Firsthand experiences

Firsthand experiences – Volume X: Saw palmetto & nettle

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Men turn to saw palmetto, a plant-based supplement, because prescription drugs may be unavailable or too costly. Some see the palm supplement as having a lower risk of side effects. Regulators say it is safe, but online, it is not difficult to find reports of men with adverse experiences after using saw palmetto which resemble the post-finasteride disorder.

Polls vs. official data on side effect rates

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Since online polls are anonymous, there is less risk to disclosing embarrassing side effects. In online polls, the rate of side effects was 6.2x greater than the rate of adverse events in a clinical trial. The clinical setting may suppress safety concerns in sensitive areas such as sexuality and mental state.

Appendix: Results of online polls on side effects

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This is an Appendix to the post: Polls vs. official data on side effect rates. Summary Mobile users: swipe left to see more columns. ID & source Date posted Participants % with side effects % with severe or persistent side effects P1. r/tressless Jan 2016 146 53.4% NA P2. r/HairLoss Jul 2021 110 27.3% NA … Read more

From the depths: why finasteride harms took decades to emerge

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Physician-researchers blamed growing safety concerns on patients, overlooking social context and weaknesses in safety regime The official view of Propecia, fashioned by Merck at a reported cost of $450 million, is that the drug is safe and effective. Upon approval by FDA in 1997, this view was carried forward by dermatologists, some of whom were … Read more

Firsthand experiences of finasteride – Volume VIII: The Bald Truth show

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The Bald Truth is a radio show about hair loss which, according to its website, “has been advising listeners on issues ranging from building self confidence and creating sexual attraction to overcoming…the modern man’s Achilles’ heel, male pattern baldness.” Host Spencer Kobren founded the show over 19 years ago, and there are over 2,200 episodes … Read more

Firsthand experiences of finasteride — Volume VII

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These comments have been compiled from social media. Links to original posts and comments are provided after each quote. Finasteride destroyed my life and the life of other guys who committed suicide. what the hell are you saying? when i started i did not notice anything… then, very slowly, i started having anxiety, than depression, … Read more