I'm using Finasteride 1 mg and I want to know if it's safe for me or not?

Question

I'm 21-year-old men facing hair loss,  I hv hairloss problem since 1 year and i hv recended a bit on my temple area and i m so concerned about my hairloss and finally i decided to start finasteride 1 mg some people says finasteride effect in fertility is it true or a myth?

David Deutsch, MD · Answer

Finasteride (Propecia) has been used to prevent hair loss for approximately 20 years.It is very safe-the major side effect is sexual.This could be either a decrease in sex drive, or erectile dysfunction.Less commonly there can be a decrease in the amount of ejaculate.Overall sexual side effects can occur in 1-2% of men taking Finasteride-so 98 or 99% do not have side effects.If these effects do occur they almost always resolve after discontinuing the medication.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

If you are a candidate, finasteride can help hair growth and is safe if used appropriately. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Finasteride
overall is a safe medication.  Additional
information is available on our website. The most common side effects reported
are sexual side effects particularly decreased sex drive or libido with the
chances of it at about 1.8%.  In general,
erectile dysfunction is a rare phenomenon.  If you are experiencing any of these side
effects consult with your hair restoration specialist to see if there are other
options.

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

The answer to this question will depend on your personal genetics.  
Firstly, Finasteride is a DHT blocker known to block up to 60% of circulating DHT in the system (depending on dose).   Finasteride does NOT grow hair. At 1mg it will likely block less than 60%.
There are better more effective DHT blockers available on the market now.
One thing to make sure when taking any medication like Finasteride which affects your hormone levels is to ensure that you do blood work before being prescribed a DHT blocker to understand what will happen to your hormones once you start taking it.  For some people the extra testosterone that is created by blocking the DHT conversion process will convert instead to Estrogen and cause side effects.
Please make sure to see a hair loss expert who will provide a thorough analysis of your hormone levels and prescribe treatment based on those, rather than a one size fits all solution for the "average" population.  You may be part of the 10% who end up with side effects due to not understanding your personal chemistry prior to prescribing.

Edwin Epstein, MD · Answer

The vast majority of studies, and male population, show no significant effect of finasteride on male fertility.  Men who have an underlying problem that may affect fertility, such as a varicocele, may see a reduction in sperm counts or sperm motility.  A few cases from infertility centers, report reduced sperm motility.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The use of the dose of finasteride 1mg is safe as determined by the FDA in the clinical trials performed by Merck. There are very rare reports that finasteride can impact fertility

I'm using Finasteride 1 mg and I want to know if it's safe for me or not?

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