I'm considering taking Finasteride to halt hair loss. What should I do to monitor side effects?

Question

Routine blood tests, hormone tests, etc. I was prescribed Proscar for hairloss without taking into account my present hormone levels, etc. Is this necessary?

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Great question!In general, we don't measure hormone levels in men starting finasteride (Propecia). It's true that the drug lowers Dihydrotestosterone levels by 50-60% but most physicians don't typically get a baseline DHT. Routine blood work is not necessary for most men with typical genetic hair loss. However, if some piece of information is discovered while a physician meets with the patient, some blood tests might be considered. Side effects of finasteride need to be carefully reviewed with patients. So you will want to make sure you sit down with your physician to go over all "potential" side effects, review how common (or uncommon) they are and decide together if you want to startOnce you know all the side effects you can simply monitor how you feel. Side effects (for men) include;ImpotenceDecreased libido (sex drive)Mood changes (depression)Testicular painLower sperm countEnlargement of breast tissueThere is no clear evidence that the drug increases a man's risk of breast or prostate cancer but you will want to review this data with your physician

David P. Melamed, MD · Answer

Primarily monitor yourself for change in libido. The
physician prescribing finastride should review everything with you.

I'm considering taking Finasteride to halt hair loss. What should I do to monitor side effects?

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I'm considering taking Finasteride to halt hair loss. What should I do to monitor side effects?

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.