I am on 5mg from my urologist due to enlarged prostate. I wonder if the higher dosage accelerated the hair growth but also magnified the side effects. My research did indicate that my testosterone booster that I take to counter the sexual side effects (works!) is compatible with Finasteride. But I want my Doctor's opinion on both of those subjects.
In A Bit Of A Dilemma Regarding Treatments (finasteride)
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Wait he put you on minoxidil to help you with your prostate?
No, Finesteride 5mg for prostate (and hair loss) Also in combination with Doxazosin 4mg, as Doxazosin in combination with Finasteride work better together than either medication work by themselves. I have read that both, that the caliber of side effects can be increased with higher dosage, but also read the side effects intensity stays the same across the board whatever the strength of the dosage. Another question for the good doctor. I also noticed some chest soreness lately for the first time, after a year on Finesteride. I have read this can be a side effect of Finasteride and can be indicative of breast cancer. (Small incidence.) Never the less it can occur in men on Finesteride. I do not need another session of cancer. I survived Esophageal Cancer and went through chemotherapy and radiation. This was some time before I was on Finesteride. The esophageal cancer was caused by acid reflux. It is aggressive.
I thought you were speaking of starting Finesteride. Were you speaking of Minoxidil?
Finesteride 5 mg is commonly used to treat enlarged prostate. Finesteride 1 mg is used to treat hair loss. I had both going on. The hair loss due to antidepressants, which I stopped. Rather deal with the depression than the hair loss. The hair loss increased the depression. At least my Libido and sexual function is back thanks to the Testosterone booster. Guys talk about the hair loss being hard on the self esteem and pysche. I feel loss of sexual function can be equally tough.
Perhaps gentlemen that are on antidepressants and began losing hair around the time they started the antidepressant should revisit the issue. Stopping the antidepressant can reverse the effects of hair loss ( many cases) with out additional medication for hair restoration. My primary care specialist suggested I see a specialist for antidepressants but at this time I see 5 different doctors for different issues on a pretty regularly basis and did not want to add another one to my regimen at this time. I will do my own research and find an antidepressant that does not induce hair loss.
I have read that stopping Finesteride will cause loss of the progress made both in hair growth and prostate reduction. I think I have read the same does not apply with minioxidil.
In any case I am chained to Finasteride unless I opt for prostate surgery but there can be some pretty major sexual side effects from that.
My stepfather had prostate surgery for cancer last year and did very well after. Maybe I will find out if he still has sexual function, but you know that's NOT a picture I want in my brain about my parents. Ha, ha.
We were visiting for Christmas one year and my Mom announced at the breakfast table that my Dad had chased her around in the snow Naked after their Jacuzzi the night before. (Within the confines of their privacy fence.) My brother covered his eyes and said " God, I am glad I wasn't looking out the window. "
We all laughed but eh, I don't want to go there. When I first found out my Dad had prostate cancer I ask him which witch Doctor he was seeing. Turns out it was my Doctor also. Just slightly weird. But a least I can find out the details of his progress. Also our Dr is one of the best in the field so I am happy he, we are in good hands. He performed micro robotic surgery on my Dad. I asked if he (Dr) used a remote control. I think the Dr said. the technique was , but interesting and fun.
Stopping the antidepressant and hair loss reversal happens in about the same time span as if one were using Finasteride. About 6-12 months average. So in my case it might be difficult to discern whether it was stopping the antidepressant that caused the return of hair or the Finasteride. Or both. My Primary care physician said it might have just been my time for baldness.( I read ⅔ of all men will experience baldness at some point.) But admittedly is not her area of expertise. She is a good doctor, but her manner at the time seemed to infer that hair loss wasn't an important issue, until I asked her how she would feel if she suddenly started loosing significant amounts of her long beautiful wavy hair which she is allowed to wear loose at the clinic. Her demeanor then changed on the subject and she became more in tune with my feelings.