I'm 22 and considering Propecia to slow down my hair loss. Worried about the side effects. Thoughts on safety?

Question

Been experiencing male pattern baldness for over 3 years. Now I am 22, and considering using propecia to slow down my hair loss. Would you recommend it based on your experience prescribing it to your patients? I am mainly worried about the side effects it causes. If you do not recommend propecia for safety concerns, are their any effective alternatives? Thanks!

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello,There are alternatives to oral propecia including topical propecia, saw palmetto, and other formulations which may be helpful.  Seek consultation from a hair specialist to help see what combination is best for your hair and physiology.  
Best,
Dr Anil Shah

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

As with all medications, there are risks and side effects. Propecia safety has been established for those patients taking it to regrow hair. Raffy Karamanoukian Los Angeles

Sanusi Umar, MD · Answer

Merck does claim certain health risks with Propecia use, for legal reasons. There have been reported cases of impotence, lowered sex drive, depression, prostate cancer, and gynecomastia in relation to Propecia. However, these cases are marginal in comparison to users who do not experience these side effects. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing how it will effect you until you use it; but you must be advised that you could fall within the small percentage of people who do experience these side effects. Only you can decide if the risk is worthwhile.

	
	There is no FDA-approved alternative to Propecia. Rogaine is a topical treatment you could try, and some doctors recommend a holistic approach using saw palmetto, though it is not clinically proven to prevent hair loss. Good luck!

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Your question is an important one. Propecia is the trade name for the generic drug "finasteride" It was FDA approved in 1997 for treating male pattern hair loss. It stops hair loss in 90 % of men and improves density in 40 % or more. It not only works on the "crown" but most certainly helps the front of the scalp in young men under 40. You are correct to think carefully about side effects of this medication. Side effects are uncommon, but can occur. You need to be aware that this is one of the most effective treatments for hair loss in men. Other treatments may be effective and could be worth trying - but they are a distant "runner up" in the order of effectiveness. Side effects occur in about 2% of men and are likely less common in younger men than older men. The top side effects include:mood changes, such as depressionsexual dysfunction, including decreased sex drive, impotence and ejaculatory problemsenlargement of breast tissuetesticular painOther side effects may also be possible but are more uncommon. Speak with your doctor if this medication could be helpful for you.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The side effects of this drug for libido and erectile dysfunction are about 2-4% so the decision for you is do you consider this risk too much.  For those that get it, it is 100% but 99% are reversible by stopping the drug

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Finasteride would work very well at your age. The sooner you begin using it the better it works at slowing down your hairloss. It can also thicken existing hairs as well possible regrowth.

I'm 22 and considering Propecia to slow down my hair loss. Worried about the side effects. Thoughts on safety?

Answers (6)

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