Be prepared for Side effects at any stage., They took 3 and a half years to really kick in for me before i had to dump the drug last year.

Just had some blood work done. My Free Testosterone serum levels are still way out of whack after nearly a year off.

4% is large in medical side effects, an example... there are 18,326 registered members on this site that means that around 733 of our fine members will suffer side effects, thats quite a lot and a horrible thought that 733 of the great friendly people on this site will be effected.

I just don't know what to do, my supply of finasteride ran out recently, I was searching where to buy more and I came across this post. Scared the hell into me. I would recommend everyone to read that post.

I did say along time ago to my HT Dr. that I would nearly prefer to get another HT in 5-10 years than to take medicine every day.
I never noticed anything, no side effect positive or negative. I did just start taking them week before my HT.

So do I stop taking them and risk my new HT or take them and risk my health?

Sorry to hijack the thread, I am in the same situation too, i was going to wait to see if minoxidil alone would help but i guess that going to take a few months,

but also contemplating on finasteride. I was going along the lines of carefully monitoring and trying out but not so sure

Btw i read that i should get blood work done? i have a GP appointment soon so not sure what i should be asking? Is it checking DHT level or something else?

Cheers

I think, to get half decent coverage, you need to both stay on fin AND get HT. By the time most of us get on hair loss drugs, we're already at a somewhat advanced stage of loss, and the drugs just maintain it. Or more so, just slow the loss. So drugs alone won't give you back what you once had. If you get a transplant and abandon the drugs, you'll just keep losing around it and have to get it done again.

I had severe side effects with Propecia, and wouldn't take it again even if it were free.

So many people post problem with propecia, I wonder if the side effect rate is much higher than reported. Anyone stay on it long term and NOT suffer serious side effects?

Ive been in Propecia for 7 years with no side effects at all. It has definitely slowed my hair loss. I would probably be near a NW5 by now, and I'm holding strong around a 3+1/2.
Sorry you guys had side effects. I have other friends on it for years with no bad effects. Its worth a try! If it effects you badly just stop it. If its works for you it can really help.

Depressive Symptoms and Suicidal Thoughts Found in Former Finasteride Users
Depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts found in former finasteride users

I'm sure I'm not going to touch any medication at all. Rather have another HT in a couple of years.