I personally used PROPECIA for 12 years. It did stop my hair loss for approx. 11 Years, after which it lost its effectiveness outright. During that time I suffered from the following side-effects:

- Outright killed my libido; - Testicular ache (at approx. the 11th year); - Gave me anger management issues; - Severe depression.

After foregoing 8 days worth of PROPECIA whilst trekking the Kokoda Track in Papua New Guinea, my old self returned. I felt great, so I decided to lay off the PROPECIA. Within 4 weeks, I started to shed hair more than ever. I therefore resumed taking PROPECIA, and to no surprise, regained the side-effects. It was at this point, I gave the HAIRMAX laser comb a chance, i.e. for 6 months, however to my dismay, it had absolutely NO effect whatsoever.

I therefore switched to AVODART almost 5 months ago and have been pleasantly surprised. The only side-effects with AVODART to date are:

- 3-4 nights of Insomnia during the 2nd week of taking AVODART; - 3-4 headaches during Week 2, which felt exactly the same as a mild hang-over. A couple of glasses of water helped overcome that.

Since using AVODART I have not lost any more hair, and in actual fact, I'm witnessing re-growth.

I would like to hear from other PROPECIA & AVODART users, to document in as much detail as possible your experiences... i.e. - In your opinion, was it worthwhile making the transition from PROPECIA to AVODART -- and if so, why?

Two months ago I made the switch to Avodart, taken twice a week (My HT doctor Dr. Wong gave me the script ). So far I've noticed that I don't see so many of those short, thin, terminal hairs in my bathroom after washing/blow drying my hair, so I do believe it is working.

As far as sides go: Propecia / Proscar: my main side effect was a reduced libido which was most noticeable my first year on the drug. Also a reduce "jizz load" if you know what I mean.

Avodart: only been on it two months, but this last week my testis feel a bit sensitive... plus my libido is reduced again (not that I can't get it up, I just don't get a woody every time I see a babe on the street, if you know what I mean)

And as far as benefits go:

Propecia/Proscar: basically stopped my hairloss for 11 good years and regrew some hair. Also put an end to the depression that losing my hair gave to me. It was great for 11 years, a real life saver...

Adovart: too early to say about benefits, except I do not see a lot of weak, terminal hairs after washing/blow drying my hair.

And BTW, the last five or six years I've also been using the Laser comb, Super Zix, Nizoral shampoo, plus the herbs and supplements you read about on these forums. I can't honestly say that any of those have done much if anything for my hair.

Thanks for your feedback GIMME POONTANG, DHTLOATHER1 & DOKE, it's always good to get validation... it does seem that PROPECIA loses it's effectiveness at approx. the 11 year mark... I find that interesting.

DOKE, did you experience any side-effects? That's the highest dosage of dutas I've heard of anyone taking... must of been expensive! Was it a Doctor who prescribed you that amount, or did you decide for yourself that you wanted to come out all guns blazing? Brave man for taking that much, how did you go?

I hope we get some more feedback from long-term users of these meds. Don't be shy fellas, let us know your experiences & also the dosages that you're taking.

If propecia worked, logically avodart should work even better. Of course, if one experienced sides on propecia, I would think the sides would be magnified on avodart. I've always contemplated switching and I've only been on fin for 2 years. I wonder if it's better to wait till the point when propecia starts waning or to switch when the "going is good", ie like catching initial MPB in the early stages.