finasteride worries

[waldo]

hi everyone! long time lurker here.

first time poster, but really in desperate need of advice from the experienced finasteride users.

i started taking finasteride 8 days ago, 1mg daily. first couple of days i noticed an increased libido, now however, 7 days into the treatment, i notice my balls are hurting a little, like somebody had kicked me in the nuts. the feeling hasnt gone away for 2 days. i also notice a loss of libido, and weaker erections.

as you can imagine, im horrified. my sex life so far has been great, i have a loving GF (we are both in our early 20's) and we make love alot. i haven't had the chance to try to make love to her since starting my finasteride intake.

so obviously, im experiencing a reduced libido. wether the weaker erections are due to the weaker libido (eg: i get less excited about my porno lol) OR due to the finasteride killing off my prostate is the question... i have read that a diminished libido is somewhat normal when starting finasteride, the ball ache has me really worried though. and reading all those horror stories hasn't helped one bit. im fairly fit, feeling great psychologically and i've had a superb sex life so far (despite being balding like a mofo). doctors in germany don't seem to be aware of the existance of the post-finasteride-syndrome, the derm that prescribed me finasteride assured me any side effects were only temporary.

so... what would you do? any valuable insights from experienced finasteride users? i have only been taking finasteride about week but i got the feeling my scalp itch has improved... and im currently a nw2.5 just on the edge between "a weird haircut" and "a balding creep" so i really can't wait any longer until combating my hair loss.

thanks for any responses guys,
hugs from krautland

 

[mashang]

hi i have been on finasteride for over 10 months now,
started off on .5mg and got the nut ache for a couple of weeks, then it subsided then in Jan i upped my dose to 1mg , and again was hot with the dreaded nut ache, but subsided again, now i have been on 1mg for little over 3 months and my libido is up (like a dog in heat) and i have no nut ache what so ever,
so i would say dont worry yourself too much about just continue and keep an eye on it, if it gets worse then consult your Doctor and come off the meds,

 

[Wuffer]

I had the exact same testicle ache after a couple weeks. It lasted about 3 days, and I could only compare it to a bad case of blue balls, pretty much constantly. This is reported very commonly, and is not a cause for concern. Mine went away overnight after the 3rd day. Everyone else who reports this say the same thing.

I also had the apparent boost in libido in the first few weeks. It subsided and went back to normal after a short time. After 3 months, everything in that department is normal; encounters with the girlfriend are just as vigorous as they have always been!

I'll recommend to you what I recommend to everyone else just starting on finasteride. Take pictures of your hair, save them on your computer, and forget about it for 3 months. Quit the messageboards, take your meds on time, and don't even think about it. Most important of all; stop reading about these finasteride horror stories. They are extremely rare, and if you keep reading them, you are going to just drive yourself crazy with anxiety and end up quitting anyway.

I find that people who start on finasteride with worry in their minds are almost guaranteed to fail. You are doing a very positive thing for yourself, and the best move you can make for your hair. Come back in 3 months to compare your results with your original pictures. Hopefully we will see you in the success stories!

Also, if you have concerns, go see your doctor.

Good luck man.


PS: Love your beer! Do you guys consider Erdinger to be a quality brew?

 

[Wuffer]

I find that people who start on finasteride with worry in their minds are almost guaranteed to fail

Really, how exactly did you ''find'' this?

This is based on my personal perception of what i've seen in some other peoples posts. Unfortunately I don't have a study to back it up

 

[sc64]

I had the nut ache thing off and on for about a month or so on finasteride and it went away,at the time I didn't know what it was but I later found out after reading the forums it was a small side effect that comes and goes it should take care of it's self.

 

[waldo]

thanks alot everyone for the replies! i guess i will keep taking it then. ball ache is now gone. however my erections are still very weak... is this also something that normalises after the body accomodates to the new hormone levels? or is it something finasteride users have to live with, like finfighter suggested? because i am not sure if i am willing to make that trade.

definitely will take the pictures! keeping track of the progress is a great idea.

 

[Mens Rea]

thanks alot everyone for the replies! i guess i will keep taking it then. ball ache is now gone. however my erections are still very weak... is this also something that normalises after the body accomodates to the new hormone levels? or is it something finasteride users have to live with, like finfighter suggested? because i am not sure if i am willing to make that trade.

definitely will take the pictures! keeping track of the progress is a great idea.

Completely your call.

You've shown to be suspecible to a drug very early on. THis is a drug you would need to take the rest of your life.

Some people's bodies do seem to adjust to these new hormone levels but many don't. So it's really your decision.

Personally it took me over a year to notice problems. But things didn't improve when i got off it. Everyone is different though but getting weak erections at an early stage cannot be good imo.


Seriously though guys, this 2% is bullshit. Half of this board have had some sides.

 

[Wuffer]

Waldo, no it is not a normal thing that we all experience. Your ed issues are caused by one of the following:

1. A legitimate side effect to Finasteride (roughly 2% chance)
2. It's in your head; your anxiety is causing erectile problems
3. It's caused by an unrelated issue (very unlikely)

I think option 3 can be ruled out since you are a young, presumably healthy guy. Unfortunately, it is difficult to differentiate between 1 and 2. The only real way to 100% tell is if you started finasteride having absolutely no prior idea that there was a chance of sexual problems.. But unfortuantely, this isn't the case.

Again, my recommendation is to get your mind off it as much as you can. If you are still experiencing ED problems after a month of being away from all this and not obsessing about it, then there is a chance it could be caused by finasteride.

In all likelyhood, staying on finasteride for a while will result in your sides going away (0.3% of patients had sexual sides after 5 years). However, it's up to you if you want to take that chance or not. Personally, if I experienced ed while on finasteride,

In the end, it's your decision since its your body. Just make sure that you are basing your decision on legitimate information (studies, placebo controled trials, etc) and your doctors advice rather than the wealth of extremely biased recommendations and stories you will find on the internet. Playing your own doctor and taking medical advice from anonymous individuals on the internet is really a bad idea.

 

[Wuffer]

Seriously though guys, this 2% is bullshit. Half of this board have had some sides.

Sorry dude, but you knew I would call you out on this

I don't think the majority of people, even anti-finasteride proponents, question this statistic. Message boards are an extremely biased, unreliable source of information. It's said all the time, but only people who have problems will come back to report them. What reason do the other 98% of individuals have to come back and post "I have no sides from finasteride.. so.. yeah". They are all out enjoying their lives!

That being said, the 2% statistic is often misinterpreted. It really means that there is less than 2% chance of having any ONE of the sexual sides (Ed, lack of libido and ejaculatory disorder). So that could be extrapolated to say that up to 6% of users will experience one of these problems. However, it seems to me that these sides usually go hand-in-hand, so it's really up to interpretation.

I've seen many messageboard posts from doctors and derms that state their patients reports of sides fall in line with the Merck ones. However, as I said, messageboard posts (even from doctors) can't be used as evidence.. so we can only turn to the FDA trials and dozens of other placebo controlled studies to get any real data. All of the placebo controlled studies I have seen are in line with Merck’s FDA trials.

 

[TheGrayMan2001]

It's OK Wuffer. Remember, anecdotal evidence is fine for those who disagree with the studies, but it isn't OK for those who agree with them.

 

[Wuffer]

I'm not familiar with Darvocet, but I know Vioxx was on the market for under 5 years before it was pulled. No, these adverse reactions were not found during the FDA trials, but they were found a very short while after. Just like with Finasteride, continual, long-term studies were performed. These rare occurrences made themselves apparent after they were PROVEN, and Merck promptly withdrew the drug. I've said it before and I’ll keep saying it: persistent side effects have not been proven.

Finasteride had been on the market for close to 20 years, and is also widely used. The fact that serious side effects have not been discovered speaks volumes for its safety. You keep quoting these two medications as some sort of proof, but it means absolutely nothing.

The fact that I enjoy Dr. Rassmans balding blog is of no consequence. I formed my own opinions before I even knew that webpage existed. I could say the exact same thing you to: you are just a pawn for Mew's propeciahelp regime, cutting and pasting the same studies listed on their website. However, I won't stoop to such ridiculous accusations, because they are just that: ridiculous.

Since my personal condition somehow seems to be of significance to you: I've seen my doctor twice about my concerns with Finasteride (gyno and decrease in morning erections). He has told me that neither of these things are anything to worry about; the gyno, although slight, was clearly pre-existing. He confirmed that there was no growth since the last run-up I had in October. The intermittent reduction in morning erections was also not concerning, especially since I have absolutely no problems in the sack. Why should I be even slightly concerned? Should I go back to my doctor and tell him that he’s wrong because some guy on the internet with no medical background told me he was? Again. Ridiculous.

I shouldn't even have to point out the fact that my personal condition holds absolutely no bearing on the truth. Let’s say, for arguments sake, I have full blown ED, and come off the drug. This doesn’t change anything; I had an unlucky experience with the drug, and unfortunately it didn’t work for me. This didn’t change anything. I am able to make this distinction, why can’t you?

Since personal experiences seem to be important here, let’s talk about you! I’ve read your posts; you were in my shoes at one time, completely as dead-set in your views that Finasteride was safe. Then one day, you experience heart palpitations. Immediately, you flip-flop and do a complete 180. It’s clear your personal experience with the drug has introduced a strong bias, clouding your judgment.

Tell me, why is it that the vast majority of people who have a huge problem with Finasteride have had their own personal negative experience with it?

Oh but it's just a coincidence right?

 

[waldo]

Waldo, no it is not a normal thing that we all experience. Your ed issues are caused by one of the following:

1. A legitimate side effect to Finasteride (roughly 2% chance)
2. It's in your head; your anxiety is causing erectile problems
3. It's caused by an unrelated issue (very unlikely)

just today my erections seemed the same as before starting finasteride, although i still notice a severely reduced libido... wich i really dont mind as long as i know my dick works fine. im seeing my gf in a couple of days, then i will know for sure wether i have reason to worry or not. atm i believe its just anxiety, and lack of enthusiasm/libido... its kind of like i masturbate only to check if my erections are normal and that can't go well.

just right now after 9 days of treatment, i seem to be shedding really really bad. is this normal? does it indicate a good response? what are the chances that i am one the unlucky guys who actually permanently lose more hair under finasteride? could it just be a regular cycle of renewal of hairs, and coincidentally more than every other day? im paranoid ... plz tell me if a shed this early is common or a good sign.

btw interesting discussion going here lol, opinions seem to vary alot when it comes to the safety of finasteride.

 

[Wuffer]

Good to hear about your woodies, Waldo! I fully admit I went through the exact same phase you did. I got really caught up in all this side effect talk, and I was experiencing all of it at for a week or so. I was on the verge of quitting, but simply realizing that it was all in my head took care of all of it, and i've been fine ever since. Especially when it comes to having sex, even a slight doubt in your mind has huge concequences. Any guy that's had performance anxiety (haven't we all) knows that all too well.

When I thought I was having those problems a little over a month ago, my GF and I were doing our 'things'. I was experiencing doubt, and less than exceptional firmness. She did something great and frigging sexy as hell (I won't go into details) but it completely firmed me up like never before. I started to realize, who I am I kidding, I perform just fine.. An hour of 'activities' and I was convinced this was all in my mind. I just needed to turn that swith of anxiety and doubt off in my mind.

Shedding on finasteride is another one of those anecdotal things people report. I think some people may have extremely adverse reactions to it and shed, but it would be along the lines of extremely rare. Someone in the success stories experienced this, but from what I can remember, he grew all his hair back. This is another one of those things you shouldn't obsess about. Again, take your meds for 3 months, take new pictures and track your changes. It's the only accurate way to know whats going on.

And my apologies for hijacking your thread. Yes, there are many different opinions on Finasteride. Understand that I respect finfighter's opinions; he is a very bright guy, and our arguments are not personal in any way. These sort of discussions are a great way to challenge pre-existing beliefs and hopefully prompt some constructive input from other members as well.

 

[waldo]

hey guys... what about a sudden stinging sensation around my nipples? i have been experiencing that lately... thats a sign for concern isnt it? i am 100% sure this is not psychosomatic. i have a very slight gyno (no idea where it came from) wich is not noticable unless you squeeze the nipples... so i would assume i am susceptible to this side effect?

man i wish finasteride wouldnt mess with your body this much

 

[Wuffer]

Waldo,

On its own, this does not indicate Gyno, but it could potentially be the precursor to it. Gyno is always accompanied by swelling of the breast tissue. You will also always feel a tender swollen gland located directly beneath the nipple. This is 'true' gyno, though not everyone experiences this the exact same way.

Definitely keep an eye on it, but again don't obsess. A good idea to track this is take a picture if your chest from several angles right now. In a few weeks, if you continue to have pain, check your size for comparison.

Again, breast and nipple pain does not indicate Gyno, or indicate that you will get it. I had gyno when I was a teenager and probably 80% of it went away when I reached adulthood. I still have it slightly, and was concerned finasteride was making it worse. My doctor confirmed it wasn't any worse, so it's all good

Also keep in mind that Gyno from 1MG Finasteride is quite rare. I cant remember the trial, but it was found to occur in 0.4% of men, which was actually the same percentage as the placebo group. It's somewhere around 2% for men taking 5MG Proscar, but not on 1MG. It's a rare occurrence, and i've only seen a couple reported cases of it that include pictures of significant swelling; not something you could possibly mistake!

 

[Mens Rea]

The fact that I enjoy Dr. Rassmans balding blog is of no consequence. I formed my own opinions before I even knew that webpage existed. I could say the exact same thing you to: you are just a pawn for Mew's propeciahelp regime, cutting and pasting the same studies listed on their website. However, I won't stoop to such ridiculous accusations, because they are just that: ridiculous.

Dr. Rassman's demonstrated unforgivable ignorance on his post about propecia sides. He literally ignored what is going on out there. I doubt he could write such horse-sh*t now after the heavy month of publications that was March 2011, though.

Since my personal condition somehow seems to be of significance to you: I've seen my doctor twice about my concerns with Finasteride (gyno and decrease in morning erections). He has told me that neither of these things are anything to worry about; the gyno, although slight, was clearly pre-existing. He confirmed that there was no growth since the last run-up I had in October. The intermittent reduction in morning erections was also not concerning, especially since I have absolutely no problems in the sack. Why should I be even slightly concerned? Should I go back to my doctor and tell him that he’s wrong because some guy on the internet with no medical background told me he was? Again. Ridiculous.

So you have gyno and less morning erections? Oh dear. And you're prepared to take this poison for the rest of your LIFE?

I agree, the majority of people's bodies can handle finasteride. Some can't. Your body isn't holding up too well thus far. I hope you take these things serious. Something taht gives you gyno or messes with libido is serious sh*t. It's altering your hormonal levels which can begin a huge chain reaction throughout the entire body. This suppression over time can cause ALOT of damage.

Not to mention the fact you have some gyno proves your estrogen is too high.

Are you happy about having high estrogen for a long period of time? That alone will eat away at your libido etc, but worse than that, estrogen is quickly emerging as a huge player in prostrate cancer.

You're not the first person to be fed wrong information. Many more qualified experts would be more worried about your sides than your doctors. It shocks me how people are sometimes happy to accept their doctor's bad advice simply because they want to believe it. Doctors are humans, too. Some are more qualified in some areas than others and they often disagree with each other about things. A GP is the bottom of the chain. I guarantee you that I know 10x more than him about hormones, finasteride and sexual function and i'm not bragging whatsosever. It's just the world we live in. This isn't their domain. Hell, even most endo's have limited knowledge on this stuff.

I bet this same doctor would have said you wouldn't have gotten these problems at all when he let you take propecia.


"You dont have any problems in the sack".....so that means you're alright? Things don't happen over night....you've got the rest of your life to maintain your health and sexual function, don't mess about with it because it "seems" to be working "ok" when you clearly know something has changed.

I shouldn't even have to point out the fact that my personal condition holds absolutely no bearing on the truth. Let’s say, for arguments sake, I have full blown ED, and come off the drug. This doesn’t change anything; I had an unlucky experience with the drug, and unfortunately it didn’t work for me. This didn’t change anything. I am able to make this distinction, why can’t you?

Since personal experiences seem to be important here, let’s talk about you! I’ve read your posts; you were in my shoes at one time, completely as dead-set in your views that Finasteride was safe. Then one day, you experience heart palpitations. Immediately, you flip-flop and do a complete 180. It’s clear your personal experience with the drug has introduced a strong bias, clouding your judgment.

Tell me, why is it that the vast majority of people who have a huge problem with Finasteride have had their own personal negative experience with it?

Oh but it's just a coincidence right?

How objective of you, Wuffer. Bravo.

We'll see how this objective standard stands up in future...


As for the rest of this quote...all i have to say is WHAT? The people with "bias" or with "clouded judgement" are people who have had their lives destroyed from this drug. Of course they'll have a problem with this drug.

"No bearing on the truth".....eh what? Everyone's personal experience forms the overall reality we face. It's real people who take these drugs. Many of these people's reality is that finasteride is poison.

Even at 2%, this is ridiculous.


I'm saying this just so it's on record. I strongly advise you to get off finasteride NOW. I don't think your body is agreeing with it and if you think your body will start enjoying its new state all of a sudden then i think you're wrong. That's my opinion. Remember one thing - your doctor or Dr Rassman aren't putting their balls on the line. You are. They won't lose any sleep over your limp dick thats for sure, your relationship problems or your painful gyno. If anything they'll brush you off. THEN you'll realise how such passivity is so dangerous. It's all fine and dandy until something goes wrong. Then you're on your own and these guys become as useful as chocolate teapots. Actually scratch that, you'll actually come to realise that these guys are actually working against you because the espouse a stance completely opposite to your personal experience. But as you say......"no bearing on the truth"...eh?

 

[Wuffer]

Mens, you are another perfect example of an individual that has had a bad experience with Finasteride, and are clearly biased. You are simply unable to view the situation objectively. Anybody can plainly see that.

Your entire response is really quite ridiculous, and has no substance. From what I’ve seen, you base many of your responses (including this one) on fear tactics. Don't get me wrong, scaring people is a very effective way to get them to believe you. It’s what leads thousands of individuals to Propeciahelp. Just keep in mind that not everyone is susceptible to these sorts of tactics.

Also, seriously, you just said you know 10x as much about hormones than a GP? Are you kidding me? This statement alone makes me take your entire response with a grain of salt. You are a search engine scientist. You cherry pick articles that suit your need extrapolate them and draw conclusions based on a very limited knowledge of science.

Your attempts to diagnose me are almost insulting. This is really the whole problem right here; a bunch of guys that think they are smarter than everyone, handing out medical advice like candy. I've had dozens of blood work-ups ever since I reached adulthood; all revealed normal hormone levels. If I had elevated estrogen levels, wouldn't one of them have said something? You're telling me I have elevated estrogen levels, simply based on the fact that I have some residual gyno from puberty. You take a very small piece of information, and then draw an outrageous conclusion from it. Anybody that takes medical advice from anonymous individuals on the internet is an idiot.

you've got the rest of your life to maintain your health and sexual function, don't mess about with it because it "seems" to be working "ok" when you clearly know something has changed.

Here you are, putting words into my mouth. I never said my sexual function "seems" to be working "ok". It IS working PERFECTLY. This is just another tactic. You attempt to place doubt in people’s minds, leading them to question themselves.

I’m perfectly happy to continue having constructive conversations with you guys, but these juvenile tactics are a waste of energy. Even from the beginning, I’ve never wanted to come in as an antagonist; I simply offered my help and advice. I enjoy discussions with finfighter; he is able to offer some genuinely challenging and thoughtful responses.

Mens, this is the absolute best advice anybody can offer you for dealing with your problems. Stop visiting this forum, and stop visiting propeciahelp. Quit the internet entirely if you have to. All you are doing is reinforcing and reconfirming the belief that you have problems, which is exponentially compounding them. Drop the meds. Get on a clean, healthy diet. Start an exercise plan that focuses on high intensity cardio, and high intensity weightlifting. Keep this up for 3 months straight, and don’t let ANYTHING stand in your way.

I know you’ve got that doubt in your mind. That thought that says “maybe hanging around these forums is just making everything worseâ€. I won’t say that Finasteride has not caused your problems, but you are making them a hundred times worse by hanging around these forums; especially propeciahelp. You know that man; don’t tell me that thought hasn’t crossed your mind.

Stop blaming your problems on something you can’t fix. Get the f*** out there and change your life.

 

[Mens Rea]

Mens, you are another perfect example of an individual that has had a bad experience with Finasteride, and are clearly biased. You are simply unable to view the situation objectively. Anybody can plainly see that.

I am viewing it objectively. I know finasteride is generally tolerated well, but I also know what it can do. Simple. Given that the latter is generally treated with disbelief and scorn, you might find some of my posts a little strong worded, but I haven't mislead or said anything incorrect or out of place. Not once.

Your entire response is really quite ridiculous, and has no substance. From what I’ve seen, you base many of your responses (including this one) on fear tactics. Don't get me wrong, scaring people is a very effective way to get them to believe you. It’s what leads thousands of individuals to Propeciahelp. Just keep in mind that not everyone is susceptible to these sorts of tactics.

Just trying to help. Theres 2 or 3 new users on PH every day posting up stories about how finasteride (and even accutane!) has messed them up. If i can help one person avoid this, i'll be happy.

Also, seriously, you just said you know 10x as much about hormones than a GP? Are you kidding me? This statement alone makes me take your entire response with a grain of salt. You are a search engine scientist. You cherry pick articles that suit your need extrapolate them and draw conclusions based on a very limited knowledge of science.

Wrong.

I'm not a search engine scientist. I read the same studies, publications and medical opinion that your GP WOULD read. I say would because i know he hasn't read a fraction of them. No GP has the time nor interest to do so. I'm sure there is the odd exception but i very much doubt your GP is one of them.

I also highly, highly doubt your GP has ever, ever, spoke to multiple top Professors, Physicians and Endos who have dealt with, cumulatively speaking, hundreds of PFS patients and have studied finasterides effects in great depth.

It's not about a "limited knowledge of science" or whatever rhetoric you'll throw at me next.

I stand by my comment. UNLESS your Doctor is specialised in hormones and 5ARII inhibitors etc I doubt he'll have any more than a very basic knowledge of hormones. Ask him with 3-adiol-G indicates or what hormone balances against FSH levels to affect sperm production. He'll throw you a blank stare, capadre.

Your attempts to diagnose me are almost insulting. This is really the whole problem right here; a bunch of guys that think they are smarter than everyone, handing out medical advice like candy. I've had dozens of blood work-ups ever since I reached adulthood; all revealed normal hormone levels. If I had elevated estrogen levels, wouldn't one of them have said something? You're telling me I have elevated estrogen levels, simply based on the fact that I have some residual gyno from puberty. You take a very small piece of information, and then draw an outrageous conclusion from it. Anybody that takes medical advice from anonymous individuals on the internet is an idiot.

Absolutely true.

I said if you developed gyno from finasteride then you've high estrogen levels. That would be a fact, not speculation. Propecia raises your estrogen levels by approximately 15% due to the deduction on DHT by about 70%. But I'm sure your Doctor spoke about all this stuff to you since he knows all.

Going back to the bolded quote - as i say - i agree....BUT i also think its naiive to think your GP knows about this stuff when most endos themselves have very very limited dealing with it. The clue is in the name "General Practitioner"

I spoke to my GP about all of this. He admitted himself (he's one of the honest ones and believe me he's a good GP) that this is "cutting edge stuff....what would a bottom of the line GP know about this?"....

My endo has agreed that he simply doesn't have the time to do the reading i've done and accepts there are parts that I will know more about. We work together on a no-ego basis. So far so good....

Here you are, putting words into my mouth. I never said my sexual function "seems" to be working "ok". It IS working PERFECTLY. This is just another tactic. You attempt to place doubt in people’s minds, leading them to question themselves.

I hope your sexual function is working "perfectly". If you've even lost 5%, jsut be honest with yourself. I don't care.

Just dont be stubborn about things for the sake of an argument.

Mens, this is the absolute best advice anybody can offer you for dealing with your problems. Stop visiting this forum, and stop visiting propeciahelp. Quit the internet entirely if you have to. All you are doing is reinforcing and reconfirming the belief that you have problems, which is exponentially compounding them. Drop the meds. Get on a clean, healthy diet. Start an exercise plan that focuses on high intensity cardio, and high intensity weightlifting. Keep this up for 3 months straight, and don’t let ANYTHING stand in your way.

I know you’ve got that doubt in your mind. That thought that says “maybe hanging around these forums is just making everything worseâ€. I won’t say that Finasteride has not caused your problems, but you are making them a hundred times worse by hanging around these forums; especially propeciahelp. You know that man; don’t tell me that thought hasn’t crossed your mind.

Stop blaming your problems on something you can’t fix. Get the f*ck out there and change your life.

Good advice. I'm not sure what part you deduced that i don't do anything about it or that i sit on this all day (admitedly at work i have been on this alot!). But rest assured I am doing everything in my power to do the right things. I am mentally 100% there are no issues here whatsoever - i am a successful young man thus far in my 25 years. I simply use these forums as a motivator and a source of inspiration. I know exactly what i need to try to do to recover and i've started it. Wish me luck...

 

[Wuffer]

Okay man, yet again our arguments got very heated and we end up hijacking poor waldo's thread! I've got nothing personal against you or any of you guys, and I genuinely hope you can get well again, quickly. We can go on for days arguing about the cause (I think we have both made our points pretty clearly) but in the end, you are clearly experiencing major problems and that is shitty. I really wish you the best of luck in your recovery; however your path leads you there. I'm going to do the best to express my opinion for now on without stepping on any toes.

Just one 'deep thought' before I go: I know that finasteride causes many people side effects. I honestly don't believe it has affected me in any way right now, but that could change in a week or a month or a year. ed, gyno, loss of libido; I know it can all happen to me. If it does happen, well I’m going to have to make a difficult decision, like I would for any drug.. You need to weigh out the pros and cons, and if the cons start building up too far, it's time to drop it. I fully accept this can happen to me, but I sure as hell hope it won't. My whole point is that I want to show other people this distinction, and make sure that they weigh out the facts before making a decision. In my opinion, people were receiving overly biased information. My whole point was to try to introduce a little balance so that they can make a more educated decision.

Aesthetic or not, hair is extremely important to many people. The fact that finasteride can allow people to keep it for 5-10 years is huge. Yes, it has its dangers, but the frequency of these dangers needs to be put into perspective for some people.
I hope you can understand where I’m coming from!

God, this is too emotional. I feel like a woman. I hope it’s not the finasteride :sobbing: