Stomach Pain and Bloating from Propecia, Follow-Up

Follow up to “Stomach Pain and Bloating from Propecia” —

Hello Dr. Rassman,

Thanks very much for posting my previous message “Stomach Pain and Bloating from Propecia”. As per your suggestion, I tried to take the half dose of Propecia everyday. This reduced the bloated feeling somewhat but after a few weeks I felt discomfort in the groin region. I had taken the full dose previously with no pain/ dysfunction but some noticeably watery ejaculation.

At this point, I think I am finished with Propecia. I am one of a few people who feels that they were better off not taking the drug in the first place. I lost a great deal of hair in the middle of my head and this area of the scalp is particularly visible (and never was before prior to starting the drug). Although my hair was thin and has been thin for several years, it has remained the same for about 7 years with little or no change in density. Propecia initially created some increase in thickness but the middle area of the scalp that was lost through shedding never returned.

Doctor, do you think that after ceasing the drug, the hair that I once had in the middle of my head (and didn’t appear to be going anywhere anytime soon) will return? Over the course of a year I used Propecia off and on for about 7-8 months.

I have booked an appointment to visit my dermatologist at the end of the month. This is a very frustrating result for a drug that is supposed to help grow hair (not shed it away). Thanks so much for your feedback. I do appreciate all your help and support.

It sounds like you medication schedule has been erratic. As such, I can not tell you what will happen with stopping the drug. I doubt that the hair you lost will return. Minoxidil might have value for you.