Effect of Finasteride and/or Terazosin on Serum PSA: Results of VA Cooperative Study #359

A 19-year-old with diffuse hair thinning and erectile dysfunction is considering starting Propecia (finasteride) while already using a minoxidil solution with anti-androgens. Concerns are raised about the psychological nature of erectile dysfunction and the potential systemic effects of anti-androgens, with suggestions to address porn addiction and consult a doctor about hormone therapy.

Finasteride may affect prostate sensation and size, with some users reporting easier urination. Concerns exist about prostate shrinkage even at lower doses.

Finasteride is effective for treating male pattern baldness (MPB) with minimal side effects, and topical finasteride is similarly effective. Dutasteride is also effective but less understood, and Minoxidil is less effective than Finasteride.

Dutasteride may affect semen parameters but not significantly enough to impact fertility unless baseline fertility is already low. Finasteride and minoxidil are used for hair regrowth, with no side effects reported by one user.

Finasteride has led to significant hair regrowth for some users, with noticeable improvements in two months, but side effects like erectile dysfunction have caused some to stop using it. Some users combine finasteride with minoxidil and other supplements, despite concerns about side effects.

A user shared their experience with finasteride, reporting severe side effects like erectile dysfunction and watery semen, which improved after stopping the medication. They emphasized the risks of finasteride and decided not to resume its use despite hair loss stabilization.