CJS, you should stop using Avodart if you're experiencing sexual side effects.

Side effects from Avodart are similar to those from Propecia but if they are experienced, they will last in the system for much longer. During the early stages of FDA trials there were cases of DHT levels only returning to 25% of their original levels almost 12 months after having discontinued the intake of Avodart. Therefore if side effects are experienced from Avodart it is possible that they could last for months or even longer.

I wouldn't recommend switching to Propecia instead; you body needs a break from internal DHT inhibitors. Don't be too worried about losing your hair, just keep using Rogaine 5% twice daily, Nizoral 2% every third day and Nioxin Cleanser and Scalp Therapy daily (optional) and you shouldn't lose much hair.

breyfogle, the half-life of Avodart is up to 6 months after discontinuation of treatment, so it's not uncommon for you to still be experiencing the side effects of Avodart after 3 months.

notgoing2gobald, Avodart is three times more potent than Propecia inhibiting the type II enzyme and 100 times more potent than Propecia inhibiting the type I form of the DHT producing enzyme.

mrkneed, Avodart has a 50% better regrowth rate than Propecia. As overall DHT is suppressed by >90%, it has the potential to arrest hair loss for as long as it is used. Propecia is said to lose its effectiveness after a number of years, because the DHT left in your system (type I, and >35% type II) is enough to continue the deterioration of hair follicles.

For hair loss, take Avodart at your own risk.

deano,

Whereas I appreciate your post, you are making a number of absolute statements, some of which are contradictory to what I have read and heard from well respected hair restoration physicians..

Are you a physician? If not, please use words like "in my opinion" or elaborate on your sources for the information you have presented.

I do agree however, with most of what you have said.

Thanks,

Bill

__________________
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog and the Hair Loss Forum and Social Community

View our hair loss articles on EZineArticles.com

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To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.

Well anybody can say they're a physician on the Internet, in either case, most physicians go solely by what they're told from drug studies held and approved by the FDA. If you like you can tell me what you didn't agree with, and I'll reference a few sources in that regard.

deano,

You haven't answered my question regarding whether you are a physician or not.

I have quoted below the absolute statement I have trouble with:

Many reputable physicians have suggested those who are on Avodart to switch to Propecia in the event they are experiencing side effects rather than taking a complete break from a DHT inhibitor. Therefore your advice contradicts what others have said. I am not saying I disagree entirely with your advice, I'm just wondering on what basis you give this advice.

You do appear to have good knowledge of hair loss. So since you are new to this forum as of today, I'm just looking for a little background information. Perhaps you are just a very knowledgable hair loss patient.

Thanks,

Bill

__________________
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog and the Hair Loss Forum and Social Community

View our hair loss articles on EZineArticles.com

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Subscribe to our Newsletters | How We Recommend Physicians

-----

To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.

That is indeed my advice. I believe by not using any enzyme inhibiting agents until his recovery, this opens the gates for a faster recovery time. I am not a specialist in dermatology as of yet, I am a student working at St. Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne.

No physicians give absolute advice, but as I said, most do leave their own experiences with patients or opinions out of the picture and go by the book.

Deano,

Thank you for the clarification and for your input. Our online community always appreciates knowledgeable members giving of themselves to help hair loss sufferers.

Best wishes,

Bill

__________________
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog and the Hair Loss Forum and Social Community

View our hair loss articles on EZineArticles.com

Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | YouTube

Subscribe to our Newsletters | How We Recommend Physicians

-----

To learn about how I restored my hair, view my my hair loss website.

Remember, true beauty radiates from within, not from the skin.

I am not a medical professional and my words should not be taken as medical advice. All opinions and views shared are my own.

Thank you, I appreciate it.

Best wishes to you too,

Dean