What to try before finasteride?

[HiDef]

As mentioned in a previous post, I've scheduled an appointment with my primary care doctor and plan on asking about a prescription to Propecia. My appointment isn't until September however, which means I can either think about how much additional hair loss I'll have in the next few months or try an alternative in the meantime. So...

Any suggestions?

Keep in mind that I'd rather not get on Rogaine or anything else that would induce a big shed before seeing my doctor. I'm also more concerned with maintaining than regrowth at this point.

As a side question: What's the story on Luce LDS light treatments? (I tried searching but couldn't find much here...) Any insight?

 

[michael barry]

based on a couple of recent studies, I'd say fluridil (eucapil). There would be a shed on fluridil in all probability however.

Revivogen presents the same problem. spironolactone topically would probably give you a shed too.

Nizoral is something you should be using a couple of days a week for sure.

 

[hair today gone tomorrow]

As mentioned in a previous post, I've scheduled an appointment with my primary care doctor and plan on asking about a prescription to Propecia. My appointment isn't until September however, which means I can either think about how much additional hair loss I'll have in the next few months or try an alternative in the meantime. So...

Any suggestions?

Keep in mind that I'd rather not get on Rogaine or anything else that would induce a big shed before seeing my doctor. I'm also more concerned with maintaining than regrowth at this point.

As a side question: What's the story on Luce LDS light treatments? (I tried searching but couldn't find much here...) Any insight?

everything that works...CAN induce a shed....everything..
Id just wait until you see your Doctor...a few months is not going to make much of a difference at all....
Maybe you should order a months worth of finasteride online and use it in the mean time...

 

[HiDef]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I might just wait it out as suggested. I think I've been in a little denial stage these last few months as I can still style my hair and cover where I'm thinning. Finally deciding to take action only to find out I can't see my doctor until September has taken the wind out of my sails a bit, hence my eagerness to try something in the interim…

That said, I can't see the harm in Nizoral. But what is the benefit? I understand that it would help in preventing dandruff/drying as a result of other treatments, but what would it do on its own?

Thanks again for your help.

 

[hair today gone tomorrow]

Thanks for the quick responses.

I might just wait it out as suggested. I think I've been in a little denial stage these last few months as I can still style my hair and cover where I'm thinning. Finally deciding to take action only to find out I can't see my doctor until September has taken the wind out of my sails a bit, hence my eagerness to try something in the interim…

That said, I can't see the harm in Nizoral. But what is the benefit? I understand that it would help in preventing dandruff/drying as a result of other treatments, but what would it do on its own?

Thanks again for your help.

there is a medication in nizoral (ketoconazole) that is a mild anti-androgen...do some searching on here and you can read about it...there is a study that proved it can reduce shedding, increase hair diameter, and increase hair counts....its said that it can be as effective as 2% minoxidil.

If I were you Id prob order some generic finasteride from either this site or another reputable pharmacy online for the time being...and then switch over to a U.S. pharmacy once you see your Doctor.

good luck.

 

[Guest]

Order generic finasteride at an online pharmacy! Waste no time!

Time is hair, you know.....

 

[HiDef]

Well, Nizoral 1% has been officially added to my regimen. As minor as it is, it feels good to take at least one step in the right direction.

I've looked around United Pharmacy a couple of days ago, but didn't place an order. The only thing stopping me is the idea that my doctor might want to give me a psa (or any other applicable) test so that he can monitor sides. Of course, if he just prescribes Propecia and sends me on my way, I suppose I'll feel a bit dumb...

Is there any issue associated with going from finpecia to Propecia? I'm curious if taking finpecia for three months, then switching to Propecia would negate anything gained...

 

[hair today gone tomorrow]

Well, Nizoral 1% has been officially added to my regimen. As minor as it is, it feels good to take at least one step in the right direction.

I've looked around United Pharmacy a couple of days ago, but didn't place an order. The only thing stopping me is the idea that my doctor might want to give me a psa (or any other applicable) test so that he can monitor sides. Of course, if he just prescribes Propecia and sends me on my way, I suppose I'll feel a bit dumb...

Is there any issue associated with going from finpecia to Propecia? I'm curious if taking finpecia for three months, then switching to Propecia would negate anything gained...

no its the same drug...just different companies make it...you can switch.
I doubt your doctor would test you...but it is possible...my doctor didnt though.

Here is what you do if your worried....take it until 2 weeks before the appointment, then stop it....all your hormones will be back to baseline levels by then. Finasteride has a half life of 6-8 hrs....but it does take a week or two for your dht to raise back to its baseline levels. good luck.

 

[docj077]

Where are you that you can't see a primary care physician until September? If I want to see my primary care doctor, I simply need to call and I can get in the very same day. Are you getting a physical that day or something?

 

[HiDef]

Where are you that you can't see a primary care physician until September? If I want to see my primary care doctor, I simply need to call and I can get in the very same day. Are you getting a physical that day or something?

I’m in Boston, MA and yes, my intent was to get a checkup and then bring up the hair loss issue. I just changed my insurance and it seems like most of the new doctors only perform checkups during particular months, hence the September date.

Oddly enough, I called today to see about moving the date slightly and was told I could come in July. Not sure why the change, but no complaints. I’ll most likely stay off of finasteride until then considering it’s now only a 5-6 week wait, plus it will give me a little window to see if the Nizoral agrees with me.

Again, thanks for all the advice/info. It’s been extremely helpful.

 

[HiDef]

An update:

Well, I finally had my long-awaited appointment.

After reading about a few doctors’ negative reactions to prescribing Proscar, I had pretty much resigned myself to going with Propecia and avoiding any tongue-lashing or speeches on ethics… Of course, once we discussed the hefty cost (and how insurance won’t cover it) my doctor decided to share a “little trick†with me. :lol:

So I now sit here with a freshly written prescription for Proscar. My plan is to take a few baseline photos and get going. I suppose my only remaining question is whether to go with Merck Proscar or the generic (made by Teva). The price difference is about 20 dollars per 30 pills. So...

Is there any argument for taking the Merck version over the generic? Since, I’ll by going through an actual US Pharmacy, I’m not concerned about fakes, just whether I'm giving up anything for a 20 dollar savings… Thoughts?