24 Year Old Wondering If It Is Time To Start Propecia

[Match]

I am starting to consider using propecia. These pictures of the crown of my head were all taken in the past 3 days, so any difference in density is due lighting, the way my hair fell, or maybe the amount of grease in the hair due to time of day. I guess my first question would be does this look like male pattern baldness? As far as background info, I am 24 years old, and have always had thick hair with shedding (for as long as I can remember). It is hard to tell if the shedding has increased recently, but I would probably say it has. Also, I am pretty sure that I have noticed my hair looks thinner when I pull up my hair line and is overall more thin on top (diffuse thinning). I would also say I have some recession of my frontal hair line. I am in medical school, and have researched the drug extensively, so I know how it works and all of the possible side effects. I am not too worried about the impotence, mostly because if that happens at a noticeable level, I will stop taking it and hopefully not have permanent side effects. My main concerns right now are the “brain fogâ€￾ that some say can come with propecia use, and also the horror stories you hear about how after starting the drug, an individual’s hair got worse and never bounced back. I am worried about these two side effects because I am not too upset with my hair at the moment, and if I did anything to make it worse I would be angry at myself. Also the brain fog is worrisome because my job is to be a student that studies 10 hours a day. I have also been to my dermatologist who told me that it is possible that I am losing hair but did not want to give me propecia, and said to see him again in six months. I guess my main question is if it is too early to start propecia, and if I should wait a few months to see if my hair is only “maturingâ€￾. OR if right now is the perfect time to start? I think that a perk of starting now would be that if I did go through the "propecia shed", it might not be noticeable to anyone but myself. As I said, I am happy with my hair now, but if I experience much more loss, it will become a problem for me. Thanks.

 

[Hairless Goat]

If your dermatologist doesn't think Propecia is necessary, I would heed his or her advice. Usually they dispense these drugs like candy. Your hair looks good. Well, I suppose I could see you losing it down the line, you seem to still have time. It's both good and bad that you are critical of your hair loss. It's good because you won't let your baldness get too far before beginning treatment; but it's bad that you might unduly fret and scrutinize your hair, instead of enjoying life as a 24 year old.

I've been on the therapy for nearly 9 months and I haven't had a serious side effect. Mild, testicular ache (more of a sensation) around the time I began, which reoccured once or twice, but that's it. I haven't had it in months.

Don't let all the horror stories you hear online deter you when it comes that time. I waited a year and a half before beginning and it cost me dearly. Bear in mind, I was a lot worse off than you were once I began considering hair loss treatments.

 

[Dude01]

Hey man,

I would first begin by doing some blood work like thyroid etc. Although it looks pretty indicative of male pattern baldness. I started finasteride 3 months ago with 5% minoxidil and my crown got a little better but now my temples are the issue more so... It's important to start on a regimen and keep to it. In all honesty I don't know if I would have started on Finasteride vs brands like propecia/proscar had I known i wouldn't see MUCH improvement (even if it may be too early to tell). My buddy started on proscar (spliting tabs) and his whole head now has hair when he was once bald.... I also think its imperative that you check your PSA level before starting treatments to make sure your prostate is intact. Also checking your DHT levels during treatment may prove to be benefical because it will allow you to see where your levels are in your body which indicate if finasteride is working etc

 

[Match]

Thanks for your replies. I wish it was as easy as being told definitely start it, or definitely do not start it yet. It is annoying that when you take a drug to treat hair loss, you have to worry about it potentially causing MORE hair loss, and if it will maintain your frontal hairline, have no effect on hairline, or cause it to recede at a faster rate.

 

[talmoode]

I would wait another 6 months like you doctor has already told you...take pictures of your hair (front, top, crown and everything in the differenct angles and light) every month and go enjoy your life and study hard!

 

[ThinFineCurly]

If it bothers you. My hair is similar at age 36 (though my receding hairline bothers me most and I haven't seen yours) and I've been on and off Propecia for years. I'm not sure if it helped or not, but my hair loss seemed to get worse when I was off it. I haven't noticed anything, either way, while on it. No sides either.

 

[Kev123]

I would not take a doctor or dermatologist's advice about male pattern baldness related problems ever. They know little to nothing about male pattern baldness. You're better off learning about male pattern baldness in hair loss forums. I found out very young that going to the doctor or derm for male patter baldness is a waste of time.

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If you want to maintain what you have now for years to come, start now. Or else you'll be playing catch up, you don't want to do that.