anti-androgens

[Sara82]

I figured this would be a good place to ask this question, as you ladies probably know a good deal on hormones. I'm currently researching various treatments for both acne\oily skin,male pattern baldness and body hair reduction. One thing these all have in common is hormones, and more importantly the usage of anti-androgens to treat them.

The one drug which particularly caught my eye was finasteride, and while being able to treat these conditions, I noticed that it doesn't contain the unwanted side effects of impotence, and infertility. Please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

My main questions are this:

1) Because finasteride is a anti-androgen, the testosterone being produced in your body will increase, as it won't be getting converting into DHT. What type of changes\side effects will can I expect if any due to this?

2) I've never gone to a doctor to ask for a specific drug treatment. Will I be laughed at if I ask him that I'm interested in Finasteride? Or do I just tell him that I would like to fix these various issues, and that I feel a hormone treatment might be the best?

thanks!

[Stephenie S]

Dear Julia,

Sweetie, you won't gain anything by NOT asking. MPB is a common complaint. I see no reason not to ask for a prescription. We are not allowed to talk about dosages here on the public forum, but if you PM me we can discuss the subject.

I am taking finasteride for just that reason. I asked, and I got it. But I am transitioned, and I have no problem talking to doctors for what I want and need.

I am always surprised at the reluctance of people to TALK to their doctors. Doctors are not mind readers. They have NO way of knowing what you want unless you TELL them. If they don't want to do something for you, they will tell you. It's that simple. There's even an ad on TV now about people who ask 20 questions at the cell phone store and NONE at their doctor's.

Just TALK to your doctor. He won't bite, I promise.

Lovies,
Stephenie

And if you are going to a doctor who LAUGHS at you for asking questions, CHANGE DOCTORS!!!

[CharleneT]

You might want to look into the second generation version of that drug: Avodart ( Dutasteride ). It is more effective in many ways as well as having fewer side affects. Of course, that means the main side affect is reduction in the size of your purse... Both will reduce the amount of ejaculate and in some cases reduce libido. You may also get some mild breast enlargement.

I should check, but I do not think anti-androgens increase the T levels in your body.

[noeleena]

Hi
As an other answer talk to your local pharmacist they are more likely to know more as they have studied up all the meds . & some make up meds . or even a pharmaceutical .
...noeleena...

[Karen564]

If your only concern is wanting to treat those issues, and your not planning on transitioning, I would very simply talk to your doctor on how to go about on treating them.. of course you can mention what you heard about Finasterides, but there are other choices available to you.
So go ask your doctor, I dont understand why you would be so hesitant to ever ask him..

Finastiride & Dutasteride are like Anti-Androgen overdrives, it most certainly will effect the boys & Mr. winky..and you will start growing the girls..

:hugs:

[Melissa A.]

I am told results vary greatly from one individual to another, but I used to take Finasteride, along with all the other drugs needed for transition. Four months ago, I switched to Avodart, and continue with all the others. Overall, I've been on HRT for 13 months. My hair, which used to be VERY thin on top, has grown back like cazy. I can't begin to tell you how satisfied I am with the results. My body hair is almost non-existant now, with some occasional necessary body maintenence. Of course, I welcome all the other side effects. Heh heh.

Talk to your doctor. Your issues and desires to deal with them are not all that unusual.

Hugs,

Melissa:)