Why I stopped Proscar--Again

[Timeo25082]

Background: I am 32 yrs old...between Norwood 1 and 2...used Minoxidil 2% for
past 5-6yrs.

Back in 1996, when the information about Proscar's effectiveness against MPB
was just coming out, I decided to try it. My Dad had been taking it for
prostatitis so I had an unlimited source. I did not have a positive reaction.
I didn't experience any of the side effects of sexual dysfunction, but it was
definitely INCREASING my hair loss. Now, I know a lot of you will stop right
there and say he's just freaking out about a shedding phase, but the other side
effect I had was a DRAMATIC increase in facial/scalp oiliness. I have always
had a oily complexion, going back to my acne-filled high school days, but while
I was taking Proscar, my face/scalp looked like it had collided with the Exxon
Valdez! After I stopped taking the Proscar, I definitely regained alot of the
hair I'd lost while taking it. Also, my facial/scalp oiliness returned to
normal. I vowed to avoid it like the plague.

Recently, with the FDA approval and excitement over Propecia, I decided to give
it another shot. I thought perhaps if I quartered the Proscar pills it might
not cause the same facial/scalp oil problem. I tried this regimen again for
about a month and had the same result: noticeable thinning of the hair with
HUGE increase in facial/scalp oiliness. I stopped it again. Thankfully, it
looks like it is thickening back up a little and face/scalp oiliness is
definitely returning to normal.

I understand that shedding can be a normal effect of taking Proscar, but I just
felt this side effect combined with the dramatic increase in facial/scalp oil,
which seems to be such a strong correlate with MPB, could not lead to a
positive result.
Comments?

On a more positive note, I have been using Minoxidil 5% for about 4 months and
have seen some good results. Surprisingly, it seems to be working better on
the hairline/temple area better than the vertex/crown. I'm thinking about
possibly trying Spironolactone.

Regards,

--T

[JAMES ARONIS]

Timeo25082 wrote:

Your results seem to be quite the opposite that most users of Proscar/Propecia have reported on
this NG, including myself. I have been using Proscar (5 mg) daily for over a month and have not
noticed any of the above mentioned side affects, not even the shedding (yet). I understand that
shedding is normal and to be expected in the initial six-month period after commencing the
treatment, but it does not seem to affect all users to the same degree. If indeed you experienced
side effects as severe as those you mentioned, you are wise in stopping the treatment. Finasteride
in any dosage was never intended to be taken by anyone and since every human body reacts differently
to this drug, perhaps it is advisable for some to seek an alternative such as the Minoxidil you are
using.

Jim