Will Propecia give me erectile dysfunction?
There has been a reported link between the finasteride found in Propecia and sexual dysfunction. Some patients reported that sexual dysfunction (including decreased libido and erectile dysfunction) had persisted even after treatment was stopped.

What causes erectile dysfunction?
ED is most commonly caused by a reduced blood flow to the penis, which can happen due to a number of physical and psychological factors. These can include:

• High cholesterol
• Depression
• Nerve damage
• High blood pressure
• Relationship problems
• Hormone issues
• Anxiety
• Diabetes

What can I do if I have erectile dysfunction?
There are several ways to get better and stronger erections if you're suffering from ED. These can include:

• Maintaining a healthier lifestyle (reduce alcohol, cigarettes and high-salt foods)
• Reducing stress
• Cutting out any illicit drug use

You can also speak to your GP about treatments for ED, or use an online consultation service like ours - we promise we’re discrete.

Does Propecia cause weight gain?
Currently there is no evidence to suggest that weight gain is a side effect of Propecia. 

Why am I gaining weight?
You could be gaining weight due to a number of factors, including:

• Sedentary lifestyle
• Poor mental health
• Side effects from medication

If you're gaining weight rapidly and are unsure of the reason, please consult your GP.

How do I lose weight?
If you need help losing weight, we have a number of resources on how to manage your weight, from healthy weight loss tips to weight loss treatments. Visit our guides if you want to start your weight loss journey today!

Does Propecia lower testosterone?
There is currently no evidence to show that Propecia will lower testosterone.

Why do I have low testosterone?
Testosterone levels begin to drop once men reach their 30s - this is a natural occurrence and is unlikely to cause any medical problems. However, there are several other causes for low testosterone. Please consult our guide on signs and symptoms of low testosterone levels for more details.

How can I improve my testosterone levels?
Most men do not need to boost their testosterone levels - despite what you might see online. Make an appointment with your doctor if you think you have low testosterone. From there, they can arrange a blood test and recommend further treatment.

How long can you take Propecia? Seemingly, as long as you’d like. Most patients have seen no side effects from Propecia, despite months or even years of treatment.

However, there have been rare reports of the following long-term symptoms from finasteride, the main ingredient in Propecia:

• Sexual side effects (erection problems, etc.) that persist after treatment stopped
• Association with depression and suicidal thoughts
• Breast cancer - though this is very rare

If you’re worried about any side effects - particularly any swelling, lumps or pain in the chest area - please speak to your GP or message our clinicians in your Patient Record.

Via the LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor service, Propecia can be requested for the following prices:

• Four-week pack: £55
• Eight-week pack: £95
• 12-week pack: £135
• 24-week pack: £210 

To view our prices in detail, visit our hair loss clinic.

As results are unlikely to show before three months it may be better value and more convenient to order in bulk. If you order the 24-week pack, then the cost of Propecia is £368 per year. We also offer a subscription service for finasteride (generic Propecia) from £8.50 a week.

Yes, you can order Propecia online. You can find Propecia online from a number of licensed and regulated UK healthcare services, including LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor (subject to an online consultation with one of our doctors).

Our NHS experienced clinicians are based in London and can safely prescribe medicines that have been licensed by the UK government agency MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency). We are also registered with the Care Quality Commission.

To request Propecia from Online Doctor:

1. Visit our online clinic and click “Start consultation”.
2. Register your details.
3. Fill out a short medical questionnaire, outlining the history of your hair loss.
4. One of our doctors will then read your responses and make sure you are suitable for treatment.
5. If you are successful, your order will be processed and your Propecia will be made available for collection or delivery.

As powerful as it is, Propecia is only one of a number of hair regrowth treatments available.

The most similar hair regrowth treatment to Propecia is finasteride tablets, as Propecia is simply a branded form of finasteride tablet. Both contain the same dose of finasteride, meaning they should work identically for hair loss.

Minoxidil is also considered an effective treatment for hair loss, being recommended as a treatment for both male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness. Propecia is not suggested for women as it could cause potential birth defects in a fetus if the user is pregnant.

Minoxidil is most famously found in Regaine, a foam rubbed on the scalp twice a day. This increases blood and nutrient flow to hair follicles to stimulate them into a growth phase, and can see results in as little as eight weeks. It is safe to take it and Propecia / finasteride at the same time - we even offer both options together as a finasteride and Regaine hair loss bundle.

Natural extracts used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia like saw palmetto are sometimes touted as a growth treatment as it has been suggested it works in a similar way to Propecia (reducing testosterone / DHT) conversion. However, there is not currently enough evidence to confirm this is the case, and side effects include digestive symptoms and headaches.

In rare cases hair loss may be due to a vitamin deficiency. As a result there are a variety of hair loss vitamin supplements available, the most common of which include biotin, zinc and iron. However, hair loss as a result of vitamin deficiency is rare so it’s worth talking to your GP to confirm this is the case before starting a course of supplements.

Male pattern baldness is a common form of hair loss, liable to affect 30-50% of men by age 50. Propecia is an effective treatment for this due to finasteride, an active ingredient in Propecia (actually the only ingredient - Propecia is a branded form of finasteride).

While side effects are usually rare - and mild if they are occurring - please consult your GP if you notice sexual dysfunction, changes to your mental health or any changes to your chest area. Better to be safe than sorry!

If recommended to take Propecia for hair loss you should expect to see results in three to six months. Stick to the recommended once-a-day dosage and be patient if you’re waiting for luscious locks!

If you’re concerned about male pattern baldness, request a consultation from our hair loss treatment hub today.