Can it be too early to start finasteride?

[ginner]

I only stumbled across this site a couple of days ago. I've been researching hair loss for a while, but I've tended to stay away from most sites on the net because of the large amount of misinformation that's out there. I can tell that this site is different though and I'd really appreciate help with this question.

I'm 23 and have had a significant amount of hair loss over the last three years. Before it started however, my hair was very thick. This means that despite my hair loss, I still have full coverage even though it's a lot thinner than it used to be. I also have wavy - curly hair so that helps with the appearance. I have receded at the temples, but not markedly so.

I have tried Min in the past but I suffered most of the side effects. I think I'm probably allegric to something in it, if not minoxidil itself. I'd therefore like to try finasteride but I'm wondering if I should wait. I understand that at the best you're only looking at 10 good years on finasteride. Based on that (and the fact that I won't be able to switch to Min) should I hold off for a bit longer?

On the other hand, I note that finasteride only has limited ability to regrow hair. That makes me think that maybe I should start now to preserve what I have... I guess overall the dilemma is that even though I've lost a fair bit of hair, it still looks ok. On the vertex I still only have a widening of the part rather than a bald spot. Has anyone been in a similar situation? Is it too early for finasteride?

Thanks a lot for your help.

 

[BadHairDecade]

Actually it sounds like now would be a good time to start. The earlier you start the better chance you have at keeping what you have until something else comes out down the road.

What kind of side effects did you have on minoxidil? Were you using 2% or 5%?

BHD

 

[ginner]

Thanks for your reply. I'm going to think it over for a while but I can definitely see your point. It was kind of what I was thinking.

As for min, I was only on 2% but it didn't work out for me at all. I only used it for about 4 days (morning and night) before the side effects became too much. I had a rash all over my face, chest and arms. I got all this swelling around my eyes and they became difficult to open. I also felt dizzy and nauseous and I also got a headache and started feeling really tired. I was using rogaine at the time. Do you think a generic brand might be any different?

 

[BadHairDecade]

Sorry to hear that. Generic brands have the same ingredients so they probably won't help....Sounds like a alergic reaction to either the minoxidil or the PPG. They make minoxidil with less and even no ppg but with those sides I wouldn't chance it. That's the first time I've ever heard someone having problems that bad.

BHD

 

[mvpsoft]

That almost sounds like an allergic reaction, not mere side effects. Especially the rash. If the reaction was to minoxidil itself, then there is no formulation that will not give you the reaction. However, it's possible that the reaction was to the carrier. In that case, an alternative version of minoxidil, such as Xandrox, might work for you.

 

[BadHairDecade]

However, it's possible that the reaction was to the carrier. In that case, an alternative version of minoxidil, such as Xandrox, might work for you.

just to clarify.....
If you think that you may only be alergic to the carrier(alcohol&PPG), and you're interested in Dr. Lee's stuff, look into the PPG free 5% Xandrox or PPG free standard 5% minoxidil.
Both of the his regular versions have a higher content of PPG than standard 2% Rogaine or Generic 2% minoxidil.
Honestly though with those side effects I don't even think Dr. Lee would sell you either versions.. You need a virtual consultation to buy either product from Dr. Lee.

Personally it sounds like you're alergic to the minoxidil. There are a lot of products that we use daily that have PPG in it...toothpaste, lotions, laundry detergent, lotions, deodorants just to name a few.


BHD

 

[ginner]

Yeah, I'd say I'm allergic to it. It didn't seem like a standard hypersensitivity reaction though. In any event, with those sort of symptoms I'm not going to be able to use it enough for it to be effective.

I'm thinking I'll probably go for the finasteride pretty soon, but I have a question about dose. Have people experimented with dose at all? Lots of people take 1.25mg a day after splitting Proscar. Do any people take less? Have people tried skipping days, or skipping every third / fourth day? I just figure (as with any medication) you're better off taking the minimum dosage you can and still getting the benefit.

I was thinking about taking 1mg a day for at least the first 6 months and then adjusting depending on the results. Does anyone have any comments on or experience with this.

Thanks again!