I've been on T since July of 2011 so a year and four months now and I'm getting really self-conscious about hair loss. I didn't expect for it to kick in so soon but it did and I've read in some places that in order to prevent hair loss, you can take Finasteride which has something to do with blocking male hormones in the scalp.

I was wondering if anyone has had experience with this because I'm interested in stopping this hair loss. I'm just not quite ready yet. all inputs and opinions are welcome Thanks!

I just started finasteride around Sept. 20th, 2012. I can't really tell if the hair loss has stopped or not. I hope it has. I'm the kind of person who can't tell until it's too late. Though, I have noticed,(and this could be due to the low T in my Body since Aug.) that my body hair and facial hair is growing much much slower than it used too. I don't know if this due to Finasteride or not...?

From what I've read about Finasteride, it says that it can slow facial hair growth. As of right now, I still can't grow a full beard but can grow  long side burns. My facial hair is still just a little too patchy for me to grow it out. I don't think I would mind if the facial hair slowed down because then I wouldn't have to shave every two days because of the way my facial hair is coming in.

Did you go to a dermatologist to get Finasteride? How did you go about doing it?

My hair started thinning pre-T, and when I started T it sped up a bit. I currently use minoxidil to fight off the inevitable a little longer. It's stalled the hairloss a bit.

Quote from: kenton_07 on November 02, 2012, 09:43:01 AM
From what I've read about Finasteride, it says that it can slow facial hair growth. As of right now, I still can't grow a full beard but can grow  long side burns. My facial hair is still just a little too patchy for me to grow it out. I don't think I would mind if the facial hair slowed down because then I wouldn't have to shave every two days because of the way my facial hair is coming in.

Did you go to a dermatologist to get Finasteride? How did you go about doing it?

My endo doctor gave me a script for it. My doctor had to write a note so I could get finasteride cover by my insurance. My insurance considers it cosmetic.

That sucks that finasteride slows facial hair growth. I've noticed my facial hair and body hair growing much much slower than before, and I'm more than okay with the body hair growing slower, that way I don't have to shave as much. But I do wish my facial hair would grow faster. Though, it's still patchy on one side, but hopefully it will still continue to grow even if it has to grow as a much slower rate.

I'm afraid that my endo won't prescribe me the finasteride but maybe ill call his office because it doesnt hurt to try. did your endo talk about if using finasteride would lower your T levels or anything?

Quote from: John Smith on November 03, 2012, 02:44:51 PM
My hair started thinning pre-T, and when I started T it sped up a bit. I currently use minoxidil to fight off the inevitable a little longer. It's stalled the hairloss a bit.

I also had thinning hair before starting T, and like John Smith has mentioned minoxidil works to prevent further losses, though it won't do much to bring back whats already gone. Unlike a lot of hair loss products there is genuine research into its effects. Then theres also finisteride as you mentioned.

Brand name minoxidil is sold as Rogaine, Regain, Hair Again, Vanarex etc. Rogaine is the most expensive, but its exactly the same as the cheaper brands, just make sure you're getting no less than a 5% solution, anything weaker isnt going to do much.

That being said, it makes your hair look abit greasy, and also dries out your scalp alot due to it being an alcohol based product.

I'm currently using minoxodil, the Walmart brand but I feel like the finasteride may be for effective. Are you using finasteride?

Quote from: kenton_07 on November 07, 2012, 12:41:00 PM
I'm afraid that my endo won't prescribe me the finasteride but maybe ill call his office because it doesnt hurt to try. did your endo talk about if using finasteride would lower your T levels or anything?

My doctor didn't really tell me what finasteride would do. All she said was it will probably stop facial hair and body hair growth.

Why do you think your endo doctor won't prescribe finastride for you? Is the minoxodil working for you?

Hi Guys,
    Let me barge in on the brothers here and offer my two bits worth as I suffer from the same problem. Testosterone seems to form something called DHT (5α-dihydrotestosterone) which just destroys hair follicles on ones head only. Naturally it couldn't be someplace else where we could use less! Anyway, the scientists who came up with Minoxidil initially claimed that it could grow hair on a doorknob, unfortunately in the US the FDA forced them to water it way down so that it's effects are less than stellar and unless one uses it continuously the new hair growth will just wither and die off. Finistride which is sold  by prescription as Proscar or again as Propecia is not to be taken by any woman who is pregnant as it will cause birth defects in the fetus. CIS men usually get erectile dysfunction and breasts (Minnie's). That being said Finistride is the best DTH blocker there is. Hope this is helpful!

Quote from: Dominick_81 on November 09, 2012, 12:12:09 PM
My doctor didn't really tell me what finasteride would do. All she said was it will probably stop facial hair and body hair growth.

Why do you think your endo doctor won't prescribe finastride for you? Is the minoxodil working for you?

My endo just doesn't have the greatest personality so I might just call him up anyway. It's worth it to try. The minoxodil is okay but I just feel like Finasteride would make me more comfortable and satisfied. Also, minoxodil is super expensive for even just a months supply and isn't proven to work for hair loss along the hairline ( i think its called the crown)

Quote from: kenton_07 on November 09, 2012, 03:09:21 PM
My endo just doesn't have the greatest personality so I might just call him up anyway. It's worth it to try. The minoxodil is okay but I just feel like Finasteride would make me more comfortable and satisfied. Also, minoxodil is super expensive for even just a months supply and isn't proven to work for hair loss along the hairline ( i think its called the crown)

I see. I hope your doctor will prescribe Finasteride to you so you feel more comfortable.