The Propecia effect on Hairline controversy...

[PersonGuy]

Thus far I've read a lot of posts about the negative effect that finasteride has on some hairlines. I've been on for about 4 months now and I've noticed an overall shed on my whole head. My front forelock is suffering the worst since it was already thinner than all the rest of the hair. I imagine that once the shed is over my forelock will thicken up. Is this a reasonable expectation or am I doomed. Or does it vary so much from person to person that there is no real answer? Note: My forelock was pretty this before this and it's suffered pretty bad so I'm remaining hopeful as I know that the 16 week mark on finasteride is usually pretty bad. Also I had a hair transplant in the hair surrounding the forelock about two months ago and I'm also thinking it might be due to some shockloss.

Any thoughts? I'm pretty worried over this. Thanks

 

[first]

While I've heard some sporadic people claim it, I've never once believed that finasteride can have a negative effect on your hair. The only thing it does it kill (or rather bind up) DHT and how can less DHT have a negative effect on hair?

The results should only be neutral to beneficial.

 

[Felk]

I agree with the above post.

There is no "controversy," well none with any evidence behind it apart from claims made on this forum. Believe the studies, not the sporadic anecdotes.

The more solid anecdotal evidence is behind finasteride helping with the hairline anyway, in terms of quantity and quality. Plenty of people here with recession maintain hair with finasteride. And some post pictures.

 

[NicholasLim]

Hi , i am worried that propecia is ruining my hairline too , if hyperandrogenity does happen , will it be a negative effect or will it be "no gain no lose" situation where the system is in equilibrium as before taking propecia?

 

[treeshrew]

everyone responds individually to propecia, so for some extremely rare instances i'd be willing to believe finasteride could have a negative effect on hair.

however, i feel that the far majority of people will experience moderate thickening/maintenance, and a lucky few regrowth. from what i understand the follices at the hairline do not respond as well to finasteride as the midscalp/crown area follicles. so, while finasteride isn't harming them, it isn't helping that area as much and it will continue to recede/thin out in comparison to the other hair. i am currently taking finasteride and using minoxidil on the hairline.

just my thoughts.

 

[PersonGuy]

Whew! Thanks for the thoughts guys. It kind of puts my mind at ease.