Is finasteride/worth the risk?

Solomon Pleasant · 14-05-2018 7:44pm #1

Hi lads,

I'm 20 and suffering from a general thinning of hair loss on top. I've improved my diet, cut out masturbation, changed shampoo and increased the amount I exercise - all to no real effect.

I'm left with one choice, albeit a risky one - Propecia/finasteride.

In your view, is it worth the risk, given the possible side effects?

I should probably mention that I have had erectile dysfunction issues in the past.

Thanks for any views given.

Passenger · 14-05-2018 7:59pm

Not worth it imho but you'll find some that recommend it. It was designed for patients with prostate cancer. They just happened to discover that some of those said patients were experiencing hair regrowth and voilà - a whole new "hair restoration" drug was released. Talk to your GP about it first and not doctors with a vested interested in the hair restoration industry.

theteal · 14-05-2018 8:05pm

In my shoes (35 and only felt the need to shave it off in the last year) I would not consider it in the slightest. Were I 15 years younger I genuinely don't know if I'd dismiss it so easily, it's a completely different world at that age.

I suppose it boils down to, do you want to grow tits*, OP?

*among other side effects

Solomon Pleasant · 17-05-2018 10:26am

Cheers for the replies lads.

Still unsure, the whole thinning hair thing is definitely getting to me.

TerrorFirmer · 17-05-2018 2:41pm

It's up to you. No-one can tell you yes, or no.

However, the risk of side effects are completely overblown. You've realistically about a 1-2% chance of having real side effects. An even smaller percentage of that of suffering serious side effects. And if you did start to suffer some effects, you could just stop taking it and accept that it's not for you.

It's not risk-free for anyone but you're overwhelmingly likely to not have any side effects, it's hardly the 50/50 gamble it's made out to be.

It's obviously a tough situation to be in at 20. On the positive side, diffuse thinning usually keeps the hairline intact so if you do decide to take it, you could probably maintain a pretty perfect head of hair indefinitely (most guys start to take it after already suffering a fair bit of hair loss at hairline or crown).

_Whimsical_ · 17-05-2018 6:34pm

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

It's up to you. No-one can tell you yes, or no.

However, the risk of side effects are completely overblown. You've realistically about a 1-2% chance of having real side effects. An even smaller percentage of that of suffering serious side effects. And if you did start to suffer some effects, you could just stop taking it and accept that it's not for you.

It's not risk-free for anyone but you're overwhelmingly likely to not have any side effects, it's hardly the 50/50 gamble it's made out to be.

It's obviously a tough situation to be in at 20. On the positive side, diffuse thinning usually keeps the hairline intact so if you do decide to take it, you could probably maintain a pretty perfect head of hair indefinitely (most guys start to take it after already suffering a fair bit of hair loss at hairline or crown).

That's 1or 2 in a hundred. There was a very sad post on the Personal Issues board here about a young man who was affected by this side effect. He was left with non repairable erectile dysfunction at 27. Its such an important thing that even a very small risk is very important to consider.

OP I know you aren't asking for an opinion on balding but know from a female perspective it's not something that is unattractive and by 30 a lot of your peers will have it. Your health and long term physical wellbeing is so important. You never know too, some less troublesome medical interventions might present themselves in the next few years too if you're still uncomfortable with it.

guestwifi · 17-05-2018 6:49pm

Personally I wouldn't consider it, but I'm about a decade older than you with a natural receding hairline and thinning on top (sides are ridiculously fast growing though!). Each to their own though, are you happy with your head shape? Most men can rock the bald by choice look, grow out a beard and embrace the look. If you'd rather keep as much as possible for as long as possible maybe start using Minoxidil (a proper solution, not just the shampoos) to see if that helps.

There's always someone saying a solution isn't far away but it never seems to arrive, however, an interesting development surfaced earlier this month, clinical trials still need to be held for obvious reasons, but ya never know

https://www.rte.ie/news/newslens/2018/0509/961235-baldness/

Spencer Winterbotham · 21-05-2018 4:44pm

Why did you stop beating off?

It doesn't lead to hair loss... or loss of sight..

Solomon Pleasant · 21-05-2018 7:20pm

Spencer Winterbotham wrote: »

Why did you stop beating off?

It doesn't lead to hair loss... or loss of sight..

Read a few sources which cited Masturbation as a cause.

I wasn’t gullible enough to entirely believe them, but drastic times and all that..

Will I Am Not · 21-05-2018 7:24pm

Solomon Pleasant wrote: »

Read a few sources which cited Masturbation as a cause.

I wasn’t gullible enough to entirely believe them, but drastic times and all that..

How would that even happen though? If a woman wanked you off every day would your hair still fall out?

Solomon Pleasant · 21-05-2018 7:31pm

Will I Am Not wrote: »

How would that even happen though? If a woman wanked you off every day would your hair still fall out?

Look, I’m losing my hair and trying to make any and all kinds of changes to stop hair loss.

There are all sorts of claims as to what stops hair loss and what doesn’t. I’m just trying to find something that works for me.

Pawwed Rig · 22-05-2018 1:27am

I would say cutting out jizzing would have worse long term effects than losing the hair.

Patient11 · 23-05-2018 3:41pm

No taking Finasteride is NOT worth the risk.

Countless men have had their lives destroyed by the drug.

There is even a foundation set up for men who dealing with permanent side effects from the drug.

http://www.pfsfoundation.org/

http://medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUArticles/March2016/PostFinasterideSyndrome.htm

Patient11 · 23-05-2018 3:48pm

TerrorFirmer wrote: »

However, the risk of side effects are completely overblown. You've realistically about a 1-2% chance of having real side effects. An even smaller percentage of that of suffering serious side effects. And if you did start to suffer some effects, you could just stop taking it and accept that it's not for you.

.

The problem is for many people the side effects do not go away.

https://www.nbcnews.com/health/mens-health/hair-loss-drug-propecia-carries-risk-losing-something-else-n731841

o1s1n · 24-05-2018 2:20pm

You have another choice, shave your head and grow a beard.

jimosterberg · 26-05-2018 12:06pm

Or another choice - Tricopigmentation. Can look very well on guys who are suited to a shaved head. Restores the hairline and gives the look of a full head of tightly shaved hair.

JustAThought · 09-06-2018 6:41pm

Bizzarely was looking up my old Doctor today who was a seriously on the ball guy - I had to move location & lost him as a doctor unfortunately - I knew he was retraining in plastic surgery but saw today that he has specialised in hair restoration -I assume this is transplants as it mentions huge amount of new qualifications . Maybe worth checking him out - or making a pwrsonal or telephone appointment with a notepad handy to discuss options - his name is Dr Sam Von Eeden. Great guy.

pearcider · 09-06-2018 6:50pm

OP go to your doctor. They're the only people qualified to give an opinion on finasteride as they have access to the peer reviewed data which shows 1) finasteride is safe and 2) it works. It's pure hysteria in this thread. Some of the posters have very dubious posting histories.

Fact is, ALL prescription only drugs have side effects for the 1% or less. Does this stop us using them routinely? No. If it works, we take it and don't really give it a moment thought. Finasteride will stop your hair loss dead and give you good regrowth on the areas not slick bald. I recommend it. But as I said it's prescription only so you will need to see a doctor anyway. Don't listen to the scare mongering from the baldies in the thread.

Esel · 09-06-2018 9:46pm

pearcider wrote: »

OP go to your doctor. They're the only people qualified to give an opinion on finasteride as they have access to the peer reviewed data which shows 1) finasteride is safe and 2) it works. It's pure hysteria in this thread. Some of the posters have very dubious posting histories.

Fact is, ALL prescription only drugs have side effects for the 1% or less. Does this stop us using them routinely? No. If it works, we take it and don't really give it a moment thought. Finasteride will stop your hair loss dead and give you good regrowth on the areas not slick bald. I recommend it. But as I said it's prescription only so you will need to see a doctor anyway. Don't listen to the scare mongering from the baldies in the thread.

1% ???

Serious misrepresentation there.

Benicetomonty · 10-06-2018 8:51am

Will I Am Not wrote: »

How would that even happen though? If a woman wanked you off every day would your hair still fall out?

And would you care?

TheBoyConor · 10-06-2018 9:28am

I use a topical solution of finasteride and minoxidil.
I read some studies about topical fin and it's apparently similar benefits compared to oral and decided to make my own.
I grind down 5mg Profal tablets and dissolve them into the minoxidil solution to give a dose of 0.3mg fin per ml with one ml applied morning and evening.

My hair is noticeably thicker and I have no side effects. I'm happy with it anyway and plan to continue.

Generic finasteride, Profal, and generic minoxidil is very very cheap. Like about â‚¬40 for six months worth.

JustAThought · 10-06-2018 7:55pm

Patient11 wrote: »

No taking Finasteride is NOT worth the risk.

Countless men have had their lives destroyed by the drug.

There is even a foundation set up for men who dealing with permanent side effects from the drug.

http://www.pfsfoundation.org/

http://medsafe.govt.nz/profs/PUArticles/March2016/PostFinasterideSyndrome.htm

PENILE SHRINKAGE.
Jesus wept.
No way.

And a long list of other side effects - yhe younger the man the higher the risk. Ill stuck to quackery and anything else first.

Conservatory · 10-06-2018 8:02pm

Just shave it op and don’t let it bother you. Baldness is not unattractive. Insecurity is.

It’s like cellulite on women. It doesn’t bother most men but a whole industry is set up to make you feel insecure about it to sell you stuff.

Learn to accept your genetics.

Wibbs · 10-06-2018 11:22pm

Conservatory wrote: »

It’s like cellulite on women. It doesn’t bother most men but a whole industry is set up to make you feel insecure about it to sell you stuff.

Sure, but give your average guy in their twenties the choice between with a woman with smooth toned skin or the pocked cottage cheese skin of cellulite and the majority would be happier with the latter. It;s not a deal breaker by any means, but let's face it we all are attracted to the most attractive features. So it is with balding.

Learn to accept your genetics.

If we did that then at least half of the men reading this wouldn't have survived to adulthood without antibiotics, immunisation and all the rest of modern medicine. If god forbid you have a cardiac problem will you refuse meds and stents and "accept your genetics"? I doubt it.

This is not to say if a chap gives not a jot and goes for the old shave it all off that's not to be admired. It is to say if another chap chooses to do something about it, rather than go the all too trite response of "live with it" then fair play to him too. These days we have more and more choices in such things, I don't see why one choice is considered more valuable than another.

spaceHopper · 11-06-2018 10:12am

I'm tinning and to lazy/ bussy to get my every 3 weeks but when it's neat and tidy it looks so much better than when it's long.

OP if it's going to happen it will. Nothing you can do, pills and lotions all start out claiming a cure, with regrowth then soften than down to some men keep the hair they have.

I wouldn't take the risk of permanent ED for a full head of hair. Save yourself the hassle and heart ache. Go to the GP's get a blood work done to see there is no under ling cause, if you had ED before get them to check your Testosterone level too. Then move on be happy go to the gym, dress well nobody will notice or care about the tinning as much as you.

TheMilkyPirate · 11-06-2018 1:53pm

I really don't get men who take Finasteride. Balding sucks I know I started losing my hair at 22 but there is no way I would ever risk anything to do with my manhood especially for my hair of all things.

Would you rather a full head of hair or a penis that works? It's just not anywhere near worth the risk for me.

Like the last poster said shave your head go to the gym and dress well, Nobody will even care about your hair.

TheBoyConor · 11-06-2018 2:07pm

I use finasteride with no ill effects. I've been using it with 2 years.

Tbh, given the choice between hair and rock hard erections, I'd be strongly inclined to choose hair.

Conservatory · 11-06-2018 2:28pm

TheBoyConor wrote: »

I use finasteride with no ill effects. I've been using it with 2 years.

Tbh, given the choice between hair and rock hard erections, I'd be strongly inclined to choose hair.

That’s the finasteroid talking

TheMilkyPirate · 11-06-2018 4:29pm

TheBoyConor wrote: »

I use finasteride with no ill effects. I've been using it with 2 years.

Tbh, given the choice between hair and rock hard erections, I'd be strongly inclined to choose hair.

Wow OK. Your choice but I will never understand that.

JustAThought · 15-06-2018 12:39pm

TheBoyConor wrote: »

I use finasteride with no ill effects. I've been using it with 2 years.

Tbh, given the choice between hair and rock hard erections, I'd be strongly inclined to choose hair.

Fine for you but your girlfriend might have a lot to say about that choice. Hair dosnt exactly provide that rock hard satisfaction that is the solid foundation of any healthy adult relationship.

TheBoyConor · 15-06-2018 12:43pm

Well I have no girlfriend and have no intention of acquiring one any time soon so it's a moot point.

And as I said, I use finasteride & minoxidil and have no side effects in that department. Blasting away like mad!

Patient11 · 20-06-2018 9:01pm

TheBoyConor wrote: »

Well I have no girlfriend and have no intention of acquiring one any time soon so it's a moot point.

And as I said, I use finasteride & minoxidil and have no side effects in that department. Blasting away like mad!

You will find that for many people the side effects don't start until they stop the drug.

Patient11 · 20-06-2018 9:21pm

‘We Wouldn’t Recommend that Any Man Take’ Finasteride, Urologist at University Hospital Zurich Tells Swiss TV News Magazine

http://www.pfsfoundation.org/news/wouldnt-recommend-man-take-finasteride-urologist-university-hospital-zurich-tells-swiss-tv-news-magazine/

Ceebeegeebee · 21-07-2018 11:51am

I noticed my hair thinning in my late twenties. I'm in my early thirties now.

The first thing I did, around 4 years ago, was buy a 3 month supply of regaine. To be honest, my hair has thinned more and more over the years. Did regaine slow the process down and delay the process? I don't know and that's the thing. You can't compare results with yourself. Part of me says it done feck all and the the rest of me says keep on applying it out of fear.

A couple of years ago I took the next step to meet hair transplant surgeon so I travelled to Dublin to meet with a reputable surgeon. What I didn't know was Proscar or Finastricide was the cornerstone of the transplant treatment and you have to take it for life. Medication for LIFE. He mentioned the risks and the horror stories online but in his view it was safe. If you get side effects then stop. He was clear that there was no point in doing a transplant without the drug.

So I took out a prescription to try it out for 3 months. For me, I felt uneasy about it but I was willing to give it a try. Eventually taking the medication became part of the routine, no big deal. However I noticed my orgasms were less intense, almost numb. I chose not to ignore this after noticing it a few times so I stopped.

I thought about trying it again out of desperation and so I can get the FUE treatment but there's no smoke without fire. Some guys are fine taking it but then you read about the issues starting when people stop taking it.

It's serious, serious stuff and that cannot be ignored. There's no smoke without fire so I'd recommend not doing it for long term peace of mind. Especially at such a young age. It seems like a wonder drug but in my view, it's too good to me true. Dr Rynne spoke out against it and for a man who has absolutely nothing to gain by criticising the drug... Well that would be enough advise for some people.

I tried a herbal alternative, saw palmetto along with regaine foam, derma roller, nizerol shampoo and biotin pills which you can get in health shops. This doesn't have near the effect Fin could have but I know I'm not at much risk with these.

In the end it's a gamble and it's **** having your confidence diminished because of thinning hair but try everything else first, do your research (I've spent 3 years reading about this topic. Good and bad. ) and then make the decision.

Pug160 · 21-07-2018 4:22pm

I was toying with the idea of getting a hair transplant, which would inevitably have meant taking those kinds of drugs as well, and I eventually decided against it. 100% respect to the people who do it though, especially the lads who completely go for it without taking shortcuts. As some of the previous posters have said, telling someone to ''just shave it all off'' can turn into a boring cliche which doesn't really offer anything of value. I think a lot of younger guys probably just need a bit of time to get comfortable with it, and they eventually make peace with the idea of having a very short haircut. If there was a genuine way of being able to keep your hair without compromising your health it would be a complete game changer of course, no question about it. I imagine there are people out there working on this non stop, and it's not beyond the realms of possibility that we'll see something major happening in the next decade.

A lot of people simply decide to work on other things. It will not replace your hair but it certainly helps. Put it this way: if you're someone with a bit of money to spend, there are ways of spending that money which can almost guarantee you'll look better in some way. Most people (men in particular) don't have perfect teeth, so spending money on orthodontic work will make your teeth look better, and it comes with the added bonus of potentially improving your health as well, as dental hygiene plays a part in your overall health (straighter teeth are easier to clean). Then there are other procedures you can spend your money on such as laser treatment. This one is a bit more subtle mind you, but there is some degree of evidence that it can make at least a small improvement. Then of course there is living a healthy lifestyle and eating well etc, which will improve your overall body. If you're someone who is happy enough with everything else apart from your hair then I can see how that might be particularly frustrating though.

One last thing: I'm not sure if I have mentioned this before, but has anyone else noticed that black men don't seem to care about this as much? Or at least it seems that way. It could just be that their hair is not as much of a defining feature as it tends to be on white men and other racial groups, so it doesn't make as much of a difference.

eviltimeban · 23-07-2018 4:35pm

Anyone got any experience with tricopigmentation? I've been reading about it since seeing the reference earlier in the thread. I wet shave my head regularly but would be interested in a shaved head look.

What I like about it is that unlike a tattoo it wears off after a year, so if I end up not liking it, I can just let it wear out.

I sent a query to a clinic about general costs; just wondering if anyone knew more.

Passenger · 23-07-2018 5:01pm

eviltimeban wrote: »

Anyone got any experience with tricopigmentation? I've been reading about it since seeing the reference earlier in the thread. I wet shave my head regularly but would be interested in a shaved head look.

What I like about it is that unlike a tattoo it wears off after a year, so if I end up not liking it, I can just let it wear out.

I sent a query to a clinic about general costs; just wondering if anyone knew more.

Vinci in Dublin charge €2400, they're probably the most reputable in the country at the moment but there are other clinics too that I haven't heard much feedback on.

jimosterberg · 24-07-2018 12:14am

eviltimeban wrote: »

Anyone got any experience with tricopigmentation? I've been reading about it since seeing the reference earlier in the thread. I wet shave my head regularly but would be interested in a shaved head look.

What I like about it is that unlike a tattoo it wears off after a year, so if I end up not liking it, I can just let it wear out.

I sent a query to a clinic about general costs; just wondering if anyone knew more.

I've had tricopigmentation done. Delighted with the results. The lad above spoke about Vinci. They do permanent smp not tricopigmentation. I had mine done a year ago and haven't seen any fading yet so don't need a top up. The technician told me it could be 18 months to 2 years before I need one. It has blended seemlessly with the remaining hair I have. Feel free to message me if you want any more info

weekaizer · 01-09-2018 1:41am

I’ve also had tricopigmentation done. I’m not totally bald but I have like a receding hairline. In the end I hated the shaved head look so I grew my hair out in the hope of the pigment fading out as promised by the clinician. Over 2 and a half years later, it still hasn’t totally disappeared. It’s still noticeable albeit less prominent. I don’t expect it to ever fade conpletely so I would recommend caution in case you were to ever change your mind about it.

endacl · 01-09-2018 1:43am

I’ve a big hairy head.

Passenger · 01-09-2018 3:37am

weekaizer wrote: »

I’ve also had tricopigmentation done. I’m not totally bald but I have like a receding hairline. In the end I hated the shaved head look so I grew my hair out in the hope of the pigment fading out as promised by the clinician. Over 2 and a half years later, it still hasn’t totally disappeared. It’s still noticeable albeit less prominent. I don’t expect it to ever fade conpletely so I would recommend caution in case you were to ever change your mind about it.

Where did you have it done, if you don't mind me asking?

Avatar MIA · 01-09-2018 4:25am

endacl wrote: »

I’ve a big hairy head.

In the freezer? All right, Jeffrey.

weekaizer · 01-09-2018 4:59pm

I got it done in County donegal. If you google the clinic you will find details. Think I paid €1100-1200

Passenger · 01-09-2018 5:12pm

weekaizer wrote: »

I got it done in County donegal. If you google the clinic you will find details. Think I paid €1100-1200

Some of the pricing is crazy.

Mr. Incognito · 02-09-2018 2:04am

Im a litigation solicitor about to publish a paper on the risks which have been underestimated. I intend taking cases on against the manufacturer. I dont recommend using it.

Passenger · 02-09-2018 2:47am

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

Im a litigation solicitor about to publish a paper on the risks which have been underestimated. I intend taking cases on against the manufacturer. I dont recommend using it.

Nobody recommends using it apart from people with a vested interest in the industry.

AndrewJRenko · 02-09-2018 6:52am

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

Im a litigation solicitor about to publish a paper on the risks which have been underestimated. I intend taking cases on against the manufacturer. I dont recommend using it.

Does your professional training as a solicitor prepare you well for giving medical advice?

Patient11 · 10-09-2018 9:24pm

Mr. Incognito wrote: »

Im a litigation solicitor about to publish a paper on the risks which have been underestimated. I intend taking cases on against the manufacturer. I dont recommend using it.

Hi Mr. Incognito;

As a solicitor what do you make of this statement by Dr Maurice Collins who claims the side effects of finasteride go away "in 100% cases" ?

TheBiz · 12-09-2018 11:24pm

I'm 21 and at the point where I'm starting to develop a bald spot on top, on top of my long receding hairline.

It's not worth it, I never have done it but I've been really tempted but I saw someone comment on a thread "if there's the slightest chance of my thing never working again I would not risk it", never mind just while using the drug because you can always come off it but when there's a chance of never regaining it's natural 'abilities' I wouldn't chance it for all the hair on my head.

Patient11 · 12-09-2019 2:28pm

The makers of the drug were found to have lied about the studies into its safety.

https://www.reuters.com/investigates/special-report/usa-courts-secrecy-propecia/

pearcider · 12-09-2019 3:15pm

The risk is still tiny. There’s millions of people on it and a handful of people who’ve experienced these severe side effects. Everything in life has risk.

Is finasteride/worth the risk?

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