use of Proscar

[Carol]

I took Finasteride/Proscar on prescription for a couple of months in 2013. I might as well have taken sugar pills for all the impact they had. I switched to Androcur plus Estraderm and it was like chalk and cheese in terms of the impact on my body. I strongly recommend talking openly to your doctor rather than self-medicating with something that may be ineffective or even harmful.

[Anonymous]

I take Finasteride to stop hair loss. No feminising effects whatsoever. I can’t take hormones at the moment, but it does provide some relief for me because there aren’t too many women out there with male pattern baldness… It is expensive in Australia (~$92 for 28 tablets).

[Anonymous]

I had it prescribed for me some years back and was told by my doc that it can take up to 12 months to work .Seems to have worked as i haven’t had any hair loss since starting on it. Another doc recommended Saw Palmetto herb extract as well as they both do the same thing – destroy DHT ,which is the cause of most hair loss as well as prostate problems . OF course most docs wont recognise the herb as useful as it is a OTC medication and doesnt require a script…
Suzz

[Anonymous]

I have been watching lots of YouTube clips about adverse side effects from users of these type of drugs and always wonder about the etiology of some of the side effects. Take depression for instance, perhaps there are genuine hormonal causes but it would be hard to rule out something like ” I want my hair to grow back therefore I will take Proscar” = some vanity and a need to look attractive and desirable. ” It has the side effect of making me less potent and I am growing boobs” = diminished sexual prowess = lower self esteem = depression.

It was like a discussion we had when I was learning Counselling. There is proven evidence that if your Mum has schizophrenia then you are more likely to have it. Some experts then say that there is therefore a genetic link. I argued that if you were brought up by a parent with schizophrenia then you may well develop it from the contact with that parent. We do learn models of living from our environment, the two are hard to determine.

The article Adrian wrote some months ago relating to self administered and generic medicines and the research literature around them is interesting reading. I would say my local Doctor has no more idea than I do as to what effects these drugs would have on any single patient as there are few TG folk in town and he may never have come across this issue before. That is not to say that caution is not warranted but it has to be weighed up in context but good advice so thanks. I will ponder on!

[Anonymous]

YU know I really think people should google a topic like this! There you will find a 1001 links to every aspect of Proscar, Palmetto , etc – multiple links on side effects , effects etc etc
Suzz

[Adrian]

Suzzanne wrote:

YU know I really think people should google a topic like this! There you will find a 1001 links to every aspect of Proscar, Palmetto , etc – multiple links on side effects , effects etc etc
Suzz

In the case of Proscar – an approved drug being used on-label to treat male baldness – I totally agree. The drug testing and reporting regime provides a rich body of data about side effects at manufacturer selected dosages. Google away if you are concerned by baldness.

But change the dose, or use it for some off label purpose (growing boobs)then there is not such a clear case that Google has the answers.

In the case of Palmetto (which is not a regulated drug) the data you will find looking on Google is unlikely to illuminate the side effects and efficacy you may experience using it to achieve gender related outcomes. The widely documented use of the herb is for treating the prostate.

At this point I normally put a warning on threads advising readers that TgR is not a medical forum. nd any comments you may read in TgR forums are only the opinions of the member posting. You should not assume that a posting on TgR implies any verification or independent review and whilst the advice is honestly offered it is made without knowledge of your particular medical conditions. You should always seek professional medical advice before taking any action that might affect your health.

I could expand that in this context by warning members that the data you read on the internet about medicines and supplements may not be relevant to your specific desired outcomes, it may not be based on a population of patients like you, and studies reported on the internet may not have been carried out with scientific rigor.

May the reader beware!! :woohoo:

[Anonymous]

Heres a link to a lively discussion on proscar ,which some should find helpful
http://www.hairlosstalk.com/interact/archive/index.php/t-61452.html
hugs
SUZZ

[Deleted User]

I find it rather scary that people are considering taking medication that have a variety of effects on their body and mental state without consulting a medical professional. Even worse, some are considering using the internet as a guide, again without consulting a professional. This is alarming.
Consider that some of the reported side effects include
breast lumps, pain, nipple discharge, or other breast changes. These may be signs of male breast cancer.
impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm;
abnormal ejaculation;
swelling in your hands or feet;
swelling or tenderness in your breasts;
dizziness, weakness;
feeling like you might pass out;
headache;
runny nose; or
skin rash.
Enough reason to have a qualified person keeping track on your health state.

[Anonymous]

YEAH CLAIRE…BUT THE BOOBS!!!!!

[Deleted User]

Oh yeah, Of course, there is that Christina. :woohoo:

[Anonymous]

but has any girl gotten big boobs by taking proscar alone – i doubt so
suzz

[Adrian]

Suzzanne wrote:

but has any girl gotten big boobs by taking proscar alone – i doubt so

Suzanne,
I have no idea what you call big…but this is a case where a bit of Googling will answer your question . Breast growth in natal males is called gynecomastia.

The medical studies on gynecomastia prevalence after treatment with finasteride are well documented. Gynecomastia has been the most frequently reported adverse effect of this drug, with an onset ranging from 14 days to 2 1/2 years (median, 180 days) after the initiation of therapy. Most of the men were taking the recommended daily dose of 5 mg. About 30 percent had unilateral gynecomastia, and 25 percent had bilateral involvement; the side or sides involved were not specified in 45 percent

<< http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199609123351116 >>

They look quite big enough to me… and that is by taking Finasteride alone.

We are all very different and certainly what has been reported in 0.26/1000 patient months of therapy may not happen for you… or you may just end up with one breast after 2 years!!

But your doubts are not well founded on medical evidence.

[Anonymous]

ok it seems i was wrong – just going on advice from a endo – i should google much more !

[Raylene]

I have been taking prescribed Propecia (1mg finasteride) for about 4 years now and have nice small boobs with which I am very happy.
Proscar (5mg finasteride)is designed for prostate problems and will also help with boob growth, however will result in a marked reduction in sexual potency.
Better to take the slow option and also use an estrogen gel or patch as this will be less damaging to health than taking pills or using injections.
Refer to the TransgenderCare website, Medical Feminising Program.
The Inhouse Pharmacy supply medicines at resonable prices and are very reliable.

[dee88]

Im not sure I would do or take anything without my GP’s Advice. My Gp knows all about me and we are very open with each other, she is the best.
I am also seeing a Endo every 3 months with Blood tests and am monitored for all of my blood levels. By doing it with the right people I am getting the right amount of estrogen, (implant) and correct dosage of provera. I am fortunate i have no need for a testerone blocker as it has alway been very low.
Go talk to your Gp or find one that you can talk to.
dee