Does Propecia (Finasteride) Work?
I have personally taken Propecia for over a year. When I first started losing my hair, I began using it. In this article, I’ll explain exactly how effective I and other men have found it to be so that you can make an informed decision about whether you want to use it as well.
Please note that I am biased in writing this article and will try to persuade you that there are better alternatives than using Propecia. However, there is nothing to stop you from trying both approaches—the natural method and using Propecia—in a complementary manner.
Also, I am not a medical professional, so you should seek advice from a well-rounded doctor to address any specific questions or concerns.
In this article, I will explain:
- How Propecia works
- What to expect when taking it for the first time
- Exactly how and when to take it, including dosage information
- Strategies to enhance its effectiveness
- When it might be appropriate to stop taking it
- Potential downsides and side effects
- Natural alternatives that could be considered.
How it works.
Finasteride, the active chemical in Propecia, was initially developed by Merck to treat enlarged prostates in men. In 1997, it received FDA approval for treating androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.
Finasteride operates by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary hormone associated with hair loss due to follicle miniaturization. This enzyme is known as 5-alpha-reductase.
Propecia acts on a biochemical level, disrupting the body’s processes and impacting male hormones. However, many men find that the potential risks outweigh the benefits, with some even reporting lasting health damage.
What to expect when taking it for the first time:
When starting Propecia, many men may notice a decrease in libido. This might manifest as weaker erections or reduced occurrences of ‘morning wood.’ While these side effects often diminish with continued use, it’s essential to discontinue if they persist.
Additionally, some men may experience shedding when initiating Propecia. Shedding occurs because Propecia disrupts the hair growth cycle, causing dormant follicles to shed, with the hope of later replacement by stronger, more resistant hair. This shedding phase can last up to approximately three months.
Exactly how and when to take it:
Propecia has a relatively short half-life, necessitating daily, consistent dosing. Ideally, it should be taken at the same time each day, preferably on an empty stomach.
Many opt for 5mg finasteride tablets, cutting them into 1mg pieces for cost-effectiveness. If adopting this method, it’s advisable to store the remaining pieces in a small, airtight container to preserve their efficacy, as exposure to oxygen and humidity can compromise the drug’s potency.
How to help it work more effectively:
If you choose to take Propecia, it’s strongly advised to complement the treatment with efforts to support your body’s natural healing processes. This significantly enhances the likelihood of treatment success. Consider incorporating the following practices:
- Block DHT in the scalp.
- Alkalize your body by consuming vegetable juices whenever possible.
- Reduce your consumption of foods with a high glycemic index.
These steps are just the beginning, but collectively, they can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
When to stop taking it:
Upon discontinuing Propecia, I noticed a significant increase in libido and experienced stronger erections—a surprising outcome that underscored the impact Propecia had on my body, albeit unintentionally.
Ultimately, I decided that prioritizing a robust sex drive, enhanced erections, and increased ejaculations was preferable to retaining my hair. However, I remained committed to redoubling my efforts to combat hair loss naturally, which proved successful for me.
If you encounter noticeable side effects persisting beyond a few days of starting Propecia, it’s advisable to discontinue use. Additionally, if you’re concerned about potential side effects and prefer focusing on natural alternatives—such as those discussed at Hair Loss Revolution—it may be best to cease Propecia usage. These alternatives can often be even more effective.
The downsides of using Propecia:
- All hair gained while using the drug is typically lost within 6-12 months of discontinuation. This rapid hair loss contrasts with the gradual decline that occurs naturally.
- Synthetic chemicals like those in Propecia accelerate the aging process, potentially leading to increased hair loss post-discontinuation, along with other premature aging effects such as older-looking skin and muscle atrophy.
- Propecia can induce irreversible side effects, with significant numbers of men reporting issues like loss of libido, difficulty achieving and maintaining erections, mild anxiety and depression, and mental and physical fatigue. While many side effects may diminish upon discontinuation, some men experience permanent sexual dysfunction and decreased ejaculatory volume.
- Propecia can cause birth defects in developing fetuses. Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy are advised to avoid contact with finasteride due to the risk of birth defects, particularly in male fetuses. There’s also concern about finasteride being passed through semen, potentially increasing the risk of birth defects.
- Natural inhibitors of alpha-5 reductase exist and may be just as effective as Propecia. However, these natural alternatives receive less attention due to the lack of patentability and profitability compared to pharmaceutical options like finasteride, despite being healthier and more cost-effective.
How to decrease the side effects of Propecia:
If you’re experiencing a decrease in libido while taking Propecia, this article is for you. Decreased libido can be distressing for men on Propecia, as our sex drive often contributes to our overall vitality and well-being. However, there are methods to increase libido and ejaculatory volume substantially.
The most important method to boost libido and ejaculatory volume is often overlooked: reducing ejaculation frequency. Limiting the number of ejaculations per month—ideally no more than twice—can help. As you age, gradually decrease this frequency. If ejaculation leaves you feeling tired or uninterested in further sexual activity, consider reducing frequency again.
Achieving the right frequency should leave you feeling refreshed and energized after ejaculation. If engaging in sex, you’ll likely still be interested in continuing, though it’s advisable to end the next session without ejaculation. This stimulates the release of vital hormones without expending them through ejaculation, thereby boosting libido.
Reducing ejaculation frequency may lead to the uncomfortable ‘blue balls’ sensation, characterized by sperm accumulation and discomfort. However, this can be managed.
Sperm functions similarly to cerebral spinal fluid, meaning its energy can be consciously directed throughout the body. Taoists recognized methods to redistribute this energy, alleviating the ‘blue balls’ feeling while energizing the body. Think of sperm as our life force, requiring significant nutrients and energy to produce. By redistributing this energy throughout the body, libido and ejaculatory volume can increase over time.
Here’s the method: Focus on the stagnant energy in the genital region, then take a deep breath. As you exhale, feel the energy move from the perineum towards the coccyx and up the spine. With each breath, guide the energy up the spine towards the head. Touch your tongue to the roof of your mouth, inhale and exhale deeply, and feel the energy flow down the front of your body.
Repeat this process until the pressure from reduced ejaculation frequency subsides.
Natural alternatives:
Numerous natural alternatives to Propecia exist beyond 5-alpha-reductase-blocking supplements. The techniques discussed here, detailed further in the hair loss course, offer highly effective alternatives.