Surprisingly, searching the archives here I haven’t been able to find too much info related on those taking Propecia / Finasteride to stop hairloss. I’m in my early-mid 20s, and Male-Pattern Baldness is really starting to kick in right now. Honestly, I don’t feel like losing my hair at the moment. I’m using Nizoral and about to start trying Rogaine, but have a feeling that I’m going to need to hop on Finasteride if I really want to stop MPB. I’m pretty sure Saw Palmetto is supposed to have the same sides as Fin, since it does basically the same thing, but I haven’t researched Saw as much. Anyways, since there’s so much speculation on what it MAY do to PE growth, I was wondering if anyone on here is actually on Propecia or Finasteride, AND is currently making gains, so that the pills didn’t seem to inhibit their growth. I’m also on a couple of body building forums, and despite the theory/speculation on how the pills may affect muscle growth, there are still several users on there that are making good gains while taking them. I know I’m not the only one dealing with hairloss, so please chime in. Thanks
Anyone on here on fin / propecia AND still gaining?
- Thread starter hethen
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I am on Propecia for MPB. It's kind of working for hairloss, but not very well. It might be a total waste of money for me. Been taking it off and on for 3 years. I can honestly say it lowered my sex drive, EQ, size of EQ and load size. Being on Propecia has been sexually draining and I swear my FL,FG, EL & EG went down when I first started taking the stuff. I definitely noticed the negative side effects and that why I occasionally go off the stuff.
I have been doing PE for 3 months now and have not made any EL or EG gains. However, both FL and FG have increased.
I was considering also taking Saw Palmetto. I've heard it can help with MPB, but it's main benefit is a healthy prostate. I can't see how Saw Palmetto, Propecia or FIn could help make gains doing PE.
Just my thoughts...
Mc Dong
I have been doing PE for 3 months now and have not made any EL or EG gains. However, both FL and FG have increased.
I was considering also taking Saw Palmetto. I've heard it can help with MPB, but it's main benefit is a healthy prostate. I can't see how Saw Palmetto, Propecia or FIn could help make gains doing PE.
Just my thoughts...
Mc Dong
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Well I am bald,so no help there. However I thought I saw a current thread about manipulating Fin use to aid gains, have a look at it.
Quote from justwannabebig,
Okay guys, this is a thread i found on a danish BB forum, what are you thinking?
Qute:
You go through a "prep" phase, which should take six months, but no more than 2 years (yes, you read correctly, but don't give up yet, hang on). During this preparation phase, you starve the body, more precisely the penis, from DHT. I still don't quite get what DHT does exactly (I only have the book for a few hours now), but apparently it's some sort of hormone that stimulates cell growth, and the body is messing with DHT during puberty and causes the penis to grow (during puberty).
After puberty, the body has reached a sufficient level of DHT, so he "turns the switch off", and therefor it won't help much to only take DHT supplements.
Now, the whole point is to starve your penis from DHT by taking Finasteride, which reduces DHT by 70 %, over a prolonged period of time to make the receptors sensible to DHT again.
After this prep phase, all you have to do is stop taking Finasteride, and let the body produce DHT again, which leads to that so-called "second puberty". This build-up process takes some weeks, two months, something like that.
Now, the most important things:
because your body's DHT is severely lowered during preparation, your libido will decrease, but the doctor says taking herbal supplements to avoid this during that phase is possible.
Then, again due to reduced DHT, your penis will shrink a bit. Again, don't lose me here, the doctor says after prep phase, the growth will do much more than just make up for it (in fact, he did this whole procedure himself).
Don't do anything to enlarge your penis during preparation.
Don't take anything that supports DHT production. The doctor lists numerous supplements and habits, but Vitamin E and Zinc supplements are important to avoid.
Creatine is a good supplement for the prep phase, but should be taken in shorter cycles. One prep phase should contain munerous creatine cycles, and it's important to time it in a way that you begin a creatine supplemention phase when you start your rebound phase (when you lay off Finasteride and let your body normalise the DHT level).
During prep phase, 1 mg of Finasteride should be taken once a day, *every* day, for at least six months. 1 mg of Finasteride causes the DHT level to drop by approximately 65 % within 24 hours, and if taken permanently, by approximately 70 %. Naturally, numbers vary from 26 to 170 %, so taking more than 1 mg a day doesn't hurt. Increased dose (beyond 5 mg) doesn't mean less DHT.
Unquote
I have reservations about drug use in general and when sourced from bodybuilding in particular. However as you appear to be using these drug medicaly, perhaps this has some relevance.
Quote from justwannabebig,
Okay guys, this is a thread i found on a danish BB forum, what are you thinking?
Qute:
You go through a "prep" phase, which should take six months, but no more than 2 years (yes, you read correctly, but don't give up yet, hang on). During this preparation phase, you starve the body, more precisely the penis, from DHT. I still don't quite get what DHT does exactly (I only have the book for a few hours now), but apparently it's some sort of hormone that stimulates cell growth, and the body is messing with DHT during puberty and causes the penis to grow (during puberty).
After puberty, the body has reached a sufficient level of DHT, so he "turns the switch off", and therefor it won't help much to only take DHT supplements.
Now, the whole point is to starve your penis from DHT by taking Finasteride, which reduces DHT by 70 %, over a prolonged period of time to make the receptors sensible to DHT again.
After this prep phase, all you have to do is stop taking Finasteride, and let the body produce DHT again, which leads to that so-called "second puberty". This build-up process takes some weeks, two months, something like that.
Now, the most important things:
because your body's DHT is severely lowered during preparation, your libido will decrease, but the doctor says taking herbal supplements to avoid this during that phase is possible.
Then, again due to reduced DHT, your penis will shrink a bit. Again, don't lose me here, the doctor says after prep phase, the growth will do much more than just make up for it (in fact, he did this whole procedure himself).
Don't do anything to enlarge your penis during preparation.
Don't take anything that supports DHT production. The doctor lists numerous supplements and habits, but Vitamin E and Zinc supplements are important to avoid.
Creatine is a good supplement for the prep phase, but should be taken in shorter cycles. One prep phase should contain munerous creatine cycles, and it's important to time it in a way that you begin a creatine supplemention phase when you start your rebound phase (when you lay off Finasteride and let your body normalise the DHT level).
During prep phase, 1 mg of Finasteride should be taken once a day, *every* day, for at least six months. 1 mg of Finasteride causes the DHT level to drop by approximately 65 % within 24 hours, and if taken permanently, by approximately 70 %. Naturally, numbers vary from 26 to 170 %, so taking more than 1 mg a day doesn't hurt. Increased dose (beyond 5 mg) doesn't mean less DHT.
Unquote
I have reservations about drug use in general and when sourced from bodybuilding in particular. However as you appear to be using these drug medicaly, perhaps this has some relevance.
Last edited:
For some of us with small dongs and no game, that's all we have...can't afford to lose that too!
Yeah, I did read that article posted earlier today, but it was more on getting the body to jump-start DHT production again. So a) I would lose all the hair that I'd kept over the past 6 months from being on fin, and b) the article doesn't really mention anything about PE while on the DHT inhibitor. I'm kinda weary about that article, too, because I've talked to a few people about side effects of getting off the fin after taking it for a while, and I really haven't heard anything about natural penis gains (though I didn't ask specifically, either). I think I'd trust PE to work rather than some pill that magically re-initiates penis growth.
McDong - I wouldn't expect the DHT inhibitors to aid in penis growth...rather, I'd like to see if they inhibit it or not. I've read that you really can't go off and on with Propecia and expect to keep the hair. I'm not sure how long your down time is in between, but you may be experience sheds if you wait too long to hop back on the pill. Sorry to hear you haven't had much luck with the hair or PE. Hopefully things turn around for you.
Anyone else have any luck?
Anyone taking Propecia out there? I am trying to get some first hand feedback.
Please chime in.
Thanks,
MD
Please chime in.
Thanks,
MD
I've seen people on forums who have been on it and said they still gained. I think you can gain but I doubt it can aid unless you do the DHT on and off cycle. I started PE'ing when I was not on it and gained. I've been lazy with it as well and i've went back to PE'ing before without finasteride. I've started PE'ing again while on finasteride and I see no difference in gaining the size back. Basically, I think you can gain on finasteride, but probably less than if you weren't on it, if anything.
I don't think the lack of DHT is as big of a factor as most think. But, rather how androgenic you are because I think those with a disposition to be such are less likely to have their free testosterone convert to estrogen. This seems to be the case with me as I am very androgenic or have all the characteristics of being androgenic. Also, I can foresee any scenario where estrogen is not harmful PE.
I don't think the lack of DHT is as big of a factor as most think. But, rather how androgenic you are because I think those with a disposition to be such are less likely to have their free testosterone convert to estrogen. This seems to be the case with me as I am very androgenic or have all the characteristics of being androgenic. Also, I can foresee any scenario where estrogen is not harmful PE.
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This is my first post on this forum and I will introduce myself properly soon, but I noticed this thread and I think I can contribute a little.
I take Propecia and after 10 years on it I have a full head of hair. As far as I can tell, it works.
I started the 90 day beginners routine 1 month 1 day ago. I have gained on the BPEL measurement from 6.5 to 7.3. I believe much of that increase may be down better EQ as I think the '5 Gs' and other supplements recommended on here are working wonders. But that's for another day.
My point is that, for me, Propecia has had seemingly no negative affect on gains.
I take Propecia and after 10 years on it I have a full head of hair. As far as I can tell, it works.
I started the 90 day beginners routine 1 month 1 day ago. I have gained on the BPEL measurement from 6.5 to 7.3. I believe much of that increase may be down better EQ as I think the '5 Gs' and other supplements recommended on here are working wonders. But that's for another day.
My point is that, for me, Propecia has had seemingly no negative affect on gains.
I hope this doesn't seem suspicious, being another new poster in a recently bumped thread... I was planning on lurking for a good while longer, but thought some people might find this useful.
I'm on testosterone replacement for hypogonadism. My paternal grandad went quite bald in his 60s, but apparently the way my body is metabolising the testosterone I could have accelerated mine by a good 40 years! So I have been looking into this a bit.
Taking Propecia seems too big of a gamble for me, for a small minority the side effects appear permanent - just starting therapy for hypogonadism, I don't want to risk going back. Minoxidil seems milder, but hair becomes dependent and damage continues invisibly.
I stumbled across Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and this rather eccentric guy's site. He teaches you how to build a laser helmet yourself from about $250 (All stuff you can source yourself, just being conscious of my post count appearing like spammer here...). I like LLLT's similarity to PE with regards to being flatly denied in the mainstream yet a pioneering set of DIYers are pushing the envelope. I've ordered some lasers myself and am going to give it a go, although costly up-front I think it is the lesser evil when compared with lifelong chemical dependence. I know this thread is quite old and OP might have already made up his mind, but just wanted to share in case there was any like-minded people lurking.
I'm on testosterone replacement for hypogonadism. My paternal grandad went quite bald in his 60s, but apparently the way my body is metabolising the testosterone I could have accelerated mine by a good 40 years!
So I have been looking into this a bit.Taking Propecia seems too big of a gamble for me, for a small minority the side effects appear permanent - just starting therapy for hypogonadism, I don't want to risk going back. Minoxidil seems milder, but hair becomes dependent and damage continues invisibly.
I stumbled across Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and this rather eccentric guy's site. He teaches you how to build a laser helmet yourself from about $250 (All stuff you can source yourself, just being conscious of my post count appearing like spammer here...). I like LLLT's similarity to PE with regards to being flatly denied in the mainstream yet a pioneering set of DIYers are pushing the envelope. I've ordered some lasers myself and am going to give it a go, although costly up-front I think it is the lesser evil when compared with lifelong chemical dependence. I know this thread is quite old and OP might have already made up his mind, but just wanted to share in case there was any like-minded people lurking.
I think I am one of the fortunate ones as I have been taking finasteride at 2.5mg per day for 3 months and have not had any adverse effects, although my hairline has not regrown but neither has it worsened. I have just started a PE routine and I'm 3 weeks in at the moment, my EQ has gone from a 7 to 8 (it has improved) and my flacid hang is better in both respects, no erect gains to report as yet.
I have no science to back this up but I don't see how taking a dht blocker could prevent having gains in PE, it may hinder them at most but I am sure the gains will come. After all PE is not just about hormone levels, it is an exercise to stimulate hypertrophy within the penis.
I intend to stick with PE and finasteride for the long haul and I am certain I will achieve great gains...Nothing worth having comes easy
I have no science to back this up but I don't see how taking a dht blocker could prevent having gains in PE, it may hinder them at most but I am sure the gains will come. After all PE is not just about hormone levels, it is an exercise to stimulate hypertrophy within the penis.
I intend to stick with PE and finasteride for the long haul and I am certain I will achieve great gains...Nothing worth having comes easy
yes I do I have been taken it since I was about 21 years old I'm 27 now...ill tell ya it works u have as much hair now as i did then... Im also goin to say that the fact that ive had lower dht for 6 years caused my penis to get skinnier..i realised it about 6 months ago n started doing pe since... In 6 months I gained approx .5" girth... I'd say i got it all back plus about .2" or so...
I am on Finastride for 5 months now. I am 27.
First of all I do not experience any loss of libido. I feel horny almost 10 hrs a day. Masturbate once daily and have sex 3 times a week. However many times I get problems in having erections and since I dont have any girlfriend and I bed mostly with friends/acquaintances I normally take Viagra before sex to perform better. I do not attribute this poor erection quality to finastride because I had it even before starting fin. maybe due to my bed humping habit. Had been taking viagra since 1 yr now.
I do workout a lot and am on creatine (since past 2 months) and whey protein (muscletech).
Haven't seen any side effects from any of these. This is my story. I have started PE just yesterday and will let you know how it goes from there.
theKing
First of all I do not experience any loss of libido. I feel horny almost 10 hrs a day. Masturbate once daily and have sex 3 times a week. However many times I get problems in having erections and since I dont have any girlfriend and I bed mostly with friends/acquaintances I normally take Viagra before sex to perform better. I do not attribute this poor erection quality to finastride because I had it even before starting fin. maybe due to my bed humping habit. Had been taking viagra since 1 yr now.
I do workout a lot and am on creatine (since past 2 months) and whey protein (muscletech).
Haven't seen any side effects from any of these. This is my story. I have started PE just yesterday and will let you know how it goes from there.
theKing
Okay, so I know I wrote that post about being on finasteride and still gaining; but, that was a little shortsighted. Since writing that post and trying to gain, i have had no luck and in fact I've had to come off finasteride because the side effects are simply too much. Loss of libido, emotions, unable to gain muscle and all of this is coming from someone who is almost as androgenic as they come. Word to the wise for those who are considering it, try alternatives instead. But, maybe it will work for someone else? Who knows. All I know is that it is simply was not compatible with me anymore. At first there was a major jump in libido and well being, but it has plummeted.
Since coming off, my libido is through the roof and i'm hoping my gains will be too! It's never a good idea to eliminate the hormone that makes a man....a man. For those who are losing their hair, it is best to come with the approach to fight their hair loss at the local topical level rather than throughout the body. That is my next step in my hair loss regime.
Since coming off, my libido is through the roof and i'm hoping my gains will be too! It's never a good idea to eliminate the hormone that makes a man....a man. For those who are losing their hair, it is best to come with the approach to fight their hair loss at the local topical level rather than throughout the body. That is my next step in my hair loss regime.
I have used many shampoos that claim to Improve the thickness and overall quailty of ones hair,most of the time Im very disapointed.
The only other shampoo that gave me really good results is the Shielo Volume Shampoo and the Shielo Volume Conditioner. I would have to say that Shielo Is the very best shampoo of It's kind that I have ever used. I have been using this shampoo for a little over a month and my hair and scalp are looking/feeling quite healthy.
It does a very nice job of thickening my hair,It also smells nice. It isnt overpriced when you consider the high quailty Ingredients that go Into this fine product. Im a 48 year old male fighting hairloss,this shampoo Is helping me In that fight,excellent product.....
UPDATE. I have been using Shielo Volume Shampoo now for four months,Im just now ording two more bottles.
The only other shampoo that gave me really good results is the Shielo Volume Shampoo and the Shielo Volume Conditioner. I would have to say that Shielo Is the very best shampoo of It's kind that I have ever used. I have been using this shampoo for a little over a month and my hair and scalp are looking/feeling quite healthy.
It does a very nice job of thickening my hair,It also smells nice. It isnt overpriced when you consider the high quailty Ingredients that go Into this fine product. Im a 48 year old male fighting hairloss,this shampoo Is helping me In that fight,excellent product.....
UPDATE. I have been using Shielo Volume Shampoo now for four months,Im just now ording two more bottles.
I have no problem being bald; i've come to grips with it but if I can save some time with my hair, all while understanding that eventually i'm going to lose it, then that's perfect for me. The worst part about finasteride is that the effects compound over time so you don't always realize what it's doing to you. But, everyone can have a different physiological response. So, i'm not trying to bash on anyone who's taking or thinking about taking it. Just be careful.
Really looking to gaining and getting some penis sensitivity back. I took my last dose on saturday because I was getting the dreaded MPB itch really bad and i'm just getting my DHT levels back up and it's almost a week later....
Really looking to gaining and getting some penis sensitivity back. I took my last dose on saturday because I was getting the dreaded MPB itch really bad and i'm just getting my DHT levels back up and it's almost a week later....
That's what i did over ten years ago and have not looked back since.
Of course I don't have male pattern, if i wanted to let it grow out i would only have the ring around my dome
To me hair is not that important in the whole scheme of things, sometimes we just have to go with what we got and no medication that messes with my libido is worth having hair. Just my 2 cents
By the way shave your head and you'll get the best scalp massage you have ever had.
