Various Questions

[alexandros]

First of all, these forums seem incredibly helpful. However, I think one more question should perhaps be added to the FAQ...

"When do you know for sure?"

I have been visiting these forums the past week or so, trying to determine whether I am indeed in the early stages of hair loss. I am working on pics, need to sort out a digital camera. I am pretty sure from seeing the various forums that I know what members want/expect from pics.

Would this be a correct thought?

1) Do you actually think you are losing your hair? Ignore other people on the most part, the only person that will know is you..
2) Post pics, see what others think.
3) Doctor? I am wondering about this, who do I go to? I get the feeling most GP's don't have a clue about hairloss and just talk. Do I go to a dermatologist and my GP as well? What tests would I need done to determine whether I am safe to take the relevant products?

I have been "monitoring" my hair so to speak for the past couple of years, trying to figure out whether I am losing any. My hairline has been mature since 17 or so, though there has been no change in the past years. It is a bit high though but this might just be my mature hairline? I am 24 now.

However, one worrying thing is... recently I started growing my hair long. I have always had it at maybe 2 inches long, now it's about 4 or so. I have noticed that my hair on top seems to be a lot thinner than on the sides/back and just seems to be generally lower quality hair. This leads me think that yes, I do have a problem that I need to sort out now before it is too late. When I style my hair it looks fine, you would not think there is a BIG problem (maybe just slight hairline issues)... but myself I do feel something on top.

When is it okay to start taking stuff? If the best medicine is prevention, should I start on meds now or is this unhealthy? When do you know that you need to take action? That seems to me the biggest worry for me - I want to take preventative measures now as keeping what I have at the moment I would be happy with. Anything more and I would panic!

Thanks for your help.

 

[alexandros]

Another thing - how does general diet affect the health of your hair? Any foods that should particularly be avoided or help in any way?

 

[Maxpwr]

As far as the thinning is concerned, if you can notice a difference in the quantity and quality of the hair on the top of your head, then it's likely that you are right... It can take a long time to actually visually notice the hair loss, but once it does happen it can take a long time to reverse, if at all. If you are getting paranoid about it maybe it is in your best interests to start considering treatments.

It took a long time for me to actually get off my ar$e and do something about my hair, and now it seems like I left it too late. I only sorta noticed the thinning on top a few years ago, but now it's noticeably different to the hair on the sides. Looking back at photos of the past 3 or 4 years, I was thinning back then too, but I didn't really see it at the time... Now all I can hope for, I suppose, is to try and slow the loss down to a point... and maybe grow some new hair. I doubt it's gonna do much more than that - even through years on treatments.

 

[alexandros]

Thanks for your reply.

Do you have any pics? Did you go to a doctor to confirm? I don't want to start taking if it is not necessary or actually harmful if I am not thinning/balding. This is also something I am confused about. Let's say I start on meds now, can that actually harm me?

 

[Maxpwr]

I have taken pics and am still in the process of reviewing them. It's hard to get an accurate image of my hair loss situation, as many of the pics look different and have different lighting. I didn't really need to confirm, but when I went to the Ashley & Martin Clinic the guys there confirmed it for me too.

If you're unsure then maybe go to a doctor or dermatologist. That way you can also find out about different treatments and their associated risks.

If you do decide to go on meds, the most reliable and simple programme to do would be Minoxidil, Finasteride & Nizoral Shampoo (aka the "big 3"). So far these have the highest percentage of success when used together. Minoxidil comes in the form of Rogaine, Regaine or liquid and can be found on Ebay, or sourced from direct mailing companies or clinics. Finasteride comes in the form of Propecia or Proscar tablets. Depending on where you're from you may need to obtain a prescription from your doctor for this, so keep that in mind too. Nizoral shampoo can be found in your local chemist or pharmacy.

The meds cannot harm you, however there is a certain small percentage of men who experience side effects from finasteride... I'm not gonna advise you to take it - that is a decision you have to make yourself. Do some research on it and see what you think. 24 is not too early to start, and it can only help the situation.

As far as foods are concerned I don't believe that different foods can have a noticeable positive or negative effect. Eating healthy would be a wise choice of course, but mostly for general health - I doubt the impact it would have on hair situation would even be traceable...

Anyway, good luck with your decision. I suppose you have a few things to take into account when deciding:

1) How much it's gonna cost
2) How important it is to you personally
3) Are you ready to start treatments for what may be a fair few years?
4) Are you prepared to keep paying for treatments until you know where you stand? (even if you are not getting the desired results, it is best to stay on meds for at least 2 years to be sure)

 

[Soccer_star]

Hey there everyone,

I'm just extremely anxious to find out if ANYONE has tried laser therapy for hair loss???,
i'm only 16 and already thinning out and have been diagnosed with male pattern boldness.
I really want to start treating my hair but i just want to know what the best treatment has been for people so far.
So if anyone has tried laser therapy, from those big companies which "guarantee" your hair back please reply...
thank-you,