Prostate Pain Same Day I Took My First Propecia Pill

Hi Doc,

I’ve been reading your blog on a fairly regular basis and have found it very informative. I’m almost 19 and my hairline has been creeping back since around my seventeenth birthday. At the moment I’m probably an nw2. My brother who is 21 would be considered nw4 if it wasn’t for a very fine scruff of hair in front.

Concerned that I was following suit with him, I decided to fill a prescription of propecia. The possible side effect were pretty unnerving but I figured it was my only real chance at keeping my hair.

I’ve read on your blog that the 1 mg dose does not affect the prostate but it definitely did in my case. The day I took the first pill, my prostate had sudden pains throughout the day. My semen also became water-like. I know this isn’t supposed to be a big issue, but it concerns me that it started happening right away and seems to me like another sign that it was affecting my prostate.

My question is where do I go from here? Have any of your patients had a similar experience? I recently started using a minox product but am unsure what to do as far as meds. Should I try a lower dosage of propecia? Would saw palmetto be worth trying?

Also, have any of your patients experienced results in the hairline from minoxidil alone?

Thanks for your work

First, how do you know what prostate pain feels like? I don’t imagine most men would be able to pinpoint which internal organ is hurting so quickly… particularly the prostate. Prostate pain generally ranges anywhere from lower back problems to urinary issues. Is that what you felt? Second, you had sudden pains after one dose? That strikes me as extremely odd. It’s worth noting that there are some rare reports of testicle issues after taking finasteride, but I haven’t heard of any case where this occurred on the same day that you took your first dose ever. I’d think it’s more likely that you psyched yourself up for side effects, as you said you were pretty unnerved about the medication before you even took it. You were expecting some negative reaction and you got it — this would also be known as the power of suggestion.

You need to get a good, solid diagnosis with the tests I have suggested (miniaturization mapping, hair bulk measurement) before you make the decision on taking finasteride for life. I hope your prescribing doctor gave your scalp a thorough examination before suggesting you take this medication. Now that you’re noting problems though, you should talk to your doctor about this. I’d get off the medication to see if the pain goes away. Remember, a good Master Plan is needed for every young man facing an uncertain future for hair loss.

As for minoxidil, that is an over the counter treatment and so long as you don’t become worried over potential side effects from that drug, it might be worth a try. It would be rare to see regrowth in the hairline from minoxidil or finasteride.