Low dose Proscar/Finasteride EOD or 2x a week

[MBB]

To cut a long story short, since starting trt a couple of months ago my hair has been thinning rapidly and my scalp is constantly tingling/itching. I know a lot of people are going to say 'it's only hair, just shave it', but as someone with very little social confidence as it stands and being only 24 (turn 25 in a couple of days) the thought of being prematurely bald is causing me a bit of stress. So my doc gave me a script for 5mg Proscar tabs which he has said to take 1/4 (1.25mg) ED. Now I've been doing a bit of reading and found there is some evidence that an even lower dose same 0.2mg can significantly reduce serum DHT levels and that that reduction can last a few days (would explain why it takes months for some peoples side effects to disappear and discontinuing propecia). I also found this link which shows evidence that 2x a week dose may be all that's needed. Plasma DHT levels 7 days after various Finasteride dosages : Finasteride Studies
So I'm thinking of dosing either 1/4 or an 1/8 (1.25mg or 0.6mg) 2x a week in order to try and mitigate any side effects. Any thoughts about this? If I did go this route, how long would it be before I noticed if it was working or not?

 

[KaseyT1]

I know the feeling when ppl say "it's just hair"! I agree that if it's a life and death or medical issue, then the hair would have to take a back seat, however, I also wouldn't just give up. I think looking for an alternative that works for YOU is wise.

I used Propecia for a while and had some bad sides, some of which still persist. The hair doc did suggest a much lower dose but I was very fearful and have resisted. TRT doc wanted to put me on low dose of Avodart but again, I just couldn't take the chance.

I just jumped on Nizoral 1% shampoo to help reduce scalp DHT. I can't say yest how it will work but I'm hopeful. Good luck!!

 

[MBB]

Hey Kasey, whats sort of sides are you talking about? How long have they persisted since stopping propecia? Were you on TRT at the time?

 

[KaseyT1]

Hey Kasey, whats sort of sides are you talking about? How long have they persisted since stopping propecia? Were you on TRT at the time?

Sexual sides. Libido, erections, load volume, etc...try a Google search and you will see many guys with long-term sides and many guys with sides that have persisted even after stopping Propecia.

I realize it works great for some guys but the risk, for me, is not worth it. I've been off for a few years. I firmly believe my issues all stemmed from the Propecia. I NEVER had an issue before I used it. NEVER!!!

Docs need to make patients more aware of the possibilities....and patients (me included) need to do more research before talking ANY meds. If I could go back and NOT take Propecia, I would. I'd take no hair or whatever the natural outcome was if given a second chance.