ahead, that is also your choice.

Planning out how you may bald in the future and coming out with a life long strategy is also known as a Master Plan (something that I strongly advocate in my practice). The Master Plan is something you and your doctor need to discuss one-on-one.

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Should I Go to a Plastic Surgeon for a Beard Transplant?

I caught this on the news: Beard envy? Hipster trend sparks interest in facial hair transplants

I saw this article and knew that is what I wanted. My beard has never been very full and my mustache is almost non-existent. I am 28 years old and there has not been any significant thickening of my beard or mustache in the past 3 years. Should I go to a plastic surgeon for this?

BeardHere’s a snippet from that article —

“Hipster beards are no longer confined to the streets of Brooklyn, N.Y. — they have made their way into the mainstream as actors, politicians, athletes and other men are sporting their own scruff. That’s giving some follicularly challenged men enough serious beard envy to seek a facial hair transplant.”

With the exception of the handful of dedicated plastic surgeons who manage to have a sizable hair practice, most facial hair transplant procedures would be right out of their depth. Most plastic surgeons tend to avoid such reconstructions, which are best performed by a hair transplant surgeon with experience.

In our practice, we have done mustaches, beards, sideburns, eyebrows, pubic hair, chest hair, hair into scars from brain surgery, etc. In other words, we specialize in hair transplants, and all parts of the body require similar technology and skills. See some of our other hair transplants here.


2014-02-27 12:07:29Should I Go to a Plastic Surgeon for a Beard Transplant?

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Should I go for a hair system?

Hair systems must be attached somehow to your scalp so that they stay on. Every type of attachment (glues, clips, weaves) kill off your hair by producing traction alopecia. This is why men who start using a hair system, rarely ever get off of it. Add to that is that they are not cheep. They often run more than a good hair transplant does.
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Should I go back on finasteride after I stopped it?

I originally answered this as yes and that if he had a few sexual side effects in the past, he might have them now. The readers was combative saying: How can you make such a powerful statement? On which facts are you basing it ? On the M.D. at the back or ?

There are tons of scientists, doctors, studies and reports that say the chances in getting sides are getting bigger with every pill you take, with every year you age!

I don’t want to be rude, I’m sure you have your experiences, but do you know the person in cause, his medical history, etc ? Have you seen his blood work or something at least ?

Also, are you a “future reader”, or a doctor ?

And also, if he takes it tomorrow and after a year or maybe less or more he comes and complains about sexual sides, are you gonna stick with this statement or are you gonna tell him “it’s just in his head” ?

With age, more and more men normally develop ED. It is believed that 30% of men who are 30 have some degree of ED, 40% of men who are 40 have some degree of ED, 50% of men who are 50 have some degree of ED. With that said, the longer you take finasteride, you might fall into the normal changes that occur on men’s sexual function as they age.


2019-06-22 09:32:27Should I go back on finasteride after I stopped it?

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Should I Give Propecia a Try?

Firstly, I’d like to thank you for this site, I’ve gained a lot of information from this site and it has made me feel a lot more positive about my situation. I am 22 year old male and for the past year my hair has been getting thinner and falling out at the front of my head (mid, front) it’s certainly not thinning at the temples, it is completely across the top. My question is, is Propecia right for me? Also, what are my chances? Should I give minoxidil a go too?

Thank you in advance.

You are asking for a personal medical advice which is not appropriate on BaldingBlog. You need to find a doctor for an examination and ask them these questions.

Propecia isn’t for everyone, and without photos or examination (miniaturization study) I couldn’t really begin to tell you if you’re someone that should take Propecia. That is aside from the fact that I’m not your doctor and it is a prescription medication. I’d find a doctor in your area for an exam of your scalp and hair loss. If genetic hair loss is present, Propecia would be a good choice to halt further loss and possibly regrow some of the hair you’ve lost if you have generic hair loss. The drug tends to work best in the crown and top, but it does work in the frontal area as well for many men. Some men choose to take Propecia and use minoxidil at the same time — this is fine, but you will be using both of these medications for the rest of your life, so I like to recommend one at a time, adding the additional one later if the results aren’t what you expected/desired.


2008-07-18 14:57:53Should I Give Propecia a Try?