Reproductive Endocrinologists Are the Gatekeepers for Male Infertility Care in North America: Results of a North American Survey on the Referral Patterns and Characteristics of Men Presenting to Male Infertility Specialists for Infertility Investigations

A 23-year-old male experienced an increase in testosterone levels after taking 1 mg of finasteride daily for six months, with no significant side effects reported. Users discussed how finasteride inhibits DHT, leading to increased testosterone, and debated the psychological versus physiological effects of the medication.

A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.

Finasteride may decrease free testosterone by increasing SHBG, potentially causing side effects like reduced libido and hormonal changes. Some find it effective for hair loss, while others experience negative effects.

A user shared their experience of using finasteride for hair loss from ages 29 to 37, stopping due to side effects like low libido, and later starting testosterone therapy, which improved their well-being. The discussion includes various opinions on the effects of finasteride and testosterone on hair loss, libido, and overall health, with some users questioning the correlation between finasteride and low testosterone.

Finasteride can increase body and facial hair growth due to increased testosterone, despite its intended use to reduce hair loss on the scalp. Some users consider trying topical finasteride for less systemic impact, while others report mixed results and side effects.

The user discovered their previous hair loss medication was counterfeit and switched to Propecia, which significantly lowered their DHT levels. They plan to continue using Propecia and add oral Minoxidil to their routine for better results.