Latest news with #finasteride
Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The terrifying side-effects of the drug used by thousands of men to battle hair loss - as doctors warn the symptoms are permanent and there is 'no cure'
Robb Dixon often sees posts on social media from men desperate to try anything for thicker hair – and finds it difficult not to directly message them saying: it isn't worth it. For Robb, 33, a music producer from Winchester, Hampshire, says he was left with erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and a host of other problems, as a result of taking the medication finasteride for six months when his hair started thinning in his 20s.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
My marriage became sex-starved then ended because of a common hair loss drug – I was so lonely I became suicidal
A WOMAN has revealed that she left her husband after their marriage became sexless thanks to a common drug for hair loss. Thammika Songkaeo shared her heartbreaking story on the Moral Medicine podcast. 3 3 Now a bestselling author, she revealed the dangers of the prescription drug that men rarely know about. Thammika said she noticed that her love life was nonexistent while they were still dating. Her then- boyfriend told her that it was because he had taken Propecia — the brand name of finasteride. Finasteride is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the production of a male hormone that contributes to hair loss. However, it comes with a host of side effects, including: erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and ejaculation problems, including reduced ejaculate volume. At first, she figured it would only be a temporary problem, but that soon changed. 'I did not at all realise that it was permanent, serious [and] devastating,' she said. The pair still decided to stay together and ended up married for seven years. She even convinced her ex to take an erectile dysfunction drug to improve intimacy. 3 Taking lovers has improved our relationship but threesome on TV left me in tear The couple even welcomed a daughter, but the sex life never really improved and Thamika was feeling lonelier than ever. Eventually, she decided to call it quits on her sex-starved marriage. She said: "I couldn't really detach myself from this person because I saw what happened, and I said, "This is definitely not this man's fault." "And what I needed to do personally was move away from the relationship as a romantic partner because I couldn't do it, I couldn't live in a sexless marriage." Help for mental health If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123 CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Heads Together, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Now, she is trying to raise awareness on post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) - condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride. 'The depth of the loneliness I felt was to the point where I, myself, was becoming suicidal or having suicidal thoughts,' Songkaeo said. 'I had to call the suicide hotline because it became that bad for me — and, usually, I'm a pretty happy person.' She questions the ethics of distributing a drug that can have such potentially devastating consequences. 'Finasteride has the capacity to dissolve one person so much that it becomes this domino effect…there's just so much destruction around it — and it feels like unnecessary destruction,' she said.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
I reversed my thinning hair naturally with diet and supplements
I started losing my hair in my mid-20s. My crown thinned first which became a bald patch. Then, in my early-30s, my hairline started receding. I wasn't happy about losing my hair, and early on I tried a topical treatment called minoxidil, but this caused scalp irritation, so I stopped. I didn't have an emotional attachment to having long hair, so I shaved my head instead. As a personal trainer, I work with a lot of men in the fitness industry, and it became very clear to me how much of a problem hair loss is for them. It is a major stressor and damages confidence. Many try finasteride, an oral medicine prescribed on the NHS to treat enlarged prostates, but which is also sold privately as a treatment for baldness. It works by suppressing the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is an important hormone for male sexual characteristics, but which may contribute to shrinking hair follicles, shorten hair growth cycles, and reduce hair's ability to absorb nutrients. Finasteride can have a range of worrying side effects, and I witnessed some of these in some of my clients who I train online. There was a case of sexual dysfunction which continued for years after the client stopped taking the medication. More than one suffered depression and were placed on antidepressants, which they believed was a direct result of finasteride. One even had damage to the structure of his penis. The reason I personally never tried finasteride was that I would rather be bald and not run the risk of low DHT symptoms. Last year, the Government issued a warning for men taking the finasteride to treat baldness to be vigilant as it has been reported to cause 'depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction'. The warning emphasised the lack of awareness of these potential side effects. Can you cure hair loss with supplements? Aged 37, and with this warning in mind, I decided to see if baldness could be reversed or slowed with natural solutions that don't impact hormones. I wanted to do a proper experiment to see whether I could really improve my hair growth over time. I started researching as much as I could about why hair loss happens, and other ways to slow the process or promote regrowth. The first thing I found was that, while most people think DHT is the only cause of hair loss, there is so much more to it. Genetics does play a part, particularly in male pattern baldness – the most common type – but there are hundreds of reasons why hair falls out, including nutrient deficiencies, nutrient absorption issues, inflammation, oxidative stress, and gut health. I did a deep dive into research and used the PubMed database to look up studies and academic papers. I found reports that suggested a lot of non-medical treatments for hair loss were equally as effective as available medications. The health community I am part of share lots of information and tips, so I asked this group questions and started pinpointing some of the things I wanted to try. I became the guinea pig and made my own mixtures and tinctures containing dozens of ingredients. I tried lots of things in combination with the aim of reducing inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, improving nutrient intake, and enhancing nutrient absorption and circulation. I devised a programme which combined nutrition, topical compounds and lifestyle changes, and created a sample product which contained over 50 active ingredients. The supplements and treatments I tried for thinning hair I worked out that there were several strategies that could potentially counter the different controllable factors that cause hair loss – the ones that aren't genetic. You can put things on your scalp, you can eat the right things in the form of supplements and food, and you can adjust your lifestyle. My diet and exercise routines were already on track and just needed slight tweaks, so I concentrated on trying to boost my hair regrowth by finding the right mix of supplements and topical oils and compounds. I spent about £400 in total on products, and used them all religiously according to the instructions on the labels. I didn't have a time limit in mind but I started to see results after a month, which I was pleased about. Even though hair loss hadn't affected me on an emotional level, as it does for many men, it was still really encouraging to see regrowth, and to know it was as a result of natural products. The details Redensyl This is a natural ingredient that combines plant extracts, including DHQG (dihydroquercetin-glucoside) and EGCG2 (epigallocatechin gallate glucoside), which are thought to activate hair follicle stem cells. It is used in cosmetic serums and studies suggest it can be effective for slowing hair loss and hair regrowth. Copper peptide Also called GHK-Cu, copper peptide occurs naturally in the body. Studies show promise in promoting hair growth and improving scalp health. It works by stimulating hair follicles, enhancing circulation to the scalp, and promoting tissue regeneration. I used this in a blend and as a single ingredient, and it seemed to work well. I also experimented with it for skin care, and it appeared to reduce fine lines and gave a more even-looking complexion. Niacinamide Also known as nicotinamide or NAM, this is a form of vitamin B3 produced by the body and found in various foods. It has almost identical physiological effects to Nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), which in studies has been found to promote hair growth in vitro as well as in mice. Caffeine Applying caffeine to the scalp can stimulate hair follicles, potentially leading to longer hair growth and increased hair density. One study last year concluded that a shampoo which included caffeine and adenosine (a natural compound found in cells), significantly enhanced hair density and reduced hair loss. Drinking coffee, however, does not stimulate hair growth. Beef tallow It sounds unpleasant but rendered beef fat, or beef tallow, is commonly used in the formulation of hair care products. It contains fatty acids (such as oleic and stearic acids), vitamins A, D, E, and K, which nourish the scalp and hair follicles. It also moisturises and conditions, reducing dryness and flakiness that can hinder hair growth. Castor oil This is rich in ricinoleic acid, which is a combination of unsaturated omega-9 fatty acid and hydroxy acid and has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Rosemary oil I tried one product with rosemary oil and it was too greasy to use. It left my hair and scalp looking shiny and unwashed. Luckily, most of the topical products I tried had no scent at all. Other supplements worth trying I have been using supplements for other things, such as boosting my testosterone, for some time and have seen drastic improvements, so I was confident that they could also have an effect on hair growth. Bamboo extract This is a powder extracted from the leaves, stems or shoots of bamboo and is taken orally to increase collagen. It is also used as a component in some skincare and haircare formulas. Bamboo is rich in silica, and it's thought that incorporating bamboo into haircare may help strengthen strands, especially strands that have been damaged. Betaine HCL (hydrochloride) This is an acidic form of betaine, a vitamin-like substance found in grains and other foods, which is recommended for improving digestion and nutrient absorption. Biotin Also known as vitamin B7, this is thought to play a role in reducing hair loss primarily by contributing to the production of keratin, a protein that makes up hair. My hair regrowth diet This experiment took place over 16 weeks, but I've now incorporated the elements into my day-to-day life. I didn't have to change my diet much at all because I already eat a lot of the foods that I worked out would likely help hair growth, such as liver (which I eat a couple of times a week) and oysters, which I eat when I can. Oysters can help reduce hair loss primarily because they are an excellent source of zinc, a crucial mineral for hair follicle function and growth. I also incorporated three to four raw egg yolks a day in a shake with collagen. I tried to eat more foods containing higher levels of collagen and gelatine, compounds that are known to be important in hair growth. They are found in organ meats, chicken skin and oysters. I also supplemented with homemade jelly, bone broth and collagen powder. Gelatine – a protein derived from animal collagen – is rich in amino acids, including sulphur-rich ones, which are essential for hair and nail growth. Studies have shown that gelatine consumption and topical treatments can improve hair thickness, growth, and reduce hair loss. Additionally, it may help improve hair moisture and thickness. I avoided intermittent fasting as this popular form of diet has been shown in studies to inhibit hair follicle regrowth by inducing cell death in follicles. I also avoided low-carb, keto-led dietary regimens as lack of carbohydrates is also believed to impact hair growth through a similar mechanism to intermittent fasting. In one study I found, after six months, 45 per cent of a group of subjects on a low-carb diet reported hair loss, compared to only 21 per cent of a group following a low-fat diet. Coincidentally, my hair loss started when I was following an intermittent fasting and low-carb routine in my early-20's. Can exercise have an impact? As a personal trainer I was keenly aware of the effects that physical stress can have on the body. I knew, for example, that a lot of hard cardio would have placed stress on my body and I would have needed to reduce that during the experiment. I had already dropped my weight training, from five to six days a week to three, before I started the experiment, and I wasn't doing cardio, as I tend not to unless I'm training for something specifically. During the experiment, I continued lifting weights three times a week and walked every day. Mental stress also plays a big part, so keeping that down was beneficial. I feel like the reduction in stress gleaned from less intense exercise was 100 per cent helpful, and my body composition actually improved. Three things that didn't work Topical melatonin There are some suggestions that this might work, but I didn't stick it out as I noticed my energy levels change using it. Minoxidil While there is plenty of evidence to suggest that this drug works for many people, it irritated my scalp too much to use. Dermaroller I used a dermaroller for a while, but it can cause infection and skin damage if done excessively or incorrectly, so I currently don't use it as part of my process. The verdict In 16 weeks I noticed a significant improvement in hair growth. The thinning was reversed. I was able to grow longer hair. For anyone worried about losing their hair, I would recommend investigating natural solutions sooner rather than later when you notice thinning. I'd particularly recommend boosting your gelatine intake and using caffeine, copper peptide and Redensyl, as I did, as there are studies that back up their efficacy. If you don't want to apply potions or take supplements, the diet and exercise elements are easy wins but are likely not going to be as effective. They do, however, both offer health benefits beyond hair preservation, so they are certainly not going to do you any harm. It's been a bit of a slog, but when I look at my head of head today I'm thrilled with what I have achieved.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
A popular hair loss drug destroyed my ex-husband's sex drive — and ended our marriage
A bestselling author has shared a heartbreaking story about how a popular hair loss drug led to the demise of her ex-husband's sexual function — and their marriage. Speaking recently on the podcast 'Moral Medicine,' Thammika Songkaeo said she noticed they had no love life to speak of while they were still dating. Her then-boyfriend told her that it was because he had taken Propecia — the brand name of finasteride, which is commonly used to treat hair loss in men. One of the potential side effects is sexual dysfunction. At the time, she thought it was just a temporary issue — or that it would only be a problem intermittently. 'I did not at all realize that it was permanent, serious [and] devastating,' she said. They got married and stayed together for seven years, with Songkaeo convincing her ex to take an erectile dysfunction drug to improve intimacy. The couple welcomed a daughter, but Songkaeo's loneliness worsened. Ultimately, she decided to walk away from the sex-starved marriage. Noting that her ex was a wonderful partner outside of the bedroom, they remained great friends — and Songkaeo went on to write a novel about her experience, 'Stamford Hospital,' which became a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon Singapore. Now, she's trying to spread the word not only about how post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) — a condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride — affects its victims, but also the ones they love. 'The depth of the loneliness I felt was to the point where I, myself, was becoming suicidal or having suicidal thoughts,' Songkaeo said. 'I had to call the suicide hotline because it became that bad for me — and, usually, I'm a pretty happy person.' She questions the ethics of distributing a drug that can have such potentially devastating consequences. 'Finasteride has the capacity to dissolve one person so much that it becomes this domino effect…there's just so much destruction around it — and it feels like unnecessary destruction,' she said. Songkaeo was interviewed by podcast host Mark Millich, who made headlines earlier this year by telling the Wall Street Journal that he experienced debilitating side effects after buying finasteride. Some of his side effects included anxiety, dizziness and slurred speech. His sex drive also plummeted, and his genitals shrank and changed shape. Millich previously interviewed a 28-year-old man who reported a roller coaster of side effects due to PFS, including sexual dysfunction, insomnia, severe weight and muscle loss, skin rashes and pelvic pain. 'Every month, I feel like there's a new side effect,' the man said. 'It's really changed my life completely.' In April, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about topical finasteride products distributed by telehealth companies, citing several reports of adverse events such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido and testicular pain. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to
Health Line
27-05-2025
- General
- Health Line
Everything You Need to Know About Hair Loss Medications: Where to Buy, Side Effects, and More
Key takeaways Though there are various options for hair loss medications, sticking to treatments approved by the Food and Drug Adminstration (FDA) may be best to minimize the chance of any side effects. The most effective prescription medications include finasteride and spironolactone, though spironolactone is not FDA-approved for hair loss. You try telehealth providers like Roman to get a consultation for hair loss medications that best suit your needs. A quick look for the best hair loss medications Dealing with hair loss can be frustrating, and with all the available products, it can add to the overwhelm. Additionally, visiting a dermatologist or hair loss specialist can be expensive. Medications are available to treat male and female pattern hair loss, and they can help with slowing hair loss, stimulating hair growth, or both. To simplify your options, we dive into the best hair loss medications, their effectiveness, and their side effects. We also give a few of our picks you can look through and see if it's right for you. Language matters In this article, we use 'male and female' to refer to someone's sex as determined by their chromosomes, and 'men and women' when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language). Sex is determined by chromosomes, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus. What is the best medication for hair loss? With so many medications available for people experiencing hair loss, it is not easy to declare which one works the best overall. User experiences and results will vary from person to person and you may not see the same results as someone else using the same medication. We will take a look at the most popular hair loss medications, both prescription and over-the-counter options, to help you familiarize yourself with the treatments that a medical professional might recommend. Minoxidil When you think of hair loss medications, the brand name Rogaine may come to mind. The active ingredient in Rogaine is minoxidil, a non-prescription hair loss medication that is available over the counter. Minoxidil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for male and female pattern hair loss. But it's used off-label for a variety of hair loss conditions. While Rogaine is a popular and common brand of minoxidil products, it's not the only option. Minoxidil is available in a variety of over-the-counter hair loss products that are applied topically. Minoxidil formulas typically consist of liquids, foams, and shampoos. In studies, minoxidil was applied to hair that was completely dry. Most manufacturers suggest you apply it to dry or towel-dried hair. It can take at least 4 months to see results. How does minoxidil work? This medication works, in part, by shortening the resting phase of the hair growth cycle and moving hairs into the active growth phase. However, the exact mechanism by which minoxidil works isn't fully understood yet. Finasteride Finasteride is an FDA-approved prescription hair loss medication that is taken orally. It's also available in a few prescription products that are applied topically and are not FDA-approved. However, the FDA has released a warning about the potential side effects of this topical formula, such as irritation and burning. This hair loss medication can be used to treat male pattern hair loss. A 2021 study showed that finasteride can be used to slow hair loss and help stimulate new hair regrowth in men. How does finasteride work? This medication works by blocking the action of an enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that converts the hormone testosterone to another hormone, dihydrotestosterone, that contributes to hair loss. Spironolactone Some medications used for hair loss are actually medications for other health conditions. Spironolactone is a diuretic pill that's used to treat high blood pressure, and it can also be used off label as a hair loss treatment for women. It's a prescription drug taken orally. Aldactone is a brand of medication containing spironolactone, but generic versions are also available. When it comes to hair loss, spironolactone is specifically used for women because it targets certain hormones. A 2013 review looked at spironolactone as a medication for female pattern hair loss. Research showed it to be an effective treatment for reducing hair loss, especially when combined with minoxidil. Also, a 2023 review showed that topical and oral spironolactone was an effective treatment for androgenic alopecia and was safe for both men and women. How does spironolactone work? This medication works by slowing down male hormones called androgens, which includes testosterone. It slows down hair loss due to androgenic alopecia and helps hair regrowth. Dutasteride Dutasteride is an oral prescription drug used to treat an enlarged prostate in males. It may also be a treatment option for those with androgenic alopecia. A 2019 review showed it to have a higher effectiveness than finasteride, and the two have comparable side effects. It works similarly to finasteride, so it should not be taken by females. How does dutasteride work? This medication works much like finasteride. It inhibits the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone. What are the side effects of hair loss medication? When using any topical products or taking oral medications, there may be side effects or possible interactions. If you are concerned about certain side effects or want to know if you can take a hair loss medication with other drugs, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Side effects of topical hair loss treatments like minoxidil can include: darkening of body hair growth of body hair irritation and dermatitis on the scalp headaches lightheadedness leg swelling Hair loss medications, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can have side effects related to sexual and mental health, such as: low sex drive trouble getting an erection and ejaculating increased breast size depression Side effects of spironolactone can include: dizziness lightheadedness nausea headache hyperkalemia gynecomastia Spironolactone can also be associated with developmental issues for a fetus. Avoid getting pregnant while taking it. If you experience any side effects while taking hair loss medications, notify your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Other treatments for hair loss Some at-home strategies and lifestyle changes may help minimize hair loss. Certain vitamins and supplements may be helpful. Vitamin A, vitamin C, B vitamins, and vitamin D are all beneficial for hair health. Iron and zinc may also curb hair loss. A high protein diet may be recommended. Hair is made up of protein, so getting enough protein in your diet is important for hair growth. Other professional treatments include laser devices and microneedling. Hair transplants, and platelet-rich plasma procedures may be options to consider as well. Steroid injections are more common treatments for inflammatory hair loss. When to talk with a doctor It may be a surprise to you when you first start noticing your hair thinning or begin to see the early signs of hair loss. Maybe, it's even something that you've been aware of for a while and are starting to wonder which medications are available. Either way, addressing hair loss as soon as possible could help you hold onto your hair, slow hair thinning, or even promote hair regrowth. If you aren't ready to meet with a doctor just yet, there are over-the-counter treatments you could consider using, but those results may take several months to see. However, if you aren't seeing the results you expect after a few months of use, consider making an appointment with your doctor. Connecting with a doctor as soon as you see the early signs of hair loss may result in an early diagnosis and both of you can discuss which options are available. If your doctor recommends a medication or dosage that's not available over-the-counter, they can write you a prescription for a stronger medication and can explain the side effects and risks tied to its use. Frequently asked questions about hair loss medications What would a dermatologist prescribe for hair loss? A dermatologist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) topical minoxidil as a first treatment option. A doctor might also prescribe oral finasteride, which is FDA-approved for certain conditions that cause hair loss. Other prescription medications, such as spironolactone, may be available as an off-label use for hair loss. A dermatologist may recommend over-the-counter (OTC) topical minoxidil as a first treatment option. A doctor might also prescribe oral finasteride, which is FDA-approved for certain conditions that cause hair loss. Other prescription medications, such as spironolactone, may be available as an off-label use for hair loss. Which vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause hair loss? Hair loss may be a side effect of some nutritional deficiencies. Low levels of vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and iron may cause hair loss. Over-supplementation of some nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium, may also cause hair loss. Hair loss may be a side effect of some nutritional deficiencies. Low levels of vitamin D, selenium, zinc, and iron may cause hair loss. Over-supplementation of some nutrients, such as vitamin A, vitamin E, and selenium, may also cause hair loss. Takeaway Your appearance, and therefore your hair, can be a source of confidence. When you notice the signs of hair loss, your confidence may waver. If you're experiencing hair loss, you're not alone. Many people experience hair loss at some point in their lives, and there are many treatments available. Medications have been shown to be an effective treatment option for hair loss. Many are easy to find using online telemedicine services or after an evaluation with a healthcare professional.
