A user shared his experience of having two healthy children while continuously using finasteride (Fin) for hair loss, challenging fears about its potential impact on fetal development. The discussion that followed included various perspectives, with some users sharing similar experiences, others expressing concerns about potential risks, and some emphasizing the need for more substantial evidence before drawing conclusions.
Finasteride may affect male offspring's fertility and hormonal balance, with debates on whether to discontinue use before conception. Some users report no issues, while others highlight the high doses used in rat studies.
A user initially had side effects from finasteride, attributed them to anxiety and the nocebo effect, and after resuming the drug, experienced positive effects and now warns against misinformation about Post Finasteride Syndrome.
Dutasteride at 0.5mg may have fewer sexual side effects than expected, with many side effects attributed to psychological factors (nocebo effect). The placebo group experienced more side effects, suggesting fear and anxiety might contribute to perceived side effects.
Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) may result from epigenetic changes and gut microbiota alterations. Supplementing with Allopregnanolone might protect against these adverse effects.
A 24-year-old woman being diagnosed with androgenic alopecia (AGA) who is scared and confused about her hair loss, and the treatment options of Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, spironolactone, and possibly a biopsy.
Hair loss can cause significant stress and anxiety, leading individuals to try various treatments like microneedling, hair transplants, and lifestyle changes. Some people find peace by accepting hair loss and focusing on other aspects of life, while others experience ongoing distress.
The user has been taking 1mg finasteride daily for a year with no improvement in hair loss and reports low cortisol levels, sleep issues, and anxiety changes. The conversation includes discussions on the potential effects of finasteride on cortisol and neurosteroids, with suggestions to consult a doctor and consider other factors.
The user experienced anxiety, dizziness, and fatigue after starting finasteride and is seeking advice on whether to continue, adjust the dose, or consult a doctor. They stopped taking finasteride and are unsure if it caused their symptoms.
Concerns about the impact of hair loss treatments like finasteride on fertility and future children. The user is worried about reduced sperm count and quality due to lowered DHT levels.
The user stopped taking Finasteride after 8 years to try for kids but noticed hair loss and reduced anxiety. They are considering resuming Finasteride to prevent further hair loss.
An SSRI (paroxetine) reduced hair loss and itching for a user with male-pattern baldness, but liver issues forced discontinuation, leading to increased hair loss and anxiety. The user plans to try other anti-anxiety medications, noting stress and anxiety significantly impact hair loss.
The conversation discusses the potential effects of ashwagandha on hair loss and anxiety, with users sharing mixed experiences. Some users caution against ashwagandha due to its potential to increase testosterone and DHT, which could counteract finasteride's benefits, while others suggest alternative methods like exercise, cold showers, or different supplements for managing anxiety.
A user experienced severe depression and anxiety after taking finasteride for hair loss, which resolved after stopping the medication. They shared their story to warn others about potential side effects.
A user is considering starting spironolactone for androgenetic alopecia but is concerned about stopping it before pregnancy. Another user suggests trying topical treatments as an alternative.
Different treatments for hair loss, such as Finasteride, Minoxidil, Nizoral, Pumpkin Seed Oil, Saw Palmetto and PRP; the risks of using certain treatments; taking a break from this subreddit to cope with anxiety about hairloss; and potential benefits of maintaining confidence despite hairloss.
Finasteride may lower allopregnanolone levels, potentially affecting mood, but many users report improved mental health due to reduced hair loss. Experiences with finasteride and dutasteride vary, with some experiencing side effects and others finding them beneficial for hair retention and overall happiness.
A user applies topical finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss and is concerned about the risk to his pregnant wife. It's suggested that topical treatments could be hazardous to a male fetus, and switching to oral finasteride might be safer.
A 20-year-old woman with androgenetic alopecia feels depressed about her hair loss, despite using topical minoxidil, spironolactone, and saw palmetto. Suggestions include trying oral minoxidil, higher doses of finasteride or dutasteride, and checking for vitamin deficiencies and heavy metal exposure.
The conversation is about the safety of using hair loss products like Minoxidil and finasteride while trying to conceive and after birth. The user is seeking advice on whether these products are safe for the baby and if any men in similar situations can share their experiences.
Spironolactone and finasteride are not recommended for women planning pregnancy due to birth defect risks. Both need to be stopped months before conception, and finasteride is generally not advised for women.
Finasteride users discuss potential side effects, including Post Finasteride Syndrome (PFS), with varying opinions on its legitimacy and impact. Some users report side effects like changes in semen consistency and reduced pre-ejaculate, while others emphasize the rarity and reversibility of side effects.
A user plans to stop Dutasteride to conceive a child, seeking advice on hair maintenance. Suggestions include switching to Finasteride, but many emphasize prioritizing child safety.
The user is experiencing breast tenderness and lumps after three weeks on 0.5 mg oral finasteride, a common side effect. They also report mild brain fog and fatigue but are less concerned about these symptoms.
A 19-year-old is concerned about going bald and disagrees with their parents who suggest therapy, believing hair loss will negatively impact their life. Some suggest therapy can help with the emotional aspects, while others support using finasteride and focusing on what makes the individual happy.
A user with high pre-finasteride estrogen levels is asking if they need to normalize their hormone levels before starting finasteride and whether they should postpone dermarolling until they begin finasteride. The user is 21.5 years old.
Finasteride can affect hormone levels, potentially causing symptoms like puffy nipples and testicular pain, and may result in elevated prolactin and high testosterone. The user is seeking interpretation of these changes after taking finasteride.
A 19-year-old with diffuse hair thinning and erectile dysfunction is considering starting Propecia (finasteride) while already using a minoxidil solution with anti-androgens. Concerns are raised about the psychological nature of erectile dysfunction and the potential systemic effects of anti-androgens, with suggestions to address porn addiction and consult a doctor about hormone therapy.
Hair loss causes anxiety during haircuts, with some using minoxidil, finasteride, or hair transplants to cope. Others manage by cutting their own hair or accepting baldness.