Older men with severe symptoms and larger prostates should focus on prevention, using finasteride and alpha-blockers to manage acute urinary retention.
The user shared their positive hair regrowth experience using saw palmetto tablets, 5% minoxidil spray, and a Derma Pen. The conversation debates the effectiveness of saw palmetto versus finasteride, with some advocating for natural treatments and others emphasizing the proven results of finasteride and minoxidil, often in combination with microneedling.
Finasteride is discussed as a hair loss treatment with benefits like reduced prostate enlargement and skin aging, but it is not seen as a "fountain of youth." Users report mixed experiences, including side effects like decreased libido and dry eyes.
The conversation discusses using very low dose topical finasteride to achieve specific serum DHT reduction percentages. It concludes that finasteride dosage increases linearly between 5-30% DHT reduction but requires exponential increases for reductions up to 70%.
Dutasteride and finasteride may temporarily affect semen quality but are unlikely to cause permanent infertility. The Kim et al. study is criticized for poor methodology, and many prefer hair retention over potential fertility concerns, using treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil.
Finasteride may decrease free testosterone by increasing SHBG, potentially causing side effects like reduced libido and hormonal changes. Some find it effective for hair loss, while others experience negative effects.