He is my unfortunate experience:
Within a few days of using finasteride (1mg daily) I had side effects of lower libido, trouble maintaining or getting an erection, frequent urination (getting up about 3 times during the night) and more exertion required for bowel movements.
I know that latter 2 sound strange. And I thought so too. But it is definitely a cause and effect.. at least for me and my body. I expect I may get "it's something else", "it's in your head", 'side-effects are made-up my lawyers", and so on. I stopped, then started again (for 3 mos) and it was clear early on this was the reason.
I met with a few dermatologists, and recently one that I really respect. She is a proponent of finasteride, and when I told her about my side effects she said.. yea unfortunately it sounds like you're part of the group that gets side effects. And she said they can be permanent, which I know we have all read. I asked the likelihood of side-effects becoming permanent, she said 1%. I appreciate and respect that she gave me her input and did so in a caring manner.
Like I mentioned, I stayed on finasteride for about 3 months after I initially stopped, even with the side-effects simply because there aren't so many options out there. I guess a part of me was hoping my body would adjust. And until I met with more physicians I didn't want to waste any time I couldn't get back without being on it. And again, I wanted to fight this and do whatever I could with our limited options.
I asked about a lower dose of finasteride, and she said there isn't much as far as case studies showing less than 1 is helpful. She wasn't telling me yes or no, but give me her medical knowledge / opinion. And it was her belief it wasn't worth it.
A strong part of me was relieved because I didn't want the side-effects. And they have actually left within the first few days, especially my urinary and bowel movement probs.
But.. I'm now more depressed because I simply don't have the option of taking what seems to be the most highly recommended form of treatment. I'm willing to fight this, but being told I can't and I'm powerless in that way hurts.. a lot.
Within a few days of using finasteride (1mg daily) I had side effects of lower libido, trouble maintaining or getting an erection, frequent urination (getting up about 3 times during the night) and more exertion required for bowel movements.
I know that latter 2 sound strange. And I thought so too. But it is definitely a cause and effect.. at least for me and my body. I expect I may get "it's something else", "it's in your head", 'side-effects are made-up my lawyers", and so on. I stopped, then started again (for 3 mos) and it was clear early on this was the reason.
I met with a few dermatologists, and recently one that I really respect. She is a proponent of finasteride, and when I told her about my side effects she said.. yea unfortunately it sounds like you're part of the group that gets side effects. And she said they can be permanent, which I know we have all read. I asked the likelihood of side-effects becoming permanent, she said 1%. I appreciate and respect that she gave me her input and did so in a caring manner.
Like I mentioned, I stayed on finasteride for about 3 months after I initially stopped, even with the side-effects simply because there aren't so many options out there. I guess a part of me was hoping my body would adjust. And until I met with more physicians I didn't want to waste any time I couldn't get back without being on it. And again, I wanted to fight this and do whatever I could with our limited options.
I asked about a lower dose of finasteride, and she said there isn't much as far as case studies showing less than 1 is helpful. She wasn't telling me yes or no, but give me her medical knowledge / opinion. And it was her belief it wasn't worth it.
A strong part of me was relieved because I didn't want the side-effects. And they have actually left within the first few days, especially my urinary and bowel movement probs.
But.. I'm now more depressed because I simply don't have the option of taking what seems to be the most highly recommended form of treatment. I'm willing to fight this, but being told I can't and I'm powerless in that way hurts.. a lot.