Help! 17 And Going Crazy! Been Denied A Prescription!

[Follically Challenged]

Here's the deal:

David Robinson grew 6 inches while in the Navy. So he can be growing well past the age of 18.

Kid (I forget your name) you only need a script if you're ordering from a pharmacy in your own county. Or you can get a script from a walk-in clinic. I'd stop seeing your doctor period, because minoxidil and finasteride are proven to regrow hair.

Lots of info here, make your own mind up about what to do.

 

[Stu85]

I don't know what to say. If you can hang on for a while until you're about 18 before starting finasteride (Propecia), do so. If your hairloss is going to be as aggressive as you say it is, I guess you could start minoxidil (Rogaine) for now. It should offset your hairloss with new hair, but won't stop the existing hair on your head from thinning out - and you will need to apply the Rogaine twice per day, everyday! Also, you will need to get on a DHT blockerlike finasteride or durasteride at some point, but as others have said, it might not be advisable in someone who is still only 17.

 

[BEHMESH]

I started losing my hair the week after I turned 17. I started using Rogaine six months after and it definitely made my hair thicker, but I'm still shedding and losing hair.

I tried Propecia like 3 months ago and I had terrible side effects. Libido and such were find, but my breasts began to burn and somehow after only 2 weeks, I got puffy nipples, so I quit it. Still have the puffy nipples.

I just started spironolactone cream. I think you can try finasteride if you want, but if you get sides, I'd get off it asap.

 

[Johnny24601]

re:

People on this forum are speaking out of both sides of their mouth when they recommend that youngandscared use finasteride because it is "safe". They say that finasteride is safe based on the manufacturers and gov't approved studies, yet the same study group asserts that finasteride should not be used by men under 18.
Youngandscared, don't fret as I suggest you do a few weeks of soul searching and researching before making a decision because you will have to maintain any treatment you choose forever (or at least as long as you want to battle male pattern baldness).
Here are just some of my random thoughts to get you started.
dutasteride is remains an untested drug so I would avoid it especially based on your age. I am not saying that dutasteride is not safe, just that it is untested.
finasteride comes with potential side effects. The manufacturer claims that the side effects are extremely rare but many people disagree. Some believe that the rate of side effects is considerably higher, while others believe that many people blame the drug for side effects that are actually caused by other factors or are just invented through paranoia. What we do know is that the drug effects different people in different ways both in so much as their results as in their side effects (if any).
If you do choose to use finasteride then you can get generic versions on the web (without a prescription), the generics are typically produced in India because India has no patent laws. Most believe that the generic finasteride is legit but I have never seen independent evidence to confirm the quality of the generics.
finasteride comes in 1 mg form (propecia) or 5 mg (proscar). Proscar is used to treat prostate problems but many men buy proscar (like me) and split it into 5ths to save money (I actually split it into 6ths).
The recommended dosage is 1 mg per day but many men use a reduced dosage in order to reduce the potential for side effects. Even at a dosage of 0.25 mg the drug is thought to be very effective.
Results from finasteride vary. Some men see some regrowth, others just maintain what they have and still others show almost no positive effects. Most users on this website, who use finasteride combined with minoxidil, at a minimum report a slowdown in the progression of their male pattern baldness.
If you want to take the risk and use finasteride then I suggest you wait till your 18, get a script for proscar (to save tons of $$) and split the pill. Start with a greatly reduced dosage and slowly adjust the dosage based on your results and side effects.
In the mean time, use minoxidil and nizoral (to keep your scalp healthy).
I know it may seem confusing to you, but it will become more clear as you research more information sources. Discussion boards such as these are open to the public so there is always people on every side of an issue. It is up to you to filter out what you believe to be right or wrong. Most of all, assuming you decide to treat your male pattern baldness, you have to take photos and evaluate your body as you progress through the treatments.
As far as your social life. If you carry yourself with confidence, morality and compassion then people will enjoy being around you no matter what you look like and no matter if it is a club, the classroom or the boardroom. male pattern baldness is an issue for all men and any man who attempts to look down on you because of your balding head is just expressing their own insecurities. Of course, I know that in reality people judge everyone and it is especially tough at your age because there is so much pressure to look a certain way. The good news is that the shaved head and whiffle look are totally in vogue and that look is precisely the best look for men with male pattern baldness. In a worst case scenario, say you go bald in a year, then you can just shave your head or keep your hair really short and people won't think twice. In fact, many women prefer men with who shave their head. If I was you, I would start shaving your head now when you still have hair and then people will be less inclined to notice your hairloss later in life. Good luck.

 

[global]

Get on finasteride right now!!! If i were you with no money problems i would go to dutasteride. It's a safe drug and you're 17. You'll have no problems.

Problems you'll get later if you dont take the meds.

Consider also the combo oral spironolactone+finasteride/dutasteride.

R U FUCKED IN THE HEAD? Seriusly jus cuz ur some delusional fool like taug you think he needs to go onto dutasteride? Dutasteride MAY BE safe, but it hasnt been RUled safe as of yet...let him go ON finasteride if hes ganna go on finasteride not jumping on dutas @ age 17...some people...

Yes it has been ruled safe, that's what the FDA trials are for before it gets released.

 

[indie85]

There are sides with finasteride, but looking back, when I started loosing my hair with avengeance at 17, i wish i's started then. Wouldnt be in the pitiful state I am now, only at 21
If you say you've done most of your growing then you're at no more risk than I or any other member of sides. I know I'd done most of my growing by 15.

 

[youngandscared]

Thanks guys for all your responses Ive done a bit more background reading on the internet - I was wondering if any of you could tell me how significant the link between thyroid problems and hair loss are. Basically I have (sadly) multiple friends with eating disorders (back to the lifestyle/area problem) who have been hospitialised because of starvation etc and they have said to me "maybe you have a thyroid problem". I am 6 foot and weigh 9.14 stone, so my BMI is classified as underweight - Im not starving myself or anything, I eat breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks inbetween and in fact pretty much eat until I feel i cant eat anymore without exploding for all three meals of the day as just an attempt at putitng on weight. This problem is probably hormonal and therefore thyroid based I think?? In addition at aruond 14/15 I developed severe excema on neck and elbows which has calmed down but flares up. Nobody really knows why and so I am assuming most probably hormonal and therefore thyroid problem? I don't think its common to develop excema after childhood, or at least as common. Thirdly I have always had freckles, which I think are caused by a hormonal imbalence where a protein which starts with the letter T (can't remember the name) is involved, which is also linked to male pattern baldness? Finally I haven't mentioned this before - for the last year / two years I randomly get these sort of shivers. Its hard to explain because they are not when I am cold or nervous, infact sometimes they happen when I am so hot I am sweating! I can feel the "shiver" all down my arms and up my neck and it sort of tingles over my hair and then fades. Really hard to describe and sometimes it feels like just my scalp has shivered, if that makes sense. Any thoughts on this? Am I just wishing to hard for an easier answer?

Thanks for all your help again people, its really nice to be able to get your advice

p.s. sorry to sound stupid - what is generic finasteride?

 

[abcdefg]

Use propecia but wait until your 18 or 19. use minoxidil or something until then.

 

[barcafan]

One of the most important things you can probably do is not deny it.

I always thought it was hormonal (Well it actually IS, haha) and this or that. But it almost ALWAYS comes down to AA. Sorry.

 

[kidunknown76]

Hi there mate,

no need to worry, this is what i would recommend;

1. Nizoral shampoo. You can get this from boots for £8.99 for a 100 ml bottle. Use this twice a week.

2. MSM capsules (2 to 3 per day) available form Holland & Barrett at £24.99 for 120 capsules. This will promote healthy strong hair growth.

3.Rogaine foam ( better than than the liquid as that stuff leaves your feeling greasy imo) apply this 1 to 2 times daily. Available online from http://www.minoxidil.co.uk (legit site) at £39.99 for 4 months supply. this is the brand name stuff.

4. wait a couple of years (i agree with others on here about your age being a concern) and get onto Finasteride (Proscar). You can get the prescribed brand name stuff from Dr Ashcroft (GP) for only £120 for 15 months supply. Ring him on 07971472823 or email jsashcroft@doctors.org.uk

In the phone consultation he will inform you about the use of the drug and assess whether or not you are a potential candidate.

Dr Ashcroft can post the Proscar out to you anywhere within the U.K.

5. If the Finasteride seems to be inefective after a year or so consider moving onto Dutasteride which is basically a stronger form of Finasteride. I have been using it for a year now and have noticed no side effects (apart from no hairloss!!!)

I think with the first 3 for now you will more than likely halt your hairloss and once onto Finasteride you certainly will.

Good luck.

James.

 

[kidunknown76]

Oh yes, forgot to mention, once you start the regime, just knowing your doing something about the problem, i guarantee you will feel a hundred times better.

WORD!!

 

[WorldofWarcraft]

How does everyone know that propecia stunts growth?

 

[DammitLetMeIn]

How does everyone know that propecia stunts growth?

check between your legs

 

[Johnny24601]

re:

Worldofwar, we do not know whether propecia stunts growth and I do not believe anyone made that claim. However, we also do not know if propecia DOES NOT stunt your growth either. We know that propecia has a correlation with testosterone production, can adversely effect pregnant women and is distributed for men OVER 18.
Does that mean propecia effects development, not necessarily. It just means that there is potential risk to men who have not completed puberty. Furthermore, because hairloss is only an aesthetic condition, there is no need to risk your development to save a few hairs.....IMO.

 

[almo181]

ok im 17 i started losing when i was 16, first thing if ur worried about the appearnce get soem concealer works aweomse like courve. I use it everday and no one at skool notices. Also at my point i dont really care so i went and did everything, but if you havnet get your blood checked casue hair loss can be from either diabetes or thyroid like u said. K this is what im on at 17 and its working super good, 2Xdaily 1ml 5% minoxidil, 1/4 fincar daily, retin 0.025% nightly beofre minoxidil (30 mins before at least), then Nizoral every three days (2% u dont need a script for it in canada i guess). evopharmacy.com is cheap to get fincar,propeica wahtever online and its in britain where u are, so i recmoned that. and as far as being older and going on propecia, its not like soon as u turn 18 u magically change and are able to take this pill all of sudden, i reccomend getting on er cause trust me it helps sooo much. And me being 17 sicne startinf like 2 motnhs ago i grew 2inches in the last month. Also down there works fine better than ever actually. So my adivce give er hard earier ur start the better and since ur a teen thats real young

 

[barcafan]

Re: re:

Worldofwar, we do not know whether propecia stunts growth and I do not believe anyone made that claim. However, we also do not know if propecia DOES NOT stunt your growth either. We know that propecia has a correlation with testosterone production, can adversely effect pregnant women and is distributed for men OVER 18.
Does that mean propecia effects development, not necessarily. It just means that there is potential risk to men who have not completed puberty. Furthermore, because hairloss is only an aesthetic condition, there is no need to risk your development to save a few hairs.....IMO.

The burdon of proof is on you. Anyways the only correlation is that it ELEVATES testosterone production, so that kind of counteracts your theory.

 

[Johnny24601]

re:

"The burdon of proof is on you. Anyways the only correlation is that it ELEVATES testosterone production, so that kind of counteracts your theory."

I have no clue what the hell you are talking about. An increase in testosterone production does not prove whether the drug is safe or not. In fact, it appears that you think that raising testosterone levels would essentially be good for pubescent boys. Do think that accelerating growth, a reasonable effect of increased testosterone production, is necessarily a positive result? If that is the case then why don't we instruct all 17 years to take steroids and thus raise their T levels?
I made no theory on the issue. I simply made a valid point that no one knows whether finasteride effects puberty and added the FACT that the drug maker implicitly states that finasteride is intended for men over 18 years old. Saying there is doubt on this issue is not a theory, it is a fact. There has been no scientific study, to my knowledge, which confirms or denies the effects of finasteride on puberty. I personally have no idea and do not want to even begin to speculate.
So I do not understand your point? I will say that medical study is not like a court of law in which one has to assume that a medicine is safe until proven it is not (akin to the approach that one is innocent until proven guilty). In fact, real sience is about assuming nothing and allowing your case studies to determine one's conclusions (which does not always happen), so the burden to determine the safety of finasteride on puberty is on everyone and not just the people who believe it to be unsafe.
IMO it appears that you are attempting to rationalize finasteride use for men under 18 and though it could be 100% safe, we simply do not know either way. Of course, it appears no one knows whether long term finasteride use is 100% safe even for people over 18, but at least after puberty there is less risk.
Next time think about what your saying and actually take the time to really understand what people write before you respond. Otherwise you mislead people who may read your comments.

 

[UK1]

Oh yes, forgot to mention, once you start the regime, just knowing your doing something about the problem, i guarantee you will feel a hundred times better.

WORD!!

I found this too.

 

[barcafan]

Re: re:

"The burdon of proof is on you. Anyways the only correlation is that it ELEVATES testosterone production, so that kind of counteracts your theory."

I have no clue what the hell you are talking about. An increase in testosterone production does not prove whether the drug is safe or not. In fact, it appears that you think that raising testosterone levels would essentially be good for pubescent boys. Do think that accelerating growth, a reasonable effect of increased testosterone production, is necessarily a positive result? If that is the case then why don't we instruct all 17 years to take steroids and thus raise their T levels?
I made no theory on the issue. I simply made a valid point that no one knows whether finasteride effects puberty and added the FACT that the drug maker implicitly states that finasteride is intended for men over 18 years old. Saying there is doubt on this issue is not a theory, it is a fact. There has been no scientific study, to my knowledge, which confirms or denies the effects of finasteride on puberty. I personally have no idea and do not want to even begin to speculate.
So I do not understand your point? I will say that medical study is not like a court of law in which one has to assume that a medicine is safe until proven it is not (akin to the approach that one is innocent until proven guilty). In fact, real sience is about assuming nothing and allowing your case studies to determine one's conclusions (which does not always happen), so the burden to determine the safety of finasteride on puberty is on everyone and not just the people who believe it to be unsafe.
IMO it appears that you are attempting to rationalize finasteride use for men under 18 and though it could be 100% safe, we simply do not know either way. Of course, it appears no one knows whether long term finasteride use is 100% safe even for people over 18, but at least after puberty there is less risk.
Next time think about what your saying and actually take the time to really understand what people write before you respond. Otherwise you mislead people who may read your comments.

You idiot.

You said that we cant proove that Propecia DOES NOT stunt growth, how the f*** can it stunt growth if it RAISES testosterone production?

 

[abcdefg]

Propecia probably does not stunt growth. Merk is just saying 18 or older to just cover there *** which is advisable all things considered. Dutasteride on the other hand would make me a lot more nervous. Its a fact that DHT is a very important in men. It does a lot of very important things, and its a fact science doesnt understand all the consequences of inhibiting all of it. I myself would never ever inhibit all of DHT with something like dutasteride from what I know about DHT today.