What does finasteride do to the body?

Finasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow or hair loss in males. It will increase testosterone levels in the body, which decreases prostate size and increases hair growth on the scalp.

What is an alternative to finasteride?

Not wanting to take finasteride after a hair transplant for a variety of reasons, does leave you with the option of taking a herbal version, called ‘saw palmetto’. This works in a very similar way; by blocking 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT.

Is taking finasteride worth the risk?

Currently, studies show that finasteride is safe to use over the long term. For example, a study from the Prostate Cancer Prevention Trial of almost 19,000 men who had taken finasteride for seven years concluded that there is “little need to worry” about any long-term consequences from finasteride.

What are the side effects of finasteride 5mg tablets?

Stop using Finasteride 5mg Tablets and immediately contact a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty swallowing and breathing difficulties (angioedema)
• skin rashes, itching, or lumps under your skin (hives).

Is finasteride side effects permanent?

Introduction. Finasteride has been associated with sexual side effects that may persist despite discontinuation of the medication. In a clinical series, 20% of subjects with male pattern hair loss reported persistent sexual dysfunction for ≥6 years, suggesting the possibility that the dysfunction may be permanent.

Does finasteride affect sperm?

Conclusion(s): Finasteride, even at low doses, may cause reduced sperm counts in some men. In this population, counts improved dramatically for the majority of men after finasteride discontinuation. The hormone parameters, sperm motility, and sperm morphology were unchanged after cessation.

Is there a better drug than finasteride?

The researchers concluded that although both medications are effective at treating hair loss in men, dutasteride “seems to provide a better efficacy compared with finasteride” with a broadly similar rate of side effects.

Does finasteride cause permanent impotence?

Introduction: Finasteride has been associated with sexual side effects that may persist despite discontinuation of the medication. In a clinical series, 20% of subjects with male pattern hair loss reported persistent sexual dysfunction for ≥6 years, suggesting the possibility that the dysfunction may be permanent.

Can I take finasteride for life?

Finasteride is generally safe to take for a long time. Many people take it for many months or even years without any problems. However, there have been reports of breast cancer in some men taking finasteride, but this is rare.

Can finasteride affect sperm?

What is the best medication for enlarged prostate?

The three classes of drugs for an enlarged prostate are: Alpha blockers, which relax muscles of the prostate and neck of the bladder to relieve symptoms. Examples of alpha blocker medications include: alfuzosin (Uroxatral), doxazosin (Cardura), tamsulosin (Flomax), and terazosin (Hytrin).

When should I stop taking finasteride?

You will usually take finasteride for a long time. It could be several months or years. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first. If you stop taking finasteride, your hair loss or symptoms of an enlarged prostate will usually come back.