Finasteride tablets for hair loss

At 72 I’ve been suffering from progressive hair loss over the past 4-5 years. My current dermatologist prescribed finasteride. I am now in my 5th month since I started taking it. At some point I thought that my hair was getting fuller but in the last couple of months it started shedding again big time. The doctor said that it takes a long time until you see results and suggested to continue. Also, I’ve always been losing hair in the fall. We’ll see what happens in a few more months.

Have you seen any side effects?

No side effects whatsoever. That’s a good thing in itself.

Does it affect your libido?

Do you take minoxidil too?

I take biotin but it seems to make my nails strong but still have hair loss.
Also what is the difference btw arthritis & bursitis??
Kay

I suffered from hair loss as well. My dermatologist at the jacksonville campus prescribed me oral minoxidil and ketaconizole shampoo. I take the minoxidil daily and use the shampoo three times per week.

The other days, i wash my hair with AVEDA shampure shampoo.

I have been doing this for four months and am seeing amazing results. A real blessing at 52 years old.

Also seeing thickening of eyebrows and additional eyelash growtth.

I am 65 and started having thinning hair a few years ago. I was ready to have hair transplants. I had tried over the counter hair serums (Minoxidil) but had not seen any results. The hair transplant doctor required me to get a scalp biopsy and a full medical panel with an endocrinologist. The biopsy revealed what I thought that my hair loss was genetic. The endocrinologist gave me a clean bill of health to rule out the 10 other reasons for hair loss. The endocrinologist did tell me that taking Finasteride will show increased liver enzymes on blood tests if I choose to take it.
The hair transplant doctor would not see me because he said that since my hair loss was genetic, (early pattern baldness in women), that transplants would not stay. I was referred to a dermatologist that specialized in hair. I had no idea that such a thing existed. In fact, my regular dermatologist told me that there was nothing that could be done for women losing hair due to genetics.
Fast forward a year - I went to the dermatologist for hair. She put me on finasteride and a hair tonic that was made by a compound pharmacy. I use each once a day. I started seeing results in 2 months. A year out and I not only gained back the lost hair, but I actually have hair growing in places that disappeared a long time ago. (widows peak, etc). The cost is very minimal for the medications (approximately $40 a month) and I am thrilled with the results.
When I went for my annual physical, my liver enzymes were up as predicted. The endocrinologist told me that it would be a false reading and not to worry about it. I told my regular doctor that I was taking finasteride, but they still referred me for a liver ultrasound. The ultrasound came out normal and my liver enzymes are still in the normal range, just higher than in the past. I feel good about continuing my hair meds and will continue to do so.
My advice is to see a dermatologist that specializes in hair. I know the finasteride helped but without the serum from the compound pharmacy, I don't think I would have the great results that I have seen. Good luck in your search.

I take oral minoxidil. No libido problems.

Do you take Minoxidil too? Is the hair tonic Minoxidil? According to my dermatologist the only med to cause hair grow was Minoxidil and she also suggested possibly of Finasteride. My loss is thought to be from rapid weight loss and/or B12 deficiency. Not sure. The shedding seems to have stopped.

Ref. The Finasteride….are there any side effects other than liver numbers? I’m considering taking it. Especially, any libido change?

I haven’t had any either with Minoxidil. So, wondering if I should take Finasteride too.