Blood test, anything in them at all when you are on Propecia, benefits?

[Esprit]

I'm having a blood test for something unrelated, cholesterol etc next week.

Mentioned I want to try Propecia after and asked about hormonal levels, due to what I've read on here and others experiences. When I asked about tests for hormones etc because of Propecia, the Doctor looked at me like I was from another planet. What is it that they don't know about that they should? And any advice re the tests before next week?

Thanks

 

[Agustin Araujo]

Propecia has developed a bad name in the media. Far too many people think who ever takes it, they'll suffer permanent sexual dysfunction. In reality, Finasteride (the active compound in Propecia) is a very safe medication, and most do not experience side effects whoever takes it. Side effects occur in about 2% of the population who takes it, and will subside if the treatment is discontinued. There has never been any real case of anyone genuinely suffering from permanent side effects due to Finasteride. The individuals who claim they're suffering from permanent side effects because of Finasteride have absolutely nothing but vague anecdotal evidence with no real science to back up any of them.

The benefits of Propecia is it will stop genetic hair loss in the vast majority who takes it. If I were you, I'd aim for getting the prescription if you're suffering from Androgenic Alopecia.

 

[Esprit]

I've seen several on news items in the past few years, saying it's ruined their lives... Who knows?

Thanks for your advice, Due to the nature of the real purpose of the drug and what it was designed for... does it have any effect on the prostate, or bladder problems, infrequent urinating or more of, and middle of the night toilet trips on the up, or is that my mind working overtime because it's prostate related? Do you think there's every a time when it's too late to take in your 50s, is it better for younger men

 

[benjt]

Side effects occur in about 2% of the population who takes it

One study with a very large sample group reported a whooping 18%.

Another meta-study which evaluated previous finasteride side effect studies ran some statistical analyses and found methodological problems and strong evidence for under-reporting of side effects in these studies. Part of it might be related to many doctors not giving you a prescription anymore if you report sides, so people will not report sides for this reason even if they experience them.

All that being said:
Should you give propecia a try? Definitely yes.
Should you freak out about sides? Definitely no - if you do, you will likely experience them due to placebo. Just be aware that quite a few people get them.

 

[Esprit]

One study with a very large sample group reported a whooping 18%.

Another meta-study which evaluated previous finasteride side effect studies ran some statistical analyses and found methodological problems and strong evidence for under-reporting of side effects in these studies. Part of it might be related to many doctors not giving you a prescription anymore if you report sides, so people will not report sides for this reason even if they experience them.

All that being said:
Should you give propecia a try? Definitely yes.
Should you freak out about sides? Definitely no - if you do, you will likely experience them due to placebo. Just be aware that quite a few people get them.

These sides are the ones we know about, how about sleep and urinating, any difference there, as the latter is kind of tied in with prostate habits?