How to tell side effects of propecia

Propecia or Finesteride is the most popular treatment for stopping hair loss. Unlike minoxidil, a hair growth stimulant, propecia is used to counter dihydrotestosterone (DHT) binding to hair follicles that leads to hair miniaturization. Most propecia users do not experience any side effects from using propecia.

Sexual side effects of propecia

It is quite common knowledge among propecia users that some people using propecia (Finesteride) experience sexual dysfunction. Some people (about 2% of propecia users) experience mild or substantial erectile dysfunction or impotence. Usually, this goes away with time, perhaps after around a few months of consistent use. Some people have come to expect this and therefore continue to use it.

Major side effects:

• Low libido – losing interest in sex
• Ejaculation problems – watery and lower volume of semen
• Gynecomastia

Tip: If you feel your sexual life has deteriorated to an extent that has led to significant drop in quality of your life, you should stop using propecia, or at least consult a doctor to get their opinion.

Side effects subside when stopped

Many people also experience the sexual side effects in the first few months of using propecia, but the side effects subside after a few months even when propecia is continued to be taken.

The sexual side effects of propecia in most cases stop when the user stops taking propecia. However, some have experienced erectile and low libido problems even long after stopping propecia.

Gynecomastia

A few men experience increased size in their breast glands as a result of taking propecia. They develop what appear to be feminine characteristics in the chest area. Statistically, it is not a very significant number in terms of the total number of people using propecia for hair loss, but few have reported larger breasts.

If you do happen to notice an increase in the size of your breasts, stop using propecia immediately and consult a doctor.

Again, some people continue to use propecia despit5e experiencing a mild for of gynecomastia.

Minor propecia side effects

• Itching of the scalp
• Abdominal pain
• Headache

Solutions to counter propecia side effects

For anyone experiencing the two most known side effects; erectile problems and developing gynecomastia, should either stop using it or live with and hope they subside. There is a possibility that they will subside if these problems are quite mild.

Some of the minor side effects such as headaches should subside after while, but again, if headaches are persistent then you should consult a doctor. In the meantime, taking Paracetamol may cure the headaches.

Treating itchy scalp

The best solution to treating an itchy scalp is Nizoral. By using it 2 or 3 times a week should stop the itchiness. Nizoral is also very good for hair loss in its own right. Its main ingredient, Ketaconazole, a mild anti androgen, has been shown to help with stopping hair loss and aid hair regrowth, especially when used in conjunction with Propecia and minoxidil, a hair regrowth stimulant.

Note: There are no known reports or studies showing different side effects of brand name and generic propecia. In effect, since both use the similar ingredients, they both produce the same side effects.