Latest news with #Propecia
New York Post
6 days ago
- Health
- New York Post
Which hair loss remedies actually work — and the side effects to look out for, from dandruff to sexual dysfunction
Seeing a bit more of your scalp these days? According to NYU Langone, more than 80% of men and nearly half of women experience hair loss at some point in their lives. But with so much info out there, figuring out which remedies are most effective — and navigating potential side effects — can be tough. 'There are several effective treatments available for hair loss, and the best approach depends on an individual's specific diagnosis and needs, which should be thoroughly reviewed with a dermatologist,' Dr. Brian Abittan, Director of Skin and Hair Rejuvenation and Director of Hair Transplantation at the Kimberly and Eric J. Waldman Department of Dermatology at Mount Sinai, told The Post. Advertisement Here, experts have broken down the ups and downs of some of the most popular options for hair growth on the market. 4 According to NYU Langone, more than 80% of men and 'nearly half of women experience hair loss during their lifetime.' Prostock-studio – Minoxidil Commonly sold under the brand name Rogaine, minoxidil pushes hair into the growth phase of the hair growth cycle and restores inactive hair follicles — and there's a reason it's the most well-known remedy. 'Minodixil helps stimulate hair growth,' Manhattan board-certified dermatologist Dr. Dina Strachan told The Post. Advertisement 'The downsides are that it can cause growth where one doesn't want it, too. Topically, it can cause irritation, and if taken orally, it can affect blood pressure and cause swelling of the face, legs, and even the heart.' Abbitan strongly recommends that patients with cardiac issues be carefully evaluated before using minoxidil. With minoxidil, hair growth typically occurs after the medication has been used for several months and lasts only as long as the use is continued. Advertisement Finasteride Finasteride, commonly sold under the brand name Propecia, was initially developed to treat an enlarged prostate by blocking the production of 5-alpha reductase, a male enzyme that also contributes to male pattern baldness. Blocking it limits DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that prevents hair follicles from absorbing nutrients, leading to shrinking follicles and, ultimately, hair loss. 'Finasteride has been shown to slow hair loss and even regrow hair in some cases, but it carries a low risk of side effects, including erectile dysfunction, reduced sperm count, and, less commonly, depression,' said Abbitan. Advertisement The use of this treatment is linked to post-finasteride syndrome (PFS), a condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride. 4 In April, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about topical finasteride products distributed by telehealth companies. Ester – In April, the FDA issued a warning about topical finasteride products distributed by telehealth companies, citing several reports of adverse events such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido and testicular pain. Anecdotally, one Army vet said his genitals shrank and changed shape, and his sex drive plummeted, while he was on it. Redensyl Considered a DHT blocker, Redensyl is a plant-based treatment for hair loss that includes natural ingredients like DHQG, glycine, zinc chloride, meta-bisulfite, EGCG 2, water, glycerin and Larch wood oil. While minoxidil boosts hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp, Redensyl reactivates dormant hair follicles, strengthening them and triggering the production of new hair cells. 'Redensyl stimulates hair growth,' said Strachan, though she warned that the treatment can cause irritation and dandruff. Advertisement Other experts suggest it is most effective in patients with mild thinning or for those who can't tolerate minoxidil. 4 NGF promotes the healing and rejuvenation of nerves in the scalp, thereby restoring hair growth. engagestock – Biotin Biotin is a B vitamin crucial to a wide range of metabolic processes, including the production of the protein keratin that makes up the hair shaft. Advertisement But taking a supplement will probably only make a difference if your body was short on it in the first place. 'A biotin deficiency can cause hair loss. However, taking extra biotin if there is no deficiency is unlikely to help with hair growth,' said Strachan. 'The downside of taking biotin is that it can affect the accuracy of the blood test values for people with thyroid disease and heart attacks. It can also cause GI upset.' 4 Rosemary oil been shown to support circulation, which may prevent hair follicles from being denied critical blood supply, a leading cause of hair loss Dharma – Rosemary oil Advertisement Rosemary oil is touted as a natural way to stimulate hair growth, prevent premature graying, and alleviate dry or itchy scalp, with an oft-cited study showing it worked as well as 2% minoxidil (though the most common dosage for minoxidil is 5%). It has been shown to support circulation, which may prevent hair follicles from being denied critical blood supply, a leading cause of hair loss. 'Antioxidant and antiinflammatory qualities of rosemary oil may be of benefit in hair loss,' said said Strachan. 'It may also improve circulation around the hair follicle. Some studies suggest that it may be as effective as minoxidil. The downsides are that it may cause irritation and should be avoided in pregnancy.' Advertisement According to research, rosemary oil may also increase nerve growth factor, a protein that helps neurons develop, survive, and maintain themselves. NGF promotes the healing and rejuvenation of nerves in the scalp, thereby restoring hair growth. Other supplements to consider Strachan listed zinc as an effective addition to any hair loss arsenal. 'Zinc helps anchor hair to the head, and a deficiency can cause hair loss,' he explain. 'Studies show that zinc supplementation can help people with alopecia areata and zinc deficiency. It's important to note that blood levels in the low range of normal for zinc may reflect a deficiency in the hair.' Side effects from zinc supplementation include nausea and liver inflammation, and excess zinc intake can lead to a copper deficiency, which can cause neurological problems. Additionally, studies show that red ginseng extract can promote hair growth in cultured human hair follicles. Pairing these remedies with scalp massage may also help. Dr. Ross Kopelman, a hair restoration surgeon in New York City, previously told The Post that it's an effective way to boost blood flow and promote a proper environment for hair growth. What option is right for you? Contrary to popular belief, hair loss is not a single diagnosis. While many believe hair loss to be exclusively genetic, plenty of factors can contribute to going bald or thinning out. These include stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, menopause for women, and underlying medical conditions like thyroid disease. Self-diagnosis can be ineffective at best — and dangerous at worst. 'People start using drugs and supplements before they have a diagnosis for their hair loss,' said Strachan. 'There are several types of hair loss. Get a diagnosis so that you can get the right treatment.' 'With the increasing number of treatments marketed — especially online — it is important to critically evaluate the clinical evidence and safety data behind each option,' Abbitan added. 'A dermatologist can help navigate these choices and develop a personalized, evidence-based treatment plan.'
Scottish Sun
04-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
My marriage became sex-starved then ended because of a common hair loss drug – I was so lonely I became suicidal
Read on for more side effects of the hair loss drug AT A LOSS My marriage became sex-starved then ended because of a common hair loss drug – I was so lonely I became suicidal A WOMAN has revealed that she left her husband after their marriage became sexless thanks to a common drug for hair loss. Thammika Songkaeo shared her heartbreaking story on the Moral Medicine podcast. 3 Thammika says the hair loss drug destroyed her marriage Credit: Youtube/Moral Medicine 3 Her husband had used the drug in the past but the ongoing sid effects were too much for her Credit: Getty Now a bestselling author, she revealed the dangers of the prescription drug that men rarely know about. Thammika said she noticed that her love life was nonexistent while they were still dating. Her then-boyfriend told her that it was because he had taken Propecia — the brand name of finasteride. Finasteride is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the production of a male hormone that contributes to hair loss. However, it comes with a host of side effects, including: erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and ejaculation problems, including reduced ejaculate volume. At first, she figured it would only be a temporary problem, but that soon changed. 'I did not at all realise that it was permanent, serious [and] devastating,' she said. The pair still decided to stay together and ended up married for seven years. She even convinced her ex to take an erectile dysfunction drug to improve intimacy. 3 Now she hopes to raise awareness on the drug Credit: Youtube/Moral Medicine Taking lovers has improved our relationship but threesome on TV left me in tear The couple even welcomed a daughter, but the sex life never really improved and Thamika was feeling lonelier than ever. Eventually, she decided to call it quits on her sex-starved marriage. She said: "I couldn't really detach myself from this person because I saw what happened, and I said, "This is definitely not this man's fault." "And what I needed to do personally was move away from the relationship as a romantic partner because I couldn't do it, I couldn't live in a sexless marriage." Help for mental health If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123 CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Heads Together, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Now, she is trying to raise awareness on post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) - condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride. 'The depth of the loneliness I felt was to the point where I, myself, was becoming suicidal or having suicidal thoughts,' Songkaeo said. 'I had to call the suicide hotline because it became that bad for me — and, usually, I'm a pretty happy person.' She questions the ethics of distributing a drug that can have such potentially devastating consequences. 'Finasteride has the capacity to dissolve one person so much that it becomes this domino effect…there's just so much destruction around it — and it feels like unnecessary destruction,' she said.
The Sun
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
My marriage became sex-starved then ended because of a common hair loss drug – I was so lonely I became suicidal
A WOMAN has revealed that she left her husband after their marriage became sexless thanks to a common drug for hair loss. Thammika Songkaeo shared her heartbreaking story on the Moral Medicine podcast. 3 3 Now a bestselling author, she revealed the dangers of the prescription drug that men rarely know about. Thammika said she noticed that her love life was nonexistent while they were still dating. Her then- boyfriend told her that it was because he had taken Propecia — the brand name of finasteride. Finasteride is a prescription drug that is commonly used to treat male pattern hair loss. It works by blocking the production of a male hormone that contributes to hair loss. However, it comes with a host of side effects, including: erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive and ejaculation problems, including reduced ejaculate volume. At first, she figured it would only be a temporary problem, but that soon changed. 'I did not at all realise that it was permanent, serious [and] devastating,' she said. The pair still decided to stay together and ended up married for seven years. She even convinced her ex to take an erectile dysfunction drug to improve intimacy. 3 Taking lovers has improved our relationship but threesome on TV left me in tear The couple even welcomed a daughter, but the sex life never really improved and Thamika was feeling lonelier than ever. Eventually, she decided to call it quits on her sex-starved marriage. She said: "I couldn't really detach myself from this person because I saw what happened, and I said, "This is definitely not this man's fault." "And what I needed to do personally was move away from the relationship as a romantic partner because I couldn't do it, I couldn't live in a sexless marriage." Help for mental health If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support. The following are free to contact and confidential: Samaritans, 116 123 CALM (the leading movement against suicide in men) 0800 585 858 Papyrus (prevention of young suicide) 0800 068 41 41 Shout (for support of all mental health) text 85258 to start a conversation Mind, provide information about types of mental health problems and where to get help for them. Call the infoline on 0300 123 3393 (UK landline calls are charged at local rates, and charges from mobile phones will vary). YoungMinds run a free, confidential parents helpline on 0808 802 5544 for parents or carers worried about how a child or young person is feeling or behaving. The website has a chat option too. Rethink Mental Illness, gives advice and information service offers practical advice on a wide range of topics such as The Mental Health Act, social care, welfare benefits, and carers rights. Use its website or call 0300 5000 927 (calls are charged at your local rate). Heads Together, is the a mental health initiative spearheaded by The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales. Now, she is trying to raise awareness on post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) - condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride. 'The depth of the loneliness I felt was to the point where I, myself, was becoming suicidal or having suicidal thoughts,' Songkaeo said. 'I had to call the suicide hotline because it became that bad for me — and, usually, I'm a pretty happy person.' She questions the ethics of distributing a drug that can have such potentially devastating consequences. 'Finasteride has the capacity to dissolve one person so much that it becomes this domino effect…there's just so much destruction around it — and it feels like unnecessary destruction,' she said.
New York Post
03-06-2025
- Health
- New York Post
A popular hair loss drug destroyed my ex-husband's sex drive — and ended our marriage
A bestselling author has shared a heartbreaking story about how a popular hair loss drug led to the demise of her ex-husband's sexual function — and their marriage. Speaking recently on the podcast 'Moral Medicine,' Thammika Songkaeo said she noticed they had no love life to speak of while they were still dating. Her then-boyfriend told her that it was because he had taken Propecia — the brand name of finasteride, which is commonly used to treat hair loss in men. One of the potential side effects is sexual dysfunction. 3 Speaking recently on the podcast 'Moral Medicine,' Thammika Songkaeo shared how post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) led to the demise of her marriage. Moral Medicine/YouTube At the time, she thought it was just a temporary issue — or that it would only be a problem intermittently. 'I did not at all realize that it was permanent, serious [and] devastating,' she said. They got married and stayed together for seven years, with Songkaeo convincing her ex to take an erectile dysfunction drug to improve intimacy. The couple welcomed a daughter, but Songkaeo's loneliness worsened. Ultimately, she decided to walk away from the sex-starved marriage. Noting that her ex was a wonderful partner outside of the bedroom, they remained great friends — and Songkaeo went on to write a novel about her experience, 'Stamford Hospital,' which became a No. 1 bestseller on Amazon Singapore. 3 'The depth of the loneliness I felt was to the point where I myself was becoming suicidal or having suicidal thoughts,' Songkaeo said. Gorodenkoff – Now, she's trying to spread the word not only about how post-finasteride syndrome (PFS) — a condition in which someone experiences severe side effects after they stop using finasteride — affects its victims, but also the ones they love. 'The depth of the loneliness I felt was to the point where I, myself, was becoming suicidal or having suicidal thoughts,' Songkaeo said. 'I had to call the suicide hotline because it became that bad for me — and, usually, I'm a pretty happy person.' She questions the ethics of distributing a drug that can have such potentially devastating consequences. 'Finasteride has the capacity to dissolve one person so much that it becomes this domino effect…there's just so much destruction around it — and it feels like unnecessary destruction,' she said. Songkaeo was interviewed by podcast host Mark Millich, who made headlines earlier this year by telling the Wall Street Journal that he experienced debilitating side effects after buying finasteride. 3 Mark Millich — the host of the podcast — made headlines earlier this year by telling the Wall Street Journal that he experienced debilitating side effects after buying finasteride. X/@Unstoppable218 Some of his side effects included anxiety, dizziness and slurred speech. His sex drive also plummeted, and his genitals shrank and changed shape. Millich previously interviewed a 28-year-old man who reported a roller coaster of side effects due to PFS, including sexual dysfunction, insomnia, severe weight and muscle loss, skin rashes and pelvic pain. 'Every month, I feel like there's a new side effect,' the man said. 'It's really changed my life completely.' In April, the US Food and Drug Administration issued a warning about topical finasteride products distributed by telehealth companies, citing several reports of adverse events such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido and testicular pain. If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 988 or go to
CBC
09-05-2025
- Health
- CBC
Health authorities warn against potential serious risks of hair-loss drug
U.S. and European health regulators are warning the public of possible health risks linked to finasteride, a popular hair-loss drug. The European Medicines Agency issued an alert on Thursday, stating it had confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of finasteride tablets. The European regulator announced it would be implementing new measures to warn and protect the public. This comes following an alert issued by U.S. health regulators in late April, which warned against the possibility of sexual dysfunction and depression linked to topical finasteride — a newer version of the medication that's applied directly to the skin. "There is no FDA-approved topical formulation of finasteride," the agency said in the alert, adding that the safety, effectiveness, or quality of these products has not been evaluated. "There are potential serious risks associated with the use of compounded topical finasteride products." While topical finasteride is also increasingly popular in Canada, a Health Canada spokesperson confirmed last week it was never approved here either. The pill version of the hair loss drug, also sold under the brand name Propecia, is associated with the same rare but serious side effects. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health Canada and has been on the market for the past 30 years. In recent years, however, topical finasteride has been popularized by a number of new telemedicine websites focused on men's health. These gels or lotions are often marketed as having fewer side effects than oral finasteride. Rare but debilitating side effects In February, Radio-Canada investigative program Enquête published an investigation into the drug, which featured the testimonies of 25 men who said oral or topical finasteride had caused devastating side effects. The symptoms mentioned in the FDA's statement echo the ones these men described to journalists. The agency says it has identified 32 cases of adverse reactions linked to topical finasteride over the past five years, with symptoms including anxiety, brain fog, depression, suicidal thoughts, insomnia, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and testicular pain. Wei Wong, a Montreal man who was prescribed topical finasteride in 2023, said that after 10 days of using the hair loss serum, he developed debilitating side effects that continue to afflict him. Wong claimed he was not told the product was not approved by Health canada, and said he chose the topical finasteride because his research suggested it caused fewer side effects than the finasteride tablets. Many of the men interviewed by Radio-Canada were also under this impression: some claim that when they began experiencing side effects of oral finasteride, their doctors advised they switch to the 'gentler' topical version. Wong believes this new FDA warning will help reduce the number of men who experience finasteride's sometimes debilitating side effects. "I am, however, perplexed at the paradoxical framing; the warning cites persistent side effects from topical finasteride, explains that topical finasteride is expected to enter the bloodstream as oral finasteride does, acknowledges the side effects reported are identical to those of oral finasteride, and somehow concludes that oral finasteride is FDA approved and therefore safe," Wong wrote in an email. Illegal marketing of topical finasteride in Canada Canadian regulatory authorities confirm that selling unapproved health products is illegal. However, in Canada, topical finasteride is considered a compounded preparation, a medication custom-made by a pharmacist at the request of a doctor. While this practice is permitted for individual use, Canada's Food and Drugs Act prohibits the mass production and advertising of compounded drugs. Despite these restrictions, many Canadian websites openly promote topical finasteride, showcasing sleekly branded bottles on their websites and social media posts. These advertisements are problematic, says Jean-François Desgagné, president of the Quebec Order of Pharmacists. Earlier this year, Enquête reporters tested three telemedicine platforms, obtaining oral finasteride prescriptions from Essential Clinic, Jack, and Rocky. This experiment concluded that the medical consultations offered by these sites were rushed and superficial, with healthcare professionals providing very limited information about the risks associated with the medication. Neither Rocky nor Jack responded to our emails regarding the new FDA warning and Health Canada's comments. Essential Clinic co-founder Hisham Al-Shurafa said he has been selling topical finasteride since 2021. He noted that the product information pamphlet clearly states it is not approved by Health Canada. However, clients navigating the site to obtain this medication are not obliged to consult this document. The lack of Health Canada approval does not appear to be mentioned anywhere else on the Essential Clinic website, or in its advertisements for topical finasteride. Health Canada officials say that since January 2024, they have received five complaints concerning the sale and advertising of finasteride-based products on various websites. "In two cases, Health Canada sent regulatory letters to the responsible companies, informing them of non-compliance and asking them to cease their activities. Two cases are still under review by the department, and one case revealed no non-compliance."
