new to the forum, have questions

[zeppman]

Hey everyone,

I am 27 and started to notice that my hair wasn't as thick as it used to be, about 5 years ago(22). I freaked out, and started rogaine liquid 5% at that time. Stayed on that, usually applying 1ml a day at night for about 4 years, and it seemed to maintain, but I foolishly stopped in Feb. or March of '09. Well I didn't notice any changes up until about September '09, where I noticed a lot more shedding in the shower. I also had a very emotionally stressful event happen to me in september, that I'm sure did not help. So I started the rogaine foam around October (usually 1 capful at night), and about 1 month later got nizoral 1%. Well I have seen no improvement and actually conditions are worse (so it seems). I would call it "diffused thinning" at this point, but I'm primarily losing in the front. My hairline is not receding, but it is really thinning out.

I know that my situation is not that bad at this point (compared to others, and I do feel for those) infact I'm not sure what I would be on the Norwood scale, but I don't see it any improvement. I am aware that there is a shedding period with rogaine (minoxidil in general) but this seems to be continuing for too long.

My question is, what should I do next? I plan on sticking with my regime, but what can I add/change? I'm very hesitant to start propecia, because of the horror stories. Is it worth it to try a topical dht inhibitor, such as the ones from Dr. Lee before I try oral finasteride? Or should I start the oral finasteride right away? What is the best way to do that if I chose that route? Dermatologist or GP? Besides the "performance side effects" I'm worried about the mood side effects... I'm not the happiest person to begin with, and would not want my mood to slide any lower. Thanks in advance.

 

[zeppman]

Hey everyone,

No one has anything to add? Can anyone suggest another shampoo to use on the days that I don't use the nizoral?

I just mailed in my consultation to Dr. Lee this afternoon. Can anyone share any experiences with him and his products?

 

[timbo]

Step one- Dermatoligists appointment

Step two- Finasteride Prescription

= PROBLEM SOLVED

I think we've figured out in the last couple days that a GP is the way to go. Dermatologists have been ripping people off by trying to schedule unnecessary monthly blood tests to accompany their finasteride prescriptions.

If you do decide to go with finasteride, make sure you ask for the 5 mg pills, not propecia. I can't believe that I was once paying $80 a month when I could have been paying $10.

I am currently using Dr. Lee's products and have had great success. I would recommend them.

 

[Bryan]

Is it worth it to try a topical dht inhibitor, such as the ones from Dr. Lee before I try oral finasteride?

I don't think any of Dr. Lee's products actually work as topical "DHT inhibitors" (better to use the term "5a-reductase inhibitor", which is more scientific).

 

[zeppman]

Thanks everyone,

I plan on trying Dr. Lee's products first. I know oral finasteride works for most, but it also seems that everyone has some sides with it, minor or major. I'd rather avoid that for now. I know everything has sides, including the minoxidil, but it seems the finasteride sides are just more severe.

Does anyone have a shampoo recommendation to use on the "non-nizoral" days? I just use redkin full body right now... because it adds body. But I don't want it to cause more damage.. and am not sure if it is (I don't think so) but I also don't think its benefiting my scalp.

 

[DHTHater]

I can't even begin to recommend anything until I see an image or two of your head, or at least know your official Norwood rating. As others have rightly pointed out though, you need to see Dermatologist, and preferably one that works with hair exclusively. They'll let you know if it's the real; thing (male pattern baldness) and also the Norwood scale. That tells a lot. In fact, that's essential to know.