Finding the right treatment for me

[theoneguy52]

Hello, I'm about to turn 20 in a couple months. I first started noticing some receding about a year and a half ago. My hair is also thinner on top then it once was. At first I was in denial and tried to convince myself it wasn't. I've finally accepted it and decided to do something about it. My dad has had about a norwood 1-2 for the last 30 years without treatment. My hairline is similar to his at this age (norwood 1-2). Although, both my grandfathers and my uncle don't have hair. I want to take some preventative measures in case I don't turn out like my dad. From what I have researched a propecia/minoxidil combo is the best combo to fight hair loss. I'm looking to start propecia if not minoxidil as well. At first I was worried about the propecia side effects but I feel like the internet gives somewhat of a false view on side effects. Also, the name brand propecia is a bit to pricey for me at the moment. I'm considering purchasing an off brand such as proscar (5mg) and cutting the pills into fourths. I feel as though this could increase my chances of side effects. I could eventually switch to the name brand after I'm more financially independent. Also how bad is the initial shedding usually when starting both of these products? I'm just worried that my hair will look significantly worse for a period of time because of it. Another fear of mine is that I will eventually have to stop taking treatment for some reason and I will become bald in a very short period of time because of it. Just seems like a pretty big commitment that I can't discontinue treatment even for a few weeks ever without losing everything. Would you recommend me starting both propecia and minoxidil? or just one or the other? Sorry for the drawn out post and all of the questions! Any other tips or advice would be much appreciated!

 

[dehoha]

My hair loss problem started at age of 18 when I lost a lot of weight from severe diet.
A lot of my friends made fun of me for having not much hair at a young age. However, I started adding some treatments from age of 21.
First thing I did was to use Rogaine. I used the foam version first, which helped me tremendously.
Since then, I have tried numerous hair products, failed from some and succeeded from some.
In the end, my hairline was restored until I had a knee surgery last June.
From my experience, I would recommend using minoxidil first, as it's a lot more affordable and have less side effects.
I never noticed anything different while I was on minoxidil, even though the longest I have been on minoxidil was 4 months (i used it on and off).
On the other hand, I took generic 1.0 mg finasteride for past two months, and the result was horrific. Bad shedding, less libido, felt lethargic and mellow.
It is up to you to make a decision, but I would not mess with hormone at such a young age.

 

[Valiant]

It is up to you to make a decision, but I would not mess with hormone at such a young age.

If you quit finasteride in the future, you will lose whatever it gained/prevented within a few months. I cannot recommend anyone to start it, but if you do, start with .5 mg or less and see how you tolerate it.