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Your Health Questions
Answered by Professionals

Get expert advice from current physicians on your health concerns, treatment options, and effective management strategies.

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Common Questions

Q

Can finasteride cause depression or anxiety?

Finasteride may be linked to depression and anxiety in some people. If you have mental health concerns, visit https://988lifeline.org/.

Q

Can finasteride cause permanent sexual side effects?

Some studies suggest that finasteride can cause lasting sexual side effects in some people, even after they stop taking it.

Q

Can I safely make a ‘cortisol cocktail’ every morning instead of coffee?

Drinks with adaptogens and caffeine may offer benefits, but it's important to understand their effects and consult a healthcare provider before replacing coffee with a 'cortisol cocktail.'

Q

Can I still have kids if I’ve been on finasteride for years?

Taking finasteride for a long time might affect your ability to have kids, but the effects can vary. It's best to talk to a doctor if you're worried about having kids while on this medication.

Q

Can low-dose finasteride still cause side effects?

Yes, even low-dose finasteride can cause side effects, including persistent sexual issues and mental health concerns.

Q

Can stress alone mess up my hormones?

Yes, stress can affect your hormones, causing changes in your body and mood.

Q

Do I actually have adrenal fatigue?

Adrenal fatigue is not recognized as a real medical condition by experts. If you have symptoms like feeling very tired, it's important to talk to a doctor to find out the true cause.

Q

Do I need to get my sperm tested if I’m on finasteride?

Finasteride can affect sperm, so getting your sperm tested might be a good idea if you're concerned about fertility.

Q

Does coconut water really help with electrolytes?

Coconut water can help with electrolytes and is a good choice for rehydration after exercise, similar to sports drinks.

Q

Does finasteride affect testosterone or make me less ‘manly’?

Finasteride can affect testosterone levels, but it doesn’t make you less ‘manly’.

Q

Does finasteride hide prostate cancer?

Finasteride can affect prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which might make it harder to detect prostate cancer, but it does not hide the cancer itself.

Q

How can I determine how many calories are too much for my daily intake?

Finding out how many calories are too much depends on factors like diet type and food choices. Eating too many ultra-processed foods can lead to consuming extra calories.

Q

How can I increase brown fat in my body to aid in weight management?

You can increase brown fat by exposing your body to cold temperatures and possibly through certain medical treatments. Brown fat helps burn calories and manage weight.

Q

How can I increase the fat content in my breast milk through diet?

Eating a balanced diet with healthy fats can help improve the fat content in breast milk, but the overall impact may vary.

Q

How common are long-term side effects from finasteride?

Long-term side effects from finasteride, like sexual issues, can happen and might not go away after stopping the medication.

Q

How do I calculate my BMI using an online calculator?

To calculate your BMI using an online calculator, enter your height and weight, and it will show your BMI number.

Q

How do I know if my cortisol is too high?

High cortisol levels can be a sign of Cushing's syndrome, and tests like late-night salivary cortisol can help detect it. If you think your cortisol is high, talk to a doctor for proper testing.

Q

How is BMI used to determine if someone is overweight?

BMI, or Body Mass Index, is a number calculated from a person's height and weight and is used to see if someone is overweight. A BMI of 25 to 29.9 means a person is considered overweight.

Q

How long after stopping finasteride will my sperm count go back to normal?

After stopping finasteride, sperm count may return to normal, but the time it takes can vary for each person.

Q

How much potassium or sodium is actually healthy?

Healthy sodium and potassium levels can help you feel better and live longer. It's important to eat the right amount of both to stay healthy.

Q

Is finasteride basically a male birth control pill?

Finasteride is not a male birth control pill. It does not significantly affect sperm production or function.

Q

Is it bad that I feel tired all the time, even if my labs are normal?

Feeling tired all the time, even with normal labs, can still be a concern. It might be related to conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome, which aren't always detected by standard tests.

Q

Is it possible finasteride lowered my libido without me noticing?

Yes, finasteride can lower libido, and some people may not notice it right away.

Q

Is it possible to gain weight by eating too few calories?

Eating too few calories can lead to weight gain because it may increase stress hormones and affect metabolism.

Q

Is it safe to self-treat fatigue with electrolytes and juice?

Drinking electrolytes and juice can help with mild fatigue, but it's important to ensure you're not missing other health issues.

Q

Is there a safer alternative to finasteride for hair loss?

Topical treatments like topical dutasteride and topical finasteride may offer safer alternatives to oral finasteride for hair loss, with potentially fewer side effects.

Q

Is there a way to test for ‘adrenal fatigue’ even if it’s not real?

There is no scientific test for 'adrenal fatigue,' but stress and fatigue can be measured in other ways.

Q

Is there any science behind adrenal cocktails?

Adrenal cocktails are supplements that claim to support adrenal health, but their effectiveness is not well-supported by scientific evidence. Some ingredients may have effects on fatigue, but more research is needed.

Q

Should I stop finasteride before a PSA test?

Finasteride can lower PSA levels, so your doctor might adjust your PSA test results if you're taking it. You should talk to your doctor about whether to stop finasteride before the test.

Q

What activities or foods can help increase fat burning?

Intermittent fasting and regular exercise, especially at the right intensity, can help increase fat burning.

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