fbpx

How to Reduce Side Effects of Finasteride Using These 7 Methods

how to avoid propecia side effects naturally

So, what’s the real deal with finasteride?

While many men take finasteride to fight male pattern baldness, there’s also a certain stigma attached to it – namely, it can cause some unwanted side effects. How to reduce the effects of finasteride, which we’ll cover in this post, is a big deal.

After all, among those side effects is erectile dysfunction, i.e., once you start taking finasteride, your love muscle will become as limp as an overcooked spaghetti noodle.

No man wants that, right?

But there’s a lot of myth surrounding finasteride and its not-so-pleasant effects. Yes, you may find – finally – a solution for your male pattern baldness – but it’s going to come at a cost.

On the other hand, how true are the “horror” stories, i.e., the stories of men at full limp in the bedroom when a more erect tool is needed?

We hope to dispel some of the finasteride myths, or at least ease your anxiety about using it to treat your thinning hair, but we’ll also discuss the very real, potential side effects that may or may not occur.

How common are finasteride’s side effects?

The list of finasteride’s potential side effects isn’t particularly alarming if you eliminate the sexual side of things. Finasteride users may experience headaches, slight swelling in the hands and feet, a runny nose, or even some dizziness.

Then again, many medications have similar side effects, and, well, possibly putting up with a slightly runny nose seems like a fair trade-off for a revitalized head of hair that’s no longer fighting a losing battle against the dreaded MPB.

But the Big 3 of finasteride’s side effects – erectile dysfunction, a lowered libido, and ejaculatory disorders – are enough to send some men into a panic.

Keep in mind that finasteride isn’t just used to treat hair loss but also to treat an enlarged prostate – or, more specifically, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Men who suffer from BPH have difficulty urinating and often need to pee multiple times during the night.

Finasteride helps decrease BPH symptoms while reducing the chances of needing to have prostate surgery. So, considering that finasteride resolves issues associated with a man’s “parts,” it’s not surprising that it can cause some other problems down there.

But back to the original question: how common are finasteride’s side effects?

The best answer is that the side effects, particularly those involving erections and libido, aren’t that common at all.

There’s plenty of science to back up that conclusion, including a 2012 study that sexual side effects such as ED and decreased libido occurred in less than 2% of all men taking the drug.

That same study referred to previous studies that “showed that the incidence of these side effects with finasteride therapy was generally comparable to that observed with the treatment of a placebo.”

Here’s the other thing: the typical dose of finasteride used to treat hair loss (1 mg) is small enough that side effects are far less likely to happen than many men believe.

Finasteride: Just the Facts

Finasteride fights hair loss by reducing the action of the enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is widely believed to cause hair loss in some men.

While finasteride can increase the number of scalp hair, it won’t increase the amount of hair on your body.

Finasteride does increase estrogen levels in males by up to 15%, which contributes to a potential lowered libido and ED.

Side effects are the major reason why some people do not want to try Propecia, or any other pill that is used to fight hair loss.

The Hype Machine and How Myths Evolve

Finasteride’s side effects came under public scrutiny over 20 years ago as it continued to help many, many men deal with their thinning hair and MPB.

While it’s no surprise that publicity about a drug that may negatively impact a man’s sex life can set off a cacophony of alarms, the media and other sources seemed to overlook one simple fact: those side effects aren’t very widespread.

Instead, the word finasteride (or Propecia, as it’s commonly known) suddenly became the Libido Killing Drug that could force many sexually-active men to the sidelines. Sure, they might develop a beautiful head of hair, but problems in the bedroom left them a bit limp.

Let’s not forget the psychological effects, either. Just the thought of taking a drug that could mess with their erection was enough for some men to, well, not get an erection.

In other words, give them a placebo that they think is finasteride, and they may mind-screw themselves into not getting it up. Hell, it happens.

As one doctor put it, “…when they did all the trials before this subject was tainted by the media or medical-legal incentives – the problem of side effects didn’t exist. There were transient side effects, but even the percentage of these transient side effects was small.”

The bottom line is that you shouldn’t believe everything you read or hear. That’s not to say there isn’t a possibility of side effects when taking finasteride, but evidence suggests that the chances of experiencing them are right around slim-to-none.

How long do Propecia side effects last after stopping?

First, finasteride is only effective as long as you’re taking it. Once you stop taking it, the amount of medication in your body slowly declines, until it’s completely gone with several days.

Without finasteride in your body, there’s no blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme which, in turn, means that your body will again convert a small amount of testosterone into DHT and cause thinning of the hair on your scalp.

If your long-term goal is to prevent hair loss, however, you’ll probably need to take it for years.

If you’re worried about finasteride side effects after stopping its use, the data is a bit mixed. For most men, Propecia’s side effects cease once they stopping take it – including ED and libido side effects.

Moreover, side effects sometimes subside as treatment continues and the body adjusts to the medication.

But there is some evidence that there’s a small risk of Propecia’s sexual side effects continuing after the patient stops taking it.

In 2012, the FDA changed the labeling on Propecia to say that adverse reactions like ED and libido disorders may continue after the treatment has ended.

While it’s not fully understood whether finasteride can lead to permanent sexual side effects, there seems to be a very minimal chance that it could happen.

Physicians, meanwhile, are encouraged to inform patients about the potential for long-term consequences.

What Are Some Other Finasteride Side Effects?

As mentioned, you may experience some other side effects while taking finasteride, such as dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a sitting or lying position, cold sweats, and chills.

Less common side effects – besides ED and libido issues – may include itchy skin, bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs and feet, hives, tingling of the hands or feet, or even unusual weight gain and loss.

The key phrase here is “may experience,” because most Propecia users experience few, if any, side effects, while a very small percentage of men (under 2%, as mentioned) experience sexual side effects.

And the side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Consult your doctor if you should experience side effects of any kind, however.

How to reduce side effects of finasteride using these 7 methods (A simple, illustrated guide)

1. Decreasing Estrogen (Estradiol)

How to reduce side effects of finasteride 1

First things, first: the level of estrogen in a man’s body increases by as much as 15% when taking Propecia, and an increase of estrogen can mean a decrease in your libido.

It also can increase a man’s chances for developing gynecomastia – which is an abnormal enlargement of the breasts (think man boobs, but not the kind caused by excess weight and a flabby chest).

When we eliminate DHT in our bodies, estrogen becomes more potent, creating hormonal imbalances which lead to erectile dysfunction, dry skin, weight gain, and even depression.

On the flip side, however, decreasing estrogen too much can have detrimental effects. The good news is that there are natural ways to reduce estrogen levels without going overboard:

  • Aromatase and Aromatase Inhibitors

Aromatase is the enzyme responsible for synthesizing estrogen.

Aromatase inhibitors are drugs used to treat gynecomastia in men, as well as ovarian and breast cancer in postmenopausal women, and these work by preventing testosterone from converting to estradiol.

More good news: there are many natural sources of aromatase inhibitors, including:

  • Cruciferous vegetables – Examples of cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, Brussel sprouts, bok choy, cabbage, cauliflower, garden cress, kale, and other similar green, leafy vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables contain Diindolylmethane (DIM), a compound that regulates estradiol.
  • ZincZinc plays several roles in the body’s functioning, including that it allows the body to create testosterone, helps support immune function, and aids in protein production. High doses of zinc are used as an aromatase inhibitor, and it’s also an aphrodisiac.
  • Grapeseed extract – Grapeseed extract has countless benefits and also serves as a potent aromatase inhibitor. It’s a derivative from whole grape seeds.
  • Lose weight – You can lower your estrogen while increasing your testosterone levels by losing weight.

2. Boosting Libido, Increasing Semen Volume, and Improving Erectile Function

how to reduce side effects of finasteride 2

To summarize, the three most commonly reported Propecia side effects are lowered libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory disorders. Be aware, however, that not all of them may be caused by finasteride in every case.

Men may encounter these kinds of conditions at several points in their life, and sexual dysfunction also can be the result of overuse of pornography, a stressful and unhealthy lifestyle, poor diet, and the natural effects of aging.

Fortunately, there are many ways to improve sexual disorders naturally:

  • Exercise & stress relief – Proper fitness, cardiovascular health, playing sports, and Kegel exercises can significantly boost your sexual health. Most of us also are aware of the negative impact excess stress has on our lives, including on our sexual performance. Walking, taking time off, meditation – all are great ways to relieve stress. Simple relaxation can make all the difference.
  • Male libido supplements – Supplements such as ginseng, maca, Muira puama, and tribulis terristris help to improve your libido and have scientific evidence to back them up.

Among other common testosterone boosters is vitamin D. There’s a strong link between vitamin D deficiency and low testosterone levels, as well with low sperm quality.

An easy way to get more vitamin D is through increased sun exposure because it’s a fat-soluble vitamin that’s produced in the skin when exposed to sunlight.

  • Ginger, a common household spice, also may help boost testosterone levels, according to various studies.
  • Aphrodisiac foods – Foods such as honey, bananas, chocolate, avocado, chili peppers, oysters (which are high in zinc), arugula, pomegranate, and watermelon help boost your libido and help you perform better in bed.

3. Increasing Your Nitric Oxide Levels

how to reduce side effects of finasteride 3

Consider this: nitric oxide is the basis of Viagra, that little blue pill that can raise your love life literally and figuratively.

While nitric oxide can have a positive effect on your erectile function, you also can develop a tolerance for it – and become dependent on it. Your best bet, especially when you’re young, is to raise your nitric levels naturally in the following ways:

  • Foods with high nitrate content – Spinach, beets, lettuce, arugula, dark chocolate, and carrots increase the levels of nitric oxide in your body.
  • Nitric oxide supplementsCitrulline, a top supplement for erectile function, is an excellent nitric oxide supplement, while other supplements include vitamin C, CoQ10, Ginseng, and Pycnogenol – which all help to increase or preserve the levels of nitric oxide in your system.
  • Pomegranate juice – Pomegranate juice is another powerful switch-on for your erectile function, but avoid using if it if you’re taking Viagra. Why? Because you’ll get more than you bargained for – an erection that won’t go away – and you’ll have to take a hard trip to the doctor.

4. ED Pills

how to reduce side effects of finasteride 4

Viagra, Cialis, Levitra – all are erectile dysfunction medications commonly used today, and millions of men enjoy the positive effects they have on their love lives.

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in Viagra, helps you get an erection when the time is right and should be taken approximately one hour before sexual activity (you’ll start to notice results within 30 to 60 minutes after taking it).

For Hims, a San Francisco-based company devoted to men’s wellness, offers a Sildenafil pill that helps you get it up and keep it up when things move to the bedroom, or wherever else the mood may strike.

5. Reduce the Dose

how to reduce side effects of finasteride 5

It only makes sense: lower the dose of a medication, including finasteride, and you decrease the chances of side effects. Some finasteride users say that lowering their dose from 1 mg to 0.2 mg reduced or eliminated the drug’s side effects.

But it’s not only finasteride users who say that lowering the dose lessens the side effects.

The National Center for Biotechnology Information also confirms that dropping down to a 0.2 mg dose reduces or eliminates side effects while remaining useful for fighting male pattern baldness.

Additional studies show that a 0.2 mg dose is about 80% as effective for treating hair loss as 1 mg.

Even lowering the dose to 0.5 mg reduces your chances of experiencing finasteride side effects. DHT is still inhibited at the 0.5 doses, although not as effectively as 1 mg.

6. Reducing How Often You Take It

how to reduce side effects of finasteride 6

The recommended dosage for finasteride is 1 mg tablet per day, but some studies show that taking the same dose every other day has similar effectiveness for treating hair loss. While the research is limited, taking finasteride every other day may reduce side effects.

It’s possible that your doctor prescribed a dosage that’s higher than what you need, especially if they didn’t know your full medical history when they wrote the prescription. Try talking to your doctor about reducing your dosage. This could help reduce side effects while still allowing the drug to be effective.

7. Using Topical Finasteride

how to reduce side effects of finasteride 7

While finasteride can be extremely effective at treating male pattern baldness, it can also have some unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous side effects. These side effects include:

• loss of libido

• erectile dysfunction

• depression and other mood issues

• breast pain and enlargement

Finasteride also is available in a topical form, and studies show that it’s effective in fighting MPB and decreases the likelihood of experiencing side effects.

While finasteride may still find its way to your bloodstream with the topical version, it’s a lesser amount, which leads to reduced side effects.

The bad news? Topical finasteride isn’t available in the United States.

But wait … is more help on the way?

Propecia is just one of several options available for fighting hair loss, but it’s similar to the others in that it treats the symptoms of hair loss and requires ongoing use for it to remain effective, but it’s not as if scientists are sitting on their behinds on the sidelines.

Researchers continue to target the causes of hair loss, which may eventually lead to hair loss treatments that yield few if any, side effects.

Scientists at the University of Texas identified a protein called KROX20 that instructs cells on the skin to become hair. The hair cells then produce a protein called stem cell factor (SCF) that plays a crucial role in hair pigmentation.

Dr. Lu Le, an associate professor of dermatology at UT’s Southwestern Medical Center, said, “With this knowledge, we hope in the future to create a topical compound or to safely deliver the necessary gene to hair follicles to correct these cosmetic problems.”

Meanwhile, a study at the University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom discovered 287 genetic regions that play a part in male pattern baldness. Interestingly, many of the genetic signals came from the X chromosome, which men inherit from their mothers.

The University of Edinburgh research could not only help predict a male’s likelihood of experiencing excessive hair loss but also help in the development of new drugs to treat baldness.

Other ongoing research includes examining the role of faulty immune cells in the development of alopecia areata, a different kind of hair loss.

Conclusion

Many men who suffer from male pattern baldness seek ways to stop its progression while promoting healthy hair growth. Finasteride is one tool they can use but may come with side effects, albeit not for every man.

Take heart if you’re concerned about taking finasteride because of potential side effects, however, because there are ways to lessen or even prevent those effects from happening.

Also, keep in mind that issues such as lower libido and erectile dysfunction may not be Propecia side effects at all but related to other physical and psychological problems.

Do you take finasteride? If so, have you experienced any side effects? As always, we’d leave to hear from you.

About The Author

Domen Hrovatin
Domen Hrovatin

Domen—a self-confessed facial hair addict—is a grooming professional, style enthusiast, and someone with deep personal experience and knowledge about male pattern baldness. His work was mentioned in countless notable men's grooming and style publications, including Beardbrand and AskMen.

  • I took Finasteride 1mg on and off for about 6 months and then consistently for a year and my penis and balls became numb last year and I did not realize this was what was causing it. I stopped taking it but the damage is done. They are still numb and major pelvic floor and penile muscles have atrophied, ED. I was a super happy, healthy and horny, well endowed 28 year old when I started this and now I am 30 and feel like i’m forced to live in a 85 year old’s body for the rest of time. I still have a good libido which makes it worse when you can’t feel anything. In 2020 when I researched this before starting it, the term “PFS” was not even spoken about and google had about 1/4 of the articles populate about side effects compared to now. I researched the hell out of this drug before starting so I could avoid this very thing… does not help when the most important half of that research is muted or omitted such as the fact 6x the amount of patients Merck initially reported actually have side effects, oh and IT’S PERMANENT! Disclaimer. Back then they still only published that the “2% of people with side effects see symptoms disappear with simple cessation of drug.” Would’ve been nice to know before ruining my very existence. I would not have touched this poison with a 100 mile pole if so. Do not take it.

  • I am taking Finasteride for more than 2 years already, and the side effects at first were pain in testosterone, bumped boobs, thin like water sperm and a little bit lost of interest in sex and a little bit of ED as well. What did I do to combat all of these. Every time my testes were in pain, I released the sperm through masturbation, believed me, it has completely gone away after a few months. I also did not give up with my interest in sex by keeping myself sexually active with my wife. Then I let my hair grow in full for a year and a half before started to reduce my medication by cutting it in-half. I believed that my body was getting used to it after a year and a half but I tried to my make sure to live a clean life. I sleep enough, exercise everyday, take vitamins and all of those side effects were completely gone now. I want to reduce again my medication by quarter and will try to see how far can it affect my hair growth.

  • This article is extremely help ful and so is your reply. You give me faith to take Finasteride. 🙂 Just have to take certain other supplements, exercise/lift regularly, avoid depression in your lifestyle (good sleep schedule, good job, good social life, girlfriend, etc.) and eat a certain way to counter-act the synthesis of DHT by testosterone and increased estrogen levels the drug brings. It literally turns us more into women, but we can fight back. I notice more emotional anger, stress and depression but I also have more courage to fight through pain and resolve things, so having both a male and female chemical in my body takes time to get used to, but it hopefully is worth having a nice head of hair :). Only been taking for a couple years.

  • Wow. So interesting to read all this. I’m 58 and I started taking Propecia 25 years ago when my hair started seriously thinning out, my scalp showing through, right around the time I got married. This must have been before all the hype and fear around ED and finasteride, because I was told by my doctor that lowered libido was a possible side effect but that paled in comparison to baldness or patchy chemo hair for me. After a few months of Propecia, I regrew easily 20% of my hair and have maintained that hair ever since, while watching my brother and brother in law and friends, who used to make fun of my thinning hair, all turn into skinheads. The only sexual repercussion I’ve ever noticed was slightly less semen on ejaculation, but whatever. That’s probably a bonus for my wife lol. In addition to regular sex with her, I masturbated regularly, at least daily, all through my 30s and 40s. Pushing 60 now, my wife and I still have regular sex, three or four times a week. In the last few years my erections have become a bit more pliable, and my interest in masturbation FINALLY leveled off, but I look at all that as a normal outcome of aging. Arousal and erections are still in the healthy and age-appropriate zone after spending half my life now on finasteride.

    I don’t know what to say to users developing man boobs or head aches or fatigue, etc. A lot of the dudes I know developed man boobs and head aches and fatigue without ever taking finasteride. I think it’s helped me that I’ve always had a healthy relationship with my body. I value eating in moderation and working out a lot, not only for appearances (I unfortunately work in a business that values youth) but to keep playing the sports and engaging in the activities that I enjoy. If you’re a healthy person who takes care of your body and has a sex drive prior to taking finasteride, I’m here to report that it can be a God send. At least it is for me, 25 years and counting. So don’t be scared off. IMHO, the challenge with determining whether finasteride causes a lowered libido or ability to perform is that ED is often (not always) a psychological condition. If someone is having problems in that department, I imagine it’s easier to blame it on finasteride than some other breakdown in the human condition, physically or mentally, or perhaps even issues in a relationship with a sexual partner. So many components go into sexual performance. Finasteride is not the demon behind them. If you’re legit part of the 2%, based on studies, who do experience diminished sexual ability or interest, then by all means go off the stuff. But don’t be afraid to try it. The shit can work.

    • I whole heartedly agreed with everything you just said when I started taking it. I had zero mental or physical health issues, quite the opposite. I loved everything about my dating life, sex life, fitness routines, I cherished my body because I was blessed to be healthy. All except thinning hair which was not gonna be ok with me. 2 years later I have numbness from the head of my penis almost all the way through my perineum – where the affected organs reside. I felt it slowly get number and number every single day for over 14 months before a doctor would actually help me. I spent thousands of dollars of MRIs and tests thinking I had a spinal condition that was cutting off the nerve supply somewhere. I was trapped in my own personal hell, where I felt every bit of what was occurring all the time, and I had just researched this drug before I started it around the time this article came out, none of the information on pudendal nerve damage or irreversible genital numbness was ever even close to articulated in 2020. So, yes ED Can new psychological for sure. But there is NOTHING about the rest of the life I have to live now being impotent, totally numb, with completely dulled/incomplete orgasms and ejaculation, no chance of having a family or relationship, and literally NO one to relate to except others that are going through this (because doctors for some reason just think you’re making it up… like anyone would ever want to make up that they are void of any form of erogenous zone in their penis anymore). I am a shell of my former self. Nothing about that is purely psychological. I would not wish this on my worst enemy, it’s not fair. People have to be aware of this because I went into it with the mindset that you have and the worst ended up happening. I am truly happy that it worked for you though.

  • I am 68 years old and have been taking Propecia brand for 20 years. My MPB has not decreased one bit, I have ED issues and my ejaculate has been significantly reduced to one tiny blob that dribbles out way after reaching orgasm. I suffer from bouts of unexplained depression, cold sweats (I live in the Tropics!), swelling of hands and feet and pretty much all of the listed side effects to varying degrees. My testes have “shrunk” by about 40%. I do not have an enlarged prostate, but doubt very much this has anything to do with the drug Finasteride. I am “fit” in all other aspects following a recent (one year ago) medical, do not suffer from diabetes or high BP or CV disease (although my B12 was bumping at the low side) and I am not overweight. I exercise regularly and only eat mostly fresh foods (unprocessed) and I avoid refined sugars.

    My take on Propecia and the drug Finasteride is that it is an absolute con and does absolutely nothing for MPB, the science is bullshit and I do believe Merck have capitalized on the psychosis of baldness in men, and the FDA have been complicit in the scam. I have taken 7.3kg of this drug at a cost of $11,795.

    Was it worth it?…..Hell NO!

  • Gynecomastia really bad. Stopped taking it so will these boobs go away? And what natural supplements can I take to help make them go back back to flat?

  • I’ve been using topical finesteride in 82F a prescription I got after after a hair transplant it has really grown my hair back in areas that were not transplanted. I exercise every day and have a healthy diet. I had a retina detachment a couple yrs ago and got concerned about using pills for Ed. I switched to penile injections( tri mix)
    At first these were fantastic but it seems after I started the finesteride over a period of time I had to increase dose due to loss of time and size. Do you think this is finesteride ?

  • It seems like you first wrote this article years ago. Do you still stand by these comments? Do you take the counter supplements yourself? Thanks.

    • I used to at the beginning when I thought I had side effects. But I believe they were just in my head and I now don’t take any supplements. Just take finasteride 1 mg every day. Everything works.

  • Does Raloxifene promote hair loss? I take Dutasteride 0.5mg every day, (which is stronger) than Finasteride. I’m pretty sure I have Gynecomastia despite my Estrogen level being 30.5 pg/mL.

    Could Raloxifene reduce my breast tissue without increasing hair loss as long as I stay on Dutasteride? I could also consider lowering my Dutasteride frequency to 0.5mg every other day.

  • Great article thanks 👍! Gynecomastia, from what I gather, is a very rare side effect from taking finasteride. I have great success with powerful SERM called Raloxifene. It has been used in the treatment and reversal of gyno by bodybuilders. Also I get some help from magic blue pills to cure my ed. So glad 😊 I found ‘Pctmed365’ in Google and got the treatment. Good luck to all!

  • My husband has been on Finestride for probably 6 months or so. His hair has grown back so much, very thick and full like it use to be. He has started to complain of feeling foggy, not being able to multi-task, or focus on more then 1 thing. Especially if there is noise or something going on, he can’t focus on what he’s doing. He is thinking of stopping it to see if it keeps better, but should he just stop or wean off it? He also gets testosterone injections every 2 weeks and uses monoxidil hair solution.

    • This should be a question for a doctor, but I’m fairly sure stopping it cold turkey won’t make a difference compared to weaning it off.

  • Hi , I’m using the finasteride 1mg from last 9 month I feel ED , I have read many articles that says this problem is permanent there’s no treatment for this , I read it article it is quite helpful , if I stop using this can I get back to normal and what should I do now ,please my marriage is very soon and I’m very worry ,

  • Sir, I want to confirm did you stop finastride and started eating Spinach and zinc supliments or you just reduced the dose of finastride along with this suppliments?

  • Is there any method to reduce the dizziness from finasteride? I am 34 and have tried lowering the dosage, omitting alcohol days of finasteride treatment and paid attention to not standing too quickly, but still it interferes with my ability to do my job. Any suggestions?

    • Hi I used finastride 1 mg for nine months and I will suggest everyone to stay away from it ..I don’t want to loose the size of my junk over hair ..it really affected my size and I stopped it but I wonder when will my size be back again …please don’t use this drug ..I started in January 2020 and stopped taking it in sept 2020 but still Side effect has not reversed even after 9 months

  • Not just libido, this drug destroys immune, nervous, endocrine systems, alters gut microbiota, skin and collagen.. if u get struck down with full blown pfs, god help you.. I’ve been struggling for 9 years with it snd hAve tried evrrything, depleted my retirement.. 350k .. what a wasted life.

  • Great article. I have been taking Proscar for almost 3 months (5mg of Finasteride per day). Before starting I ate quite healthy, exercised 4-5 times per week and have a pretty solid BMI. During the first month of taking Proscar I noticed my sex drive drop dramatically. I read plenty on potential impact to libido and I’m sure there was a psychological effect as well. My doctor recommended Proscar based on having an enlarged prostate plus my Dad and Brother have had prostate cancer so felt like I was in a bind. I started eating spinach about 3-5 times a week and I have 1-2 Brazil nuts per day (don’t overeat on them as 1 nut has over twice daily recommended limit). After reading this great post plus a few other articles on increasing libido/testosterone, I began taking a few supplements. Each day I take the following: Grape Seed & Resveratrol (Costco sells this), Garlic (1,000 mg), Maca (500 mg), Zinc (30 mg – I take this on days I work out – research indicates you lose extra Zinc when you sweat through workouts), and Weider Prime – I take 1 capsule daily and 2 capsules on days I lift (includes Vitamin D3, B6, B12, Calcium, Zinc, Chromium, Diindolylmethane, Ashwagandha Extract, Cordyceps Extract. I have noticed a huge difference. Thank you for all the great insights!

  • As a middle aged male, my banana has recently indeed been a growing concern (pun intended). Likewise, my MPB is a worry that would not shed-off (another pun).

    Thank you for this enlightening article and will take precaution on Propecia ingestion from hereon.

  • It stands to reason if Propecia / finesteride shrinks your prostate ,it would shrink the neighboring balls and penis also. It did mine. The good news tho ,is that taking ashwaghanda made my package grow back to normal.Sex drive has not come back yet

    • Hey bro! could you please tell me how did ashwagandha help you get your package back to normal, please? how did you use it, how many times a day and for how long please? contact me PLEASE!

  • I have used finasteride 1mg for one month and stopped using it. When i felt some side effects. . I lost my sex drive.help me to recover.Is there anyone who recovered totally! Pls let me know.

    • “Funny”! I took it as well 1 month and my libido has gone as well since 6 years (!!) I am still waiting it comes back…

      • I took Fin for 9 years, At first I only had watery semen, then over the years I gained weight and had a gut that I could not get rid of. I thought this was just middle age, Then in the ninth year I got ED, although my girl friend said that my erection had been somewhat soft for a few years and that my personality had changed for the worst (loss of drive). That was it for me, I quit and in the first month lost 20 lbs (no gut anymore) but still had ED problems and really bad insomnia for the first few months. I started lifting weights taking L arginine 2000 mg before bed (brought back morning erections for the first time in years) along with 500 mg of maca and multi vitamin. I have been doing this now for 5 years and only now do I feel that I have finally gotten over it. Over the years after I quit it got better but very slowly. Now 5 years later my erections are strong , my seamen looks normal and my hair is starting to fall out again and my beard has gotten thicker which I see as signs of recovery.

    • 15 mg is a safe dose. I believe you can up the dose to 30 mg. Try taking also ZMA with 15 mg zinc.

  • Hi as anyone else had success with using the above supplements e.g. Grape seed Extract + Zinc for countering the side effects of propecia or finpecia?

  • This is a great article and have been doing some research myself. I have recently noticed slightly fatty chest area and lower libido whilst on propecia so decided to take action. I have added zinc and grape seed extract supplements to my diet and stepped up my exercise which was almost non existent before. This is my first week and I am noticeably hornier! I am going to be careful with the amount of zinc I take though. The question I have is could the zinc and grape seed be counter productive to the finasteride by leaving too much free testosterone or even lead to gyno because of the extra amount? thanks!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.