General Questions About the Start of Treatment

[StartingTreatment]

Hello,

I'm 29 years old, and have recently begun treating my male pattern baldness. I had been using Rogaine for the past 3-4 years, but have recently incorporated finpecia (generic finasteride) into my regimen. I believe the Rogaine helped to slow my hair loss, however it wasn't completely stopping it. Most of my loss is in the crown of my head, where treatments usually work the best. It's not terrible (I have no smooth skin and/or completely bald areas, it's just a little bit thinner...an area about the size of my palm, maybe a little bit less...right on top of my head...there's still hair there).

I've recently begun using finpecia (generic finasteride, 1mg everyday at the same time each day). At the initial start, I noticed some very mild sides (a little bit lower libido, etc). At about the one month point, I went through a fairly substantial shed. Don't get me wrong, it wasn't terrible, but I was losing more hair than I normally would have. It subsided for a bit, and then just recently at the two-month point it seems as if I'm shedding more than normal again. I've read a little bit about this, and most people say stay the course on treatment. I've made up my mind to continue the treatment for at least a full year no matter what, but it's difficult and really tough going through these sheds. I was just wondering if anyone has any input, advice, or support about all of this? I wouldn't say I've noticed any improvement in the thickness of my hair yet after two months of use.

I've also noticed thin white hairs over the past week or so...they're almost the length of a normal hair, just much lighter/whiter and thinner. Is this good or bad? Or nothing to think twice about? I was just starting to notice them.

I also scaled back my minoxidil/Rogaine just a little bit since starting on finasteride (not a whole lot, just a little bit less solution in my hand each time). I'm still applying it twice per day, but have cut back the amount I'm using. Is this a good/bad idea?

Thanks for any help!

 

[Sebastien]

Hey, well as you are 29 years of age your male pattern baldness is not agressive at all and finasteride should really help you ATLEAST maintain what you have. Especially since it supossedly works best on the crown. Just take the pill and evaluate after like 6 months. I have been on finasteride for like 5 months myself and honestly I have been counting hairs and looking in the mirror like a retard. As of now I think its coming back, I should've listened to the people that told me wait atleast 6-9 months to evaluate! I shouldn't stop with the rogaine though, your hair might have looked worse without it and they are probably a slave to the solution right now. I wish you best of luck with your treatments. Take the pill and dont think about it too much!