Finasteride

[HairlossFighter]

Finasteride is a medication primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and male pattern hair loss. It works by inhibiting the action of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is involved in the development of these conditions.
It is considered a very effective treatment and works great on hair follicles that are not dead but produce weak or no hair. The usual dose is 1mg per day, but good results have also been recorded with smaller doses and/or at larger intervals. It can be found packaged at 1mg, however many users prefer the packaged 5mg pills indicated for prostate treatment which are then broken into 5 or more parts.
While it is generally well-tolerated, like any medication, it may cause side effects. It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may not experience any at all. Common side effects of finasteride may include:
1.   Sexual side effects: Some men may experience a decrease in sexual desire, difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection, or a decrease in the volume of ejaculate. These side effects are usually reversible upon discontinuation of the medication.
2.   Breast tenderness or enlargement: A small percentage of men may experience breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia). If this occurs, it's important to notify a healthcare professional.
3.   Allergic reactions: In rare cases, individuals may experience an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention if you notice any signs of an allergic reaction.
4.   Depression and mood changes: Some studies have suggested a potential association between finasteride use and mood changes, including depression. However, more research is needed to establish a clear link.
It is important to note that finasteride should not be used by women, especially those who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. The reason is that finasteride can cause abnormalities in the development of the male fetus.
Exposure to finasteride during pregnancy, particularly during the first trimester, may lead to the development of male external genitalia abnormalities in a male fetus. This condition, known as hypospadias, involves the urethra opening on the underside of the penis rather than at the tip.
Due to the potential risks to a developing male fetus, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken finasteride tablets. If a woman comes into contact with finasteride, she should wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water.
It's crucial for individuals taking finasteride to inform their healthcare provider if there is a possibility of pregnancy, and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare provider before using this medication. If you have any concerns or questions about finasteride and its potential impact on pregnancy, it is recommended to discuss them with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.
In the case of male pattern hair loss, finasteride is typically only recommended for use in adult men over the age of 18. The safety and efficacy of finasteride in children and teenagers have not been well studied for conditions like hair loss.
As with any medication, it's crucial to use finasteride only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can assess the individual's medical history and overall health to determine the appropriateness of the treatment. Self-prescribing or using finasteride without proper medical guidance can lead to serious health risks.

[Harry]

i read the side effects and i was scared!!!!

[George4]

Even the side effects of aspirin if you read about it, you'll be scared. I have been taking finasteride for 4 years now with no problems and no side effects. At first I had a bit of watery sperm and maybe a bit of low libido, but both came back after a few months without stopping my treatment.

[HairHopeful]

What scared me is the reference to pregnant women and children!!! I really wonder if it's worth it as effective as this stuff is against hair loss.

[HairlossFighter]

As George4 mentioned, reading the side effects of any drug can be scary. If we stuck to them we wouldn't even take cough syrup. In any case, finasteride definitely has some potential side effects that need to be weighed. That's why, as I wrote in the beginning of this thread in my first post: "it's crucial to use finasteride only under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional who can assess the individual's medical history and overall health to determine the appropriateness of the treatment. Self-prescribing or using finasteride without proper medical guidance can lead to serious health risks."

[MrFollicle]

Very useful information. Thank you for sharing HairlossFighter.

[George4]

It is also important to know that, like all hair loss treatments, if we stop finasteride, whatever effect we saw from it disappears after a few months. So goodbye new hairs brought to us by finasteride.... So if you start it, you marry it....

[HairlossFighter]

It is also important to know that, like all hair loss treatments, if we stop finasteride, whatever effect we saw from it disappears after a few months. So goodbye new hairs brought to us by finasteride.... So if you start it, you marry it....

Correct!