Re: Propecia for hair loss

[Dominick_81]

I just got a prescription for Propecia, and was just wondering if anyone here has taken it for hair loss, and what side effects did you get from it? Would you recommend taking this prescription? I wanna know what people think of Propecia before I start taking it.

[xander]

one of my trans friends got a perscription for something like that and it blocked his testosterone (or something else to a similar effect).

Basically it made his face feminise again.

[Lee11]

Propecia has been seen to produce only an 18% boost in hair growth/regrowth. It also reduces testosterone levels.

[Dominick_81]

Thanks guys. I'm going bald in the middle of my head and it's freaking me out. I can't go bald. There's a guy on youtube using finasteride which I believe is Propecia is and he's still getting the effects of T.  He just upped his T dosage and he started using finasteride like 4 months in of starting T.  I was thinking if I upped my T dosage I could use Propecia and still get the T effects. I'm also worried of breast enlargement on this. I think that might be one of the rare side effects, but it's possible. Am I just better off using rogaine? Rogaine won't stop the T from working, will it?

[Ayden]

Finesteride is indeed the generic of Propecia. When I was working in the pharmacy, we had a few patients on it (cisguys), and for one it was effective, and for the other two it was not. A lot of hair loss is genetic. However, for one of my patients, he developed kidney problems, rashes, and unwanted hair growth in other areas. So it is always something to keep in mind.

As for effects on T, I am not sure. I know that Rogaine is not effective for a lot of people, and with it being topical, I doubt it would affect T. I would suggest that you talk to a pharmacist and ask them about possible side effects.

[Dominick_81]

Thanks Ayden.

[JohnAlex]

I know I'm going to go bald someday, it runs in the family, but I think I'll try to welcome it when it comes.  first, it will make me pass better for sure! lol.
and also, eventually I'm going to be old and unable to stop it, so i might as well accept it.  maybe I'll buy a hat, lol.

Good luck to you!

[Bahzi]

I've read on other trans forums and FTM blogs that saw palmetto is typically more effective than Propecia.  You can get the extract and add water to it to use topically on your scalp to block DHT in the hair follicles so it wouldn't interfere with the effects of T you want.  I've not noticed hair loss yet, but that's my plan if I do.

[Dominick_81]

@JohnAlex: Thanks. I'm sorry baldness runs in your family, that sucks! A hat is a good idea. I was thinking about buying a wig.

@Bahzi: I mentioned saw palmetto to a nurse and I forgot what she told me. I'll have to mention that to my doctor. Do you have to get a prescription for saw palmetto?