What is Tadalafil and how does it help with DHT blocker side effects?Updated 3 hours ago
Quick answer
Tadalafil is a low-dose daily medication (5mg) that improves blood flow throughout the body. If the theoretical mechanism behind any sexual side effect of a DHT blocker is reduced blood flow, tadalafil works in the opposite direction. Many of our customers take it as a confidence layer when starting finasteride or dutasteride. It also has a meaningful independent body of evidence supporting cardiovascular and cognitive health, which is why many customers stay on it long-term.
The Two Reasons We Offer It
- As a protective layer for DHT blocker users. Most sexual side-effect concerns about finasteride and dutasteride trace back to a theoretical mechanism involving blood flow. Tadalafil's mechanism is the opposite: it relaxes blood vessels, increases nitric oxide signaling, and improves circulation. For many customers, taking tadalafil alongside a DHT blocker gives them the confidence to actually start treatment instead of waiting another year.
- As a longevity and circulation play. Low-dose daily tadalafil has been studied for far more than ED. A 2024 American Journal of Medicine paper on a 50-million-men dataset found associations with:
- 34% reduction in all-cause mortality
- 27% fewer heart attacks
- 34% fewer strokes
- 32% lower dementia rates
Who It's For
- Anyone starting finasteride or dutasteride who wants additional peace of mind
- Anyone whose physician sees a clinical fit based on their cardiovascular or BPH history
- Adult men through the Adegen telehealth flow
It is not required. Your HairIQ™ results will surface tadalafil where clinically appropriate; your telehealth physician makes the final call.
What to Expect
- Dose: 5mg once daily
- Onset: Vascular effects begin within hours. Steady-state is reached over a few days of consistent use.
- Side effects: Generally well-tolerated. Most common are mild headache, flushing, or back pain. These usually resolve as your body adjusts.
- Continuation: Effects persist only while you take it.
When It's Not Appropriate
- If you take nitrates (for chest pain): tadalafil and nitrates together can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure
- Certain heart conditions, recent stroke, or severe liver/kidney disease
- Your telehealth physician will screen for these during your intake
Our Honest Position
We don't sell tadalafil to scare you about DHT blockers. The data on finasteride and dutasteride safety is strong, and we'll always share the real numbers (see our guide on finasteride and dutasteride side effects). Tadalafil is offered as an upgrade for people who want it: for protection, for circulation, or for both.
Pricing
Oral Tadalafil 5mg is available subscription only.
- Flexible Monthly: $45/mo
- 90-Day Plan (Best Value): $99 every 90 days ($33/mo equivalent), saving $36 every 90 days
Next steps
- See our guide on finasteride and dutasteride side effects for the underlying data.
- See our guide on Oral Tadalafil and why Adegen offers it for more on the longevity angle.
- For specific medical questions, message your Adegen provider, and we'll route you.