Do Propecia Benefits Outweigh the Risk?
My doctor recently prescribed propecia to me, a 20 yr old male. After reading all this stuff through the web, and i know you even stated that the side effects seem a bit exaggerated, i am kinda skeptical about taking it. I really don’t want to have a decrease in arousal and definitely do not want to develop breasts. Do the benefits outweigh the chances of the side effects?
Also, whats the effect of lowing DHT on your muscles? It seems that the only answers i could find say that lowing DHT would lead to weight gain and muscle loss. This seems quite the opposite of what i have researched since DHT is not the main source used by skeletal muscle and the reduction of DHT would lead to higher levels of testosterone, the ultimate muscle booster. Thanks
Official studies have shown the side effects occur in 1-2% of men. The medication has shown benefits over 5 years in 77% of men (statistics here). So yes, the benefits outweigh the risk… but it depends on your priorities.
The real answer lies in what you think of yourself balding progressively over the years and what you will feel about yourself if you become bald. Balding is the natural way to go, but I am in business because other men do not want their genetic cards showing. If you’re truly concerned, don’t take Propecia. Remember, it’s an elective medication. If you think you could be one of the 2% that has problems, perhaps it isn’t worth it to you. Then again, you could fall within the 98% that has no side effects…
With regard to muscle mass, I have never seen any impact at all.
I am only one example, but statistically a very average, middle of the road example: just last year around age 31/32 I started to seemingly lose some density in the front (where I’ve always had corner issues). I started on finasteride almost a full year ago. So far, it seems to have stabilized everything; miniaturization has halted. I can still achieve a very full-head-of-hair look with styling. I still like and want sex and can still get wood. Any questions? :)
From 6 months on after starting Finasteride, my vertex and crown have filled in very dramatically. It’s been a lifesaver, cutting the number of grafts I would ever need from 4000-5000 to about 2000. I can and always have been able to get an erection just like before starting Finasteride. Plus it’s helping to protect my prostate. I believe it’s rare for anyone who does get side effects.