23 & Balding. Do I Take Propecia (with All The Negative Side Effects)?

[truthfulexpression]

Words are powerful, so i really want to hit home with how i feel in this article.

I'm 23 and noticed that my hair was thinning three years ago. I had the thickest, wildest hair going and it was something i really enjoyed having. However, i had to shave it short in order for my hair to look reasonable.

Three years later and my confidence has hit an all time low. My hair line has receded far back and the hairs at the front are like wisps. My sides grow at different lengths and have some patches missing. I went to see a dermatologist this week and he prescribed the me famous Propecia. I'm very health conscious and hate taking drugs. I took Propecia 3 years ago, very briefly, but stopped immediately when i felt my nipples were becoming sensitive.

I don't really know what to do. Do i take this drug that has links to sexual dysfunction, breast enlargement depression, facial hair thinning and potential fat gain? I wonder how many celebs must be on this drug? I wish famous people would open up about it so that it would give the rest of us some insight as to how they cope with this situation.

I have felt very depressed recently. Life seems dull and i am uninterested in going out or socialising. Everyone is happy and i feel like i can't fake that. I can't fake being happy around people when I'm devastated and drained on the inside. I would rather be at home, lying in bed letting the time pass.

I had a relationship end not too long ago and I'm sure my hair loss played a part in the ending - 'the loss of attraction' part.

I have landed myself a good job and recently i thought f*** it why don't i just take a razor to my head and shave every hair off. However, i am client facing and i think my new team will be shocked if i do that.

I'm really unsure what to do and how to cope with my emotions. I may not look it but i am a very self conscious and sensitive man. As a young gay man in a big city its hard not to feel insecure about appearance when everyone is soooo obsessed with it. I feel loosing my hair is taking away my appearance, attractiveness and self confidence.

I know some people have the mentality hair is just hair - who cares! However, i am not one of those. Some people understand and some are void of any emotion with regards to this topic. This isn't a sympathy post. I thought i would just be really honest as to how it is affecting me. I'm sure there are others too. Do i take the meds or not?

 

[1knox1]

I think you know the answer. You'll just end up taking it as the loss progresses anyway. So may as well take it now whilst you're in the best situation to benefit from it. However, only you can decide.

 

[Yoshi3Mario]

If you didn't get breast enlargement why does it matter if you got more sensitive nipples? That could arguably a good thing?

I think you should try taking it again. Your hair is incredibly important to you by the sound of it. You're still young.

I'm 31 and keep it buzzed to a #1 thru #3. Bald on top but I think it makes me look more manly and distinguished. I look back at photos with my hair and think I looked younger and cuter but I feel more like a man now.

You certainly don't need to shave your head. It's ok for people to see that you've lost hair on top. The shaved head look only works for some people. I think the #2 buzz is the best of all worlds. Good luck!

 

[jc3303]

Yes take propecia, despite what people on forums state the odds of suffering from sides are low. I'm taking 1.25mg of proscar everyday and I haven't had the slightest side effect in a month and a half just a noticeable reduction in shedding.

I'm taking it to hopefully stop my hair loss and maybe get some regrowth until better options are available, which hopefully won't be too long.

 

[casparrro]

That's right, I would also suggest taking Propecia. The funny thing is that I also had somehow more sensible nipples during first two weeks of taking the stuff, though they are all normal now. You have to give your body time to adapt. I have been on medication for year and a half, I have normal sex life, no problems at all, no side effects - they are very rare.

At the end of the day it is your decision, but keep in mind that hairloss will play bigger and bigger part in your life if you don't treat it

 

[jc3303]

That's right, I would also suggest taking Propecia. The funny thing is that I also had somehow more sensible nipples during first two weeks of taking the stuff, though they are all normal now. You have to give your body time to adapt. I have been on medication for year and a half, I have normal sex life, no problems at all, no side effects - they are very rare.

At the end of the day it is your decision, but keep in mind that hairloss will play bigger and bigger part in your life if you don't treat it

Agreed, if you do start on propecia you just have to remind yourself the most likely scenario by far is that you'll keep your hair or get some regrowth. But it's your body and your hair so it's your call