Finasteride – uses, health risks, and side effects at NaturalPedia.com

Finasteride is a generic drug used to treat male pattern hair loss in men.

It is also used to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in male patients with an enlarged prostate. Finasteride can prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is linked to the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Finasteride is only prescribed for men and it is sold under the brand names Propecia and Proscar.

Known health risks or side effects of finasteride

Finasteride may cause common side effects such as:

• Abnormal ejaculation (e.g., decreased volume of ejaculate)
• Impotence
• Loss of interest in sex
• Trouble having an orgasm

You may require immediate medical attention if you experience any signs of male breast cancer such as:

• Breast lumps
• Breast pain or tenderness
• Nipple discharge or other breast changes

List of organs that might be affected by finasteride

An overdose of finasteride may cause complications like difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or a seizure.

An overdose of the drug may also cause an allergic reaction. Signs of an allergic reaction may include difficulty breathing; hives; or the swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, consult a healthcare professional. If your symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room immediately.

Food items or nutrients that have similar effects to finasteride

The following foods or nutrients, which have similar effects to finasteride, are crucial to hair growth:

• Vitamin B – A complex of various vitamins, vitamin B helps promote a healthy metabolism along with healthy skin and hair. Sources rich in B vitamins include avocados, beans, dark leafy greens, and nuts.
• Vitamin C –Vitamin C is crucial for building collagen, the skin’s connective tissue that can be found in hair follicles. Sources include bell peppers, broccoli, citrus fruits, and strawberries.
• Vitamin E – Vitamin E has powerful antioxidants that are needed for a healthy scalp. Sources include broccoli, olive oil, shrimp, spinach, and sunflower seeds.

Treatment and management options for the side effects of finasteride

The following treatments and management options can help prevent the side effects associated with finasteride, such as erectile dysfunction (ED):

• Garlic – Garlic has allicin, a component that can help improve blood flow and address erectile dysfunction. Allicin can also help protect against testicular oxidative damage and spermiotoxicity. Heat three to four cloves of garlic with some clarified butter on low flame. Wait until the garlic turns golden brown, and eat the garlic cloves daily.
• Onions – Onions can help treat the involuntary loss of semen during sleep or other times. Like garlic, onions may also help prevent testicular oxidative damage and spermiotoxicity. Finely chop two large onions and steep them for 10 minutes in two cups of warm water. Drink half a cup of the liquid thrice a day for a month.
• Pomegranate juice – Pomegranates are full of polyphenols and antioxidants that can boost blood circulation. Aside from being anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory, pomegranate juice may help prevent ED and male infertility. Drink at least 3.87 milliliters (ml) of pomegranate juice concentrate daily for eight weeks to boost intracavernous blood flow and smooth muscle relaxation. Drink one glass of pomegranate juice daily. Consult a healthcare professional before you start taking pomegranate supplements.

Where to learn more

• The Best Ways To Naturally Block DHT
• Drug used for male pattern baldness makes men impotent, grows man boobs
• Hair loss drug may cause prostate cancer to go undetected
• Hair loss drugs turn men into women by blocking testosterone, male hormones
• Saw palmetto can treat hair loss, enlarged prostates and urinary tract infections

Summary

Finasteride is a generic drug used to treat male pattern hair loss in men.

Finasteride may cause common side effects such as abnormal ejaculation or impotence.

An overdose of finasteride may cause complications like difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, or a seizure. An overdose of the drug may also cause an allergic reaction.

Vitamins B, C, and E have similar effects to finasteride and they are crucial to hair growth.

Garlic, onions, and pomegranate juice can help prevent the side effects associated with finasteride, such as erectile dysfunction.

Sources include:

Drugs.com

eMedicineHealth.com

MedlinePlus.gov

Healthline.com

CureJoy.com