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Latest verdict on Finasteride and developing advanced prostate cancer

Posted , 12 users are following.

mike75537
mike75537

Hi folks. I have been thinking about using finasteride 1% for hair loss treatment. After searching the internet I'm half afraid to. Some say it increases risk for developing advanced prostate cancer and others say it cuts the risk. Proscar for prostate is 5% finasteride while propecia for hair loss is 1% finasteride. I don't know what to believe. I asked my oncologist and all he said was he wouldn't reccomend it but then again he has a full head of hair. I currently use saw palmetto for my enlarged prostate because Flomax side effects were to many for me. Any opinions please.

0 likes, 29 replies

29 Replies

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  • zdzislaw
    zdzislaw mike75537

    Posted

    Finasteride has been suspected of turning PCa into more agressive one. I have had PCa for 15 years and doctors never used Finasteride on me. I had used saw palmetto for years, then Alfuzosin (similar to Flomax). In France saw palmetto is prescribed, although in ridiculous doses, but doctors agree to prescribe it in high doses if asked. Never heard of side effects and never had any side effects with saw palmetto. Cannot say to what extent it helped me because I used many othe supplements. Good luck!
    • mike75537
      mike75537 zdzislaw

      Posted

      zdzislaw, Were you on saw palmetto before or after you were dxed with PC? I have heard Finasteide turns PC into a more aggressive one and I also read where it gives false PSA readings that mask PC in the early stages. I also read where Saw Palmetto does and doesn't effect PSA tests. I know finasteride is my last chance for not going bald but where I only have one kidney and a enlarged prostate already that maybe I better forget about Finasteride. I also had lung cancer 10 years ago and had my right lung removed. I know my desire to keep my hair may sound so silly considering all the major health problems I have had but I really do value my hair alot.

  • alan1951
    alan1951 mike75537

    Posted

    Keep something in mind.  All drugs approved by the FDA - and oral finasteride (1 mg) was approved by them - have a monograph insert in the package describing all sorts of things about the drug.  As you're already aware, the efficacy of the drug is pitted against a control group.  Those receiving placebos in the control group are taking an inert, benign chemical; usually something analogous to a sugar pill.  Here is what is remarkable about the clinical trials for Finasteride; those in the control group ... grew hair.  You read that right.  They didn't grow as much hair as those in the experimental group, but some of them did grow hair.  Take my opinion for what it's worth.  Finasteride for hair loss prevention is a waste of time and hard-earned dollars.  By the numbers, Big Pharma is fond of hiring statisticians to skew the results.  Does Finasteride grow hair?  By relative values - yes.  By absolute values - not so much.  Finasteride for prostate symptoms - it's a different story.  Bottom line:  Neither Finasteride nor Dutasteride do not cause advanced prostate cancer.  They just make it easier to diagnose.

    • hank1953
      hank1953 alan1951

      Posted

      "Neither Finasteride nor Dutasteride do not cause advanced prostate cancer.  They just make it easier to diagnose."

      Alan, I agree with you on this. Actually, finasteride was proven effective in reducing low-grade prostate cancer occurences. 

      However, finasteride does help hair grow. I am a living proof. Just started 5 months ago and now I have a full head of hair. Which is expensive since I have to visit barbers more often.

      Hank

    • mike75537
      mike75537 hank1953

      Posted

      Hank did you get any of the side effects from Finasteride such as enlargement of male breast or loss of libido or inability to have a erection. Thank you everyone for the replys. I have learned alot in the short time I have been on this board.
    • hank1953
      hank1953 mike75537

      Posted

      Hi Mike, fortunately I have not experienced any of the side effects you mentioned. Maybe not yet. I am going to stay with it until something happens. My older brother has been on it for for a long time without anything serious problems.

      I would not recommend finasteride just for the hair, but I would for prostate shrinking. Hank

    • mike75537
      mike75537 hank1953

      Posted

      Hank do you think if I were to take the Finasteride 1% for my hair that I would still need to continue taking the Saw Palmetto for my prostate. More or less would I be able to get 2 birds with one stone. Also do you mind if I ask how thin your hair was before you started taking the Finastride. The rate I am losing hair on top scalp will be completely bald in six months.
  • brian34488
    brian34488 mike75537

    Posted

    Hi, correct me if I am wrong but does finasteride not actually shrink the prostate but shrinks the blood veins that feed it and if so what other veins does it shrink?
    • mike75537
      mike75537 brian34488

      Posted

      From what I have read Brian it does shrink the prostate but I don't know about the veins.

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