June 19 2009, 12:34 pm PT | Posted in: Drugs
Hi Doc,
I have been on propecia for over 4 months and had to stop due to side effects (started developing gyno). Couple of months passed and I started seeing massive shed which is probably the catch up hair loss. Since I cannot go back to propecia/fin, is there any topical treatment (other than rogaine) that can help slow down this process? I am not looking for any regrowth at this point, but just want to make sure the catch up hair loss can be controlled at all? Thanks for your valuable suggestions.
I just had a patient who reported gynecomastia along with some sexual side effects from Propecia, and after he reduced his dose to 1/4 of a pill (0.25mg) he was able to continue taking the drug without side effects. It is only a report by one patient though. Most of the patients who have had gynecomastia usually do not tolerate the drug even at lower doses and when there is gynecomastia, there is often other libido and erectile dysfunction side effects as well. A quarter of a pill is better than none, so I would recommend trying a lower dose of Propecia before completely quitting on this medication. Minoxidil (Rogaine) is the only other FDA approved hair loss medication, so your choices are limited.
Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):
Related Entries
- Propecia and Breast Enlargement
- Gynecomastia from Minoxidil?
- Could Pre-Existing Gynecomastia Return with Propecia Use?
- I Still Have Gynecomastia 7 Months After Stopping Finasteride
- Will Propecia Make My Gynecomastia Worse?
Balding Forum
Hi Dr
Thanks for the blog, I too believe I have developed a mild case of gynecomastia after bieng on the drug less that 2 weeks, I’m still extremely scared of going bald at such a young age (24) but dont know what else to do. Any suggestions as far as propecia goes? Minox was not to my liking.
Thanks
Mike-
I don’t know enough about your case — are you losing hair at all or just taking it as a precaution? What do you consider a mild case of gynecomastia? These are all things that you should discuss with your prescribing physician, where he/she can provide an exam in person (something I obviously can’t do via the web). I can’t give you specific advice on what you should be doing with your prescription drug, as I didn’t prescribe it to you.
Hi Dr,
I am loosing my hair in the vertex area with general diffuse thinning thru out my scalp, however my hairline is in perfect shape, The hair loss is noticeable. I noticed after 2 weeks one of my breast was sagging and figured it was the propecia (also possible softer errections). Any advise before I visit my prescribing Dr would be great.
Thanks for the time