Hot Flashes from Propecia?

First of all i would like to thank you for setting up such a great site for MPB sufferers. My question to you is, I’ve been on propecia (1mg finasteride) for almost a year now and about a few months ago i’ve started developing hot flashes as a side effect and it has reached a point where it started bothering me alot. My GP said the only way to solve the problem is for me to go off the propecia for awhile but that also mean i’ll turn bald sooner. What should i do Dr. Rassman? The majority of my thinning happens in the frontal region with a receding hairline(a norwood III vertex). I am 26 y.o.

I hope that I am correct to assume that you are a male. Hot flashes are mostly seen in menopausal women and in men following castration or using anti-androgen medications. Hot flash is a result of an imbalance of sex hormones. In studies with Propecia, no clinically meaningful changes were detected in the levels of FSH, LH, and lactogene that are associated with hot flashes. Hot flash is not a reported side effect of Propecia.

You have been on Propecia for almost a year and just started to experience hot flashes a few months ago. You should be aware of some other medical problems that mimic hot flashes, including thyroid disease. After excluding the other medical problems and if you continue to have hot flashes, you may stop taking Propecia for a month, as most of it will be out of your body in a few days. If there is any association between the symptoms and the drug, the symptoms should go away quickly. If there is no impact of the drug, there is no point to stop using it if it helps maintain your hair. If you continue to have hot flashes, it should be considered a rare side effect, and you may discontinue Propecia and start using topical minoxidil instead. Discuss this with your prescribing doctor before making any changes to your medication, however.