How Not to Detect Prostate Cancer

A 25-year-old male experienced increased testosterone and estradiol levels after starting finasteride for hair loss, leading his doctor to suggest a testicular ultrasound as a precaution. The user questions the necessity of the ultrasound, considering it potentially excessive, while others suggest it could be a useful precaution to rule out any issues.

Doctors often prescribe finasteride for hair loss without testing testosterone levels. There is no need for such tests before starting the medication.

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

The conversation is about whether testing for free DHT is necessary before starting Finasteride for hair loss, despite having other hormone tests available. One person suggests that genetic response to DHT is more important than DHT levels and advises starting Finasteride without the free DHT test.

The DNA Trichotest is considered unreliable for predicting hair loss treatment responses, and topical spironolactone is questioned for its effectiveness and safety in cis males. Finasteride and Dutasteride are recommended as more reliable treatments for androgenic alopecia.

A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostate cancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostate cancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.