Propecia

One of the potential side effects is permanent loss of libido. I guess you have to ask yourself how much risk you're willing to take for your hair.

I also don't really like the idea of messing with sex hormones in general.

Buckaroo Banzai wrote:

One of the potential side effects is permanent loss of libido. I guess you have to ask yourself how much risk you're willing to take for your hair.

I also don't really like the idea of messing with sex hormones in general.

I wouldn't worry about the loss of libido. I think this is mostly an urban legend.

I have been taking propecia for about 12 - 13 years. It completely stopped hair loss (although growing back what was already lost has been minimal). I also have not experienced any loss of libido whatsoever.

I'd say, if you are going to try it, get started. A lot of men have the same kind of success that I have had with it. It won't grow much hair back, so the sooner you start, the more hair you will be keeping.

Buckaroo Banzai wrote:

One of the potential side effects is permanent loss of libido. I guess you have to ask yourself how much risk you're willing to take for your hair.

I also don't really like the idea of messing with sex hormones in general.

It does NOT cause permanent loss of libido.

It CAN cause temporary loss of libido while you are on it. I experienced it, but most people I know don't. I cut the dosage down to 1/2 and have noticed hair thickening with no other side effects.

If you're young and you know you are balding, the earlier you start, the better. It helps prevent further hair loss but you'll only keep the hair you've gained if you are on the drug; otherwise, once you stop, the hair will fall out as if you had never taken it.

If you want the best possible results, I'd recommend taking it and using Rogaine. I just started using them together summer and it's done wonders for my hairline and crown.

(For the record, I, along with several close friends, have used it for the last few years. We are in our late 20s/early 30s.)

It has caused many cases of permanent loss of libido, if you believe the numerous accounts of people who have actually been on it.

DHT, hair aside, is a very good thing, esp. for athletes.

Nope. Not everyone will get it, but it's a real risk.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/dailydose/2011/01/baldness_drug_l.html

Buckaroo Banzai wrote:

Nope. Not everyone will get it, but it's a real risk.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/dailydose/2011/01/baldness_drug_l.html

No where in the linked article does it say permanent.

I took Propecia for 3 years. I noticed a very slight change in libido the first week, but everything returned to normal after that. Eventually, I decided I wasn't comfortable messing with hormones and switched to minoxidil, but it wasn't due to any specific side effect that I experienced.

What is minoxidil, and how has that worked for you?

Thanks everyone for the responses. Are you taking it for a receding hairline in the front, or balding on the top of the head? Does it work for both?

young and balding wrote:

What is minoxidil, and how has that worked for you?

Thanks everyone for the responses. Are you taking it for a receding hairline in the front, or balding on the top of the head? Does it work for both?

Minoxidil is the drug that is in Rogaine. Don't buy Rogaine, buy the generic. Walmart has a 3 month supply (lasts me a lot longer than 3 months) for $18 and it's cheaper at Sam's. So it's a lot cheaper than Propecia, especially since it's over the counter so you don't need to keep going back to a doctor for a prescription.

Minoxidil is less convenient than Propecia, but it's not that bad. It is only proven effective for the balding on top (I believe it's the same with Propecia), but I use it in both spots. I haven't noticed a difference in switching from Minoxidil to Propecia.

But my hair loss wasn't bad when I started and I was in my late 30's, so you're probably in a different situation than me. You might consider doing both.

You really should go see a dermatologist and don't wait. The medications are more likely to maintain the hair you have than regrow hair.

I've been using it for 7 years and am happy with the results. I actually got thicker, but I won't get it all back. The earlier you start, the better it will be for the future.

No sexual problem here, but I do agree there is a short adjustment time. I have zero side effects, and supposedly it is good for my prostate.

The only downside is cost, it is about $1000 a year for Propecia. But, if you want to do it on the cheap, have your doctor prescribe Proscar. It comes in 5mg (vs 1mg), and a year's supply is only $50 at CostCo. (Just split the pills) That is cheaper than most types of dietary supplements. I take fish oil supplements, and that is about $200 per year.

anyone have any success growing hair on the front of the head? I take generic propecia, I think it has prevented hair loss and perhaps regrown hair on top of my head, but it has had little or no effect on the area around the temple. Would minoxidil in addition to the propecia help? I've had no side effects btw.

Whatever drug company discovers the cure for baldness will make billions :)

Propecia is a recipe for male frustration. What's the point of looking like a 20 yr old if you can't function like one (i.e., loss of libido, ejaculation disorders and erectile dysfunction)?

Ha ha ha! Yet more evidence there really is a God.

keeping most of my hair wrote:

No where in the linked article does it say permanent.

"They also reported a case of a 24-year-old man who took the drug for male pattern baldness and then developed a total loss of sexual function that remained irreversible even after he stopped taking the drug and tried Viagra."

What part of "irreversible" do you not get, maybe we can break it down for you...

Buckaroo Banzai wrote:

Nope. Not everyone will get it, but it's a real risk.

http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/health/blog/dailydose/2011/01/baldness_drug_l.html

Also,possible. Get a hair transplant .