Saw Palmetto

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.

Dutasteride studies for hair loss are often sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline, raising concerns about potential bias. Despite this, some users report positive results with dutasteride and oral minoxidil, while others remain skeptical of industry-funded research.

Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.

A user in Germany struggles to get a finasteride prescription despite trying multiple doctors and apps, only receiving minoxidil. Other users suggest alternative sources like Zava.med, EU doctor App, and buying from pharmacies abroad.

User had a hair transplant and used a finasteride and minoxidil spray for 6 months with no results. After adding finasteride tablets for 1 month, they saw significant hair growth improvement.

Dutasteride and finasteride may temporarily affect semen quality but are unlikely to cause permanent infertility. The Kim et al. study is criticized for poor methodology, and many prefer hair retention over potential fertility concerns, using treatments like dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil.