is finasteride necessary if your T is low after you have been on HRT for long

[vegie271]

I have been on HRT for quite some time (19 years actually) and my doctor assures me my T levels are low, although from some of my body reactions I have some wonder. I have continued all this time to take the finasteride simply because it was covered. I was just change to female by SSA so it is no longer covered. so now it is very expensive. If I discontinues it is there a danger of my hair falling out?

[JennX]

Have your DHT level tested. That is the only way to be sure. A low T level usually (but not always) equates to low DHT level.

[vegie271]

Have your DHT level tested. That is the only way to be sure. A low T level usually (but not always) equates to low DHT level.

now the finasteride just stops the DHT right? so I do not need to stop taking it to make the blood test valid?

[Mollie]

I have a question about Fin' also along the same lines. As far as I am aware Finasteride is prescribed only to stop hair loss. From research I know that the dose required is pretty low. Why therefore have I been prescribed a dose 20 to 25 times what is required for hair loss. Not complaining, just wondering.

(I'm assuming this doesn't count as talking about doses. If I'm wrong, apologies)

[JennX]

now the finasteride just stops the DHT right? so I do not need to stop taking it to make the blood test valid?

Correct. Finasteride inhibits the enzyme that converts T to DHT. You can keep taking Finasteride and it will not effect the results of the test.

[JennX]

I have a question about Fin' also along the same lines. As far as I am aware Finasteride is prescribed only to stop hair loss. From research I know that the dose required is pretty low. Why therefore have I been prescribed a dose 20 to 25 times what is required for hair loss. Not complaining, just wondering.

(I'm assuming this doesn't count as talking about doses. If I'm wrong, apologies)

Good question. I'd discuss it with your doctor. Or, if he/she is not helpful, you can always look for a second opinion from another doc or endocrinologist.

[vegie271]

I have a question about Fin' also along the same lines. As far as I am aware Finasteride is prescribed only to stop hair loss. From research I know that the dose required is pretty low. Why therefore have I been prescribed a dose 20 to 25 times what is required for hair loss. Not complaining, just wondering.

(I'm assuming this doesn't count as talking about doses. If I'm wrong, apologies)

actually my dose is higher, the dose designed for something else (am I allowed to say what else it is designed for?)

[Rachel]

I go to the Mazzoni center in Philadelphia. Finasteride is prescribes and not covered by my insurance, estradiol and spiro is covered. The Pharmacy next door charges $60 plus per script; however, when treated at Mazzoni they charge $17.60 per 30 days.

[vegie271]

I go to the Mazzoni center in Philadelphia. Finasteride is prescribes and not covered by my insurance, estradiol and spiro is covered. The Pharmacy next door charges $60 plus per script; however, when treated at Mazzoni they charge $17.60 per 30 days.

wow, at the beginning of the year I was paying $15, for 3 months supply, and I can cut them in half (technically in fourths even) and I just checked they have not yet jacked up my price, it is only $30 for 3 months

[Mollie]

Walmart, $9 and when quartered that's a 4 month supply.

[vegie271]

Walmart, $9 and when quartered that's a 4 month supply.

I would not go into a Walmart if I was on fire and they were the only place to get water or a fire extinguisher

[Mollie]

I would not go into a Walmart if I was on fire and they were the only place to get water or a fire extinguisher

Not a fan huh?

[vegie271]

They cheat their employees, they do not pay a living wage, most of them are even on food stamps, there was the tragedy in India that happended that they still refuse to accept responsibility for.

Plus I had something happen to me, I went up to a counter with a specific prepay card that I wanted to buy and my debit card and the clerck said that is not the one you want pulled it out of my hand put another one in my hand swiped my debit card and said "there you are done" and there was no way I could get my mopney back the transaction was done! 

I had spent $3000 in that store in the past year. I complained to the manager and he said tough and supported the clerk, I will never set foot in another Walmart as long as I live even if there is not another store to shop in itn the world even if I have to starve to death. 

[Jamie D]

actually my dose is higher, the dose designed for something else (am I allowed to say what else it is designed for?)

Yes

I have been on HRT for quite some time (19 years actually) and my doctor assures me my T levels are low, although from some of my body reactions I have some wonder. I have continued all this time to take the finasteride simply because it was covered. I was just change to female by SSA so it is no longer covered. so now it is very expensive. If I discontinues it is there a danger of my hair falling out?

It should still be covered, because you still have a prostate.