Expert: Dr. Ravindra Bhaskar Ghooi - 1/15/2007

Question
Is it an acceptable practice or should it be an acceptable practice for a male
patient using a high dose of Androgel (10mg/day) to also use finesteride (or
once upon a time Propecia) to arrest hair loss or as a preventitive measure if
hair loss is not yet present?  Hair loss seems to be the dominat side effect of
any testosterone replacement therapy.  Please also address the question as if
the patient had either low normal or normal testosterone levels before
replacement therapy began.  I am hearing of many male patients who are
using Androgel without having abnormal lab values.  Many are using
Androgel to increase muscle mass, decrease body fat, increase libido,
increase firmness of erection, elevate mood, etc...

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Jason,
It is neither the practice nor should it be the practice to use androgel and Propecia together. Principally andogel should be used only in cases where there is a low testosterone level and not for libido or changing muscle mass.
Local application of androgens does not alter enzyme levels significantly. In any case I am a pharmacologist and my knowledge is only from the angle of drugs, may be an andorlogist could give you more information.
Ravi Ghooi