Finasteride side effects - My experience after 2 years

dwer

I've been on Finasteride for 2 years now. First year was great - stopped hair loss, even some regrowth. But lately I've noticed lower libido and some ED issues. I'm torn between stopping and risking hair loss or continuing with these side effects. Anyone successfully lower their dose? What happened?

MedStudent

I had the same side effects and switched to 0.5mg daily. Side effects went away but I still get the benefits. Many people do fine on lower doses. If side effects persist, you can try topical Finasteride or Dutasteride as alternatives.

GraftCounter

I stopped Finasteride after 6 months due to side effects. My hair loss resumed but I'm okay with it. Not everyone can tolerate it. Consider natural alternatives like saw palmetto, though they're less effective. Your health comes first.

DHIPatient

Hey there! I can totally relate to your concerns about finasteride side effects. I've been on it for about 2 years now, and I've had a mix of positive and not-so-great experiences. On the bright side, I've definitely noticed some regrowth and thickening of my hair, which has been a huge confidence boost. It's been great to see some progress in that department. However, I have had some side effects that have been a bit bothersome. I experienced some decreased libido and occasional erectile dysfunction, which was definitely concerning. I also noticed some breast tenderness and enlargement, which was unexpected. It's been a bit frustrating to deal with these issues, but I've found that being open and honest with my doctor has been really helpful in managing them. Overall, it's been a bit of a rollercoaster with finasteride, but I'm still sticking with it for now.

ClinicHunter

I've been on Finasteride for about 3 years now, and I can definitely relate to your concerns about side effects. In my experience, I did notice some decrease in libido and occasional erectile dysfunction during the first few months of taking the medication. However, these side effects gradually improved over time, and my hair started to show noticeable thickening and regrowth after about a year. I found that being consistent with taking the medication and staying in touch with my doctor about any concerns or changes helped me navigate through the initial side effects. While it's important to be aware of the potential risks, I personally found the benefits of Finasteride in improving my hair loss far outweighed the temporary side effects I experienced. It's definitely a personal decision, but for me, the results have been worth it.