Preparing to take propecia.

Inquisitor · Dec 21, 2010

I am a 21 year old male and started shedding about 8 months ago. At the rate I'm going I think ill be bald by 25. So I decided I want to try to keep most of my hair at least until I'm 30 by taking propecia. I have read a lot of horror stories over the internet about the potential side effects, but it seems like the people on this board have real experience and are legitimate. In particular enden seems to have a lot of information on how exactly the drug affects your hormone levels and how to counteract it's effects. So I was wondering what steps I should take before taking the drug to ensure I do not have irreversible side effects. I was thinking about getting blood tests done, but I am not sure what to test for or where to go for it. I got the drug from my GP who didn't know much about it, so should I go see a specialist before taking it too? My plan is to try .5mg a day to start, and stop the treatment if I begin to experience any side-effects. Any advice on precautions or a regiment would be greatly appreciated.

Ende · Dec 21, 2010

I recommend mapping your hormone levels before starting the treatment. Make an appointment with your GP, and check LH, FSH, testosterone, estrogen, prolactin and SHBG. It'll be your insurance if something goes wrong.

messedup · Dec 22, 2010

I would not take it at all, but of course I was one of the ones who was permanently screwed by this drug.

Just understand that if you're one of the unlucky ones predisposed to this condition, it won't matter how long you take finasteride. Could be 5 days or 5 years. When you quit, your endocrine system will break. I quit after 15 days and that's all it took for things to go haywire. 7 months later I'm still suffering from major health problems with no end in sight. Understand that even putting that first pill into your mouth is an enormous risk.

Enden is of the belief that you can modulate the side effects through various drugs and supplements, but I do not believe that method works for most sufferers. Many have seen Drs Crisler, Shippen, Goldstein, etc who are experts on hypogonadism, and none have been able to produce a sustainable resolution of side effects.

I understand your zeal in wanting to keep your hair. I was in your exact position reading this web site 7 months ago, looking for all the positive encouragement I could read about the magic of Propecia, and to convince me that the propecia help crowd was a bunch of hypochondriacs and liars. I was an extremely healthy person then. Now I am seeing doctors almost weekly.

brightside · Dec 22, 2010

Just check out your options first, such as Fluridil which may not be as effective but a lot safer. Also a good shampoo could help slow down the process and maybe help a bit of regrowth, alongside growth stimulants such as Minoxidil etc.

The more I read about finasteride the more relieved I am that I ordered a small amount but never taken it.

Ende · Dec 23, 2010

messedup said:
Enden is of the belief that you can modulate the side effects through various drugs and supplements, but I do not believe that method works for most sufferers. Many have seen Drs Crisler, Shippen, Goldstein, etc who are experts on hypogonadism, and none have been able to produce a sustainable resolution of side effects.

Read page 4 and 5.