What
kind of side effects can you get with Propecia
or other systemic DHT inhibitors?
A:
Propecia (finasteride) is the best documented of the
DHT inhibitors and most people notice no side effects
from
it. Some
people do, however, experience a reduction in libido
or notice more watery semen. Some get some noticeable
hyperandrogenicity, as evidenced by increased facial
oil, pimples or unusually high libido. Testicular ache
is occasionally noted, probably due to increased testosterone
output, and the body takes time to adjust to this.
(Increased testosterone levels--15% on average in finasteride
users--are likely in large part a compensatory response
to reduced DHT.) Most often any side effects dissipate
within 2 or 3 months. If they do not, things should
return to normal after discontinuing finasteride, although
this may take a couple of weeks, as finasteride has
a relatively long biological effect, although a short
serum half-life. |
