Posts Tagged: Finasteride

Can Finasteride Hair Loss Medication Cause Sexual Side Effects?

July 21st, 2008

Q: I’ve now been taking finasteride for just over 5 months. I have noticed that my semen quality has changed just in the last 3 months, and it seems now much less in quantity and is quite watery and clear in color. I think the current problems are due to the finasteride, what do you think?

A: Finasteride, the active drug in Propecia, can change the quality of the semen, since it is decreasing the component of seminal fluid that is secreted by the prostate.

You may want to consider having your sperm counts checked, although a decreased sperm count is rare with finasteride. If the symptoms are not bothering you and the sperm counts are normal, it should be OK to continue the medication.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:39 am

Is Hair Transplant or Treatment with Hair Loss Medication Preferred for People in Their 20’s?

May 12th, 2008

Q: I am 25 year old who just started going bald. My doctor confirmed it’s pattern baldness and put me on Propecia and Rogaine. I don’t want to go bald at any age. So, instead of prolonging the process for 5-10 years and then having a HT, isn’t it easier to let the hair loss continue and then have a HT, so, that I can save the money on drugs for years.

A: It is far better to keep your own hair. Keeping your own hair will generally look fuller than a hair transplant, since a hair transplant just re-distributes existing hair (until hair cloning techniques are available).

The medications (i.e. finasteride and minoxidil) are relatively cheap if you get the generic forms.

Topic: Age

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:35 am

What Hair Loss Medications are Effective DHT Blockers and are they Sold Over the Counter?

April 21st, 2008

Q: Are there DHT blockers that are sold in the pharmacy over the counter?

A: The only effective DHT blockers are finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart).

These medications require a doctor’s prescription and are not sold OTC. Nizoral is a topical shampoo for seborrhea (a type of dandruff) that is sold over the counter, but it is not effective in treating hair loss.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 6:49 am

Can Hair Loss be Caused by Weight Lifting and Increase in Testosterone Levels?

April 7th, 2008

Q: My son, 25 years old, is seeing hair loss around the hairline. According to your website, he is probably a stage II. He may have a little hair loss at the vertex; right now it is hard to tell. He is very muscular and loves weight lifting, but no drug enhancement. Is there a relationship between weight lifting and hair loss, since I have read that weight lifting increases testosterone levels?

A: Yes, weight lifting does increase testosterone, which in turn increases DHT. This can accelerate hair loss, although the effect is generally very slight.

Rather than modify his exercise program, your son may want to consider taking finasteride (Propecia). This requires a doctor’s prescription.

Topic: Causes of Hair Loss

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 8:36 am

Can Hair Loss be Induced by Acne Medication Accutane?

March 10th, 2008

Q: I have hair loss due to a treatment of Accutane. I have been off this medication for about a year and a half now, yet my hair has not recovered. The texture of my hair has completely changed. Given the fact that there is no family history linking me to male pattern baldness, I attribute my hair loss exclusively to Accutane. What should I do?

A: If the texture alone has changed there is nothing you can do except to wait. The texture should improve over time even though it has already been 18 months.

If there are signs of genetic hair loss (i.e. male pattern alopecia), then finasteride should be considered.

Topic: Drugs & Medications

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Posted by Robert M. Bernstein M.D. at 7:25 am



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