Anyone have any experience with TRT and propecia/finasteride?

[sultan of swat]

Hey bros,

I have been noticing some slight hair loss/thinning for the last 6 months or so. I've read about Propecia, but from the few horror stories I have read, it had not seemed worth the risk. Recently, I was diagnosed with low testosterone, so for the past 5 weeks, I have been on TRT - 200 mg's of Test Cyp per week. In another few weeks, I will be prescribed HCG and Clomid to have on hand.

So, is there anyone out there who is also on TRT and uses Propecia without the sides? I figure if my test levels are constant through the injections, that libido loss from Propecia should be far less possible. Would you guys agree?

Thanks for the help.

[kelkel]

SOS it's kind of a crap shoot for you. You have to weigh out risks here. Testosterone will turn to DHT. You can't stop it. This occurs due to the 5 alpha reductase enzyme which lives throughout the body (except muscle) with a high concentration in the scalp. Thus if you have the propensity for hair loss it may aggravate it. Propecia can mitigate it but can come with sides as you stated. DHT is responsible for all things male so it's not a bad thing, you just don't want it through the roof. Next time you get blood work done request it be checked so you have an idea where your at.

Speaking of BW. Have you had your T levels tested since you've been on this protocol. It's rather high end for TRT and I'm curious what your levels are. You also need to know your E2 level as T will convert to E2 so you need to get a handle on it if you haven't already. Take the time to read all the stickies at the top of the forum. BW is in there as is a ton of great info. BTW, saw palmetto may help with lowering DHT.

Welcome to the forum!

[sultan of swat]

Thanks for the reply. No, I have not had my levels checked since starting the TRT and unfortunately, I don't have a copy of the lab report from my initial test. All I know off the top of my head is that I had a total testosterone level of 380. I will have another blood test in about a month, so I'll know what I'm working with then. Obviously, my main issue with the TRT is to address feeling lethargic and tired, so as long as that gets fixed, I suppose potential hair loss is worth it. I'm just not quite ready to commit to shaving my head if it comes to that!

[kelkel]

I hear ya. I'd look pretty friggen bad bald myself. It's one fear that I had when gels drove my dht level through the roof. Came back to normal range for me when I switched to injections. Just make sure you get the correct tests done. Proper BW in in the "Finding a TRT Physician" sticky at the top of the forum or check out www.allthingsmale.com for good info also. It would be great for you to find out what your Free and Bio Available T levels are. Total serum is not as important. Your doc should not have a problem with you requesting the labs in the sticky. Good levels now will guide you in the future. Start getting your own copies and keep a file.

[sultan of swat]

That's a good idea, I'll ask for copies when I see him in a few weeks. My doc is very pro-TRT and has been very knowledgeable about everything so far. I just don't want to jump to conclusions or make important decisions too fast. For the very minimal hair loss I've had, I think I might be overreacting. It's just too early to tell how I will react and what might happen in the future as I am only 5 weeks into the TRT injections at this point.