20 YO What is the next step?

[polarbro]

Hey all,

Ive lurked here for a while but I think I am ready and willing finally to undergo whatever treatments necessary in order to keep what is left of my hair.

I noticed that I had a receding hairline early on at around 17. My dad went bald so I always assumed I would be doomed.

The thinning is starting to get worse. One weird thing Ive noticed is that right before an area will begin to thin, my scalp will get red, itchy, or dandruffy right before. Even though ive tried to take good care of it since I noticed the thinning. Also my hair just feels dry and crappy all the time now, like brittle almost.

Anyways here are some pictures:

This is about the best I can get it nowadays.



My hairline....



Top



So what do you guys think?

I was hoping it would maybe slow down but at this point I realize I either need to take serious action early, or just embrace it 100%.
I am really scared about all the side effects ive read about from the standard meds for hair loss.....but ive made up my mind. Im willing to take whatever pill if it means I can keep what I have left. Would you believe I once had shoulder length blonde hair? hahaha. oh well such is the irony of life I guess.

Id appreciate any feedback or tips on the best course of action to reverse my hair loss.

thanks

[jman91]

you seem to have good density and by recceded to about a NW2. Have ou tried finasteride? this may prevent any further loss

Nizoral 2% shampoo will help with scalp irratation, its very wise to prevent scalp irritation as this is likely to exacerbate hair loss

[Shan]

The itch you refer to is the "DHT Itch".
This usually goes away after you begin Propecia.
If you seriously want to keep what you have which is pretty decent hair, then you should research FDA approved meds for hair-loss or google spex for more info.

[clandestine]

Propecia (finasteride) has the potential for sexual side effects; research these before committing.

[Shan]

Propecia (finasteride) has the potential for sexual side effects; research these before committing.

The side effects are very rare as with any medicine

[polarbro]

i have read about the side effects and i dont mind.

it looks like my hair has gotten WAY worse over the past few days.



the only thing ive done is change to head and shoulders.... in hopes of helping my scalp.

sigh.... it looks like it might get to the point where i cant hide my balding

[WarLord]

Your hair is still good. Unlike in others, who start to act, when they are NW4+.

Don't read internet forums spammed by hysterical hypochondriacs. All those "side effects" are rare (they occur in 2-3% men), and they are often imaginary anyway. Recently, I read a post, where some guy ascribed his impotence to the use of the Nizoral shampoo. LOL Where will this insanity stop?

If I were you, I would go directly on dutasteride (Avodart). Many guys here on this forum will discourage you from this decision, but after my own experience with finasteride (and reading posts of many other frustrated guys), I see no reason, why you should start with a less effective treatment, when you can go straight on the much more effective. Finasteride is not only less effective, but it also works slower. Basically, you can wait for the whole 1 year for some results, and end up disgusted and frustrated.

Alternatively, you can measure your DHT levels, then go on finasteride, and after several weeks, you can measure it again. If your DHT falls below 20 ng/dl, it is very probable that you will experience success. If it doesn't happen, then don't waste your time and use dutasteride!

The addition of minoxidil to 5-AR blockers can help, if you are not satisfied with regrowth. But it is a life-long commitment. You must use it until the end of your life. If you quit it, you will experience a dramatic shed. BTW, the 5% version is weaker than 5-AR blockers, but don't understimate the power of minoxidil! Similarly like e.g. in the case of finasteride, there are good and bad responders to this drug. The bad responders achieve some success for few years (and not only due to bad response, but also due to terrible discipline in application), and then go to spread their agenda that "minoxidil won't maintain hair, no matter, what..." The good responders have been keeping their hair by minoxidil for 20+ years, and I have no reason to go to internet forums. I myself was on it for 15,5 years, until I added 5-AR blockers last year.

[Aames]

You look really good with long hair. I would get on fin or even duta if you want to take the plunge ASAP. Hopefully, you can maintain and grow a bit and continue doing the side-swept thing or perhaps a Johnny Depp style parting (he's been a NW2 for ages). Do your research on side effects first, of course.

[polarbro]

hey all,

so another update, more hair loss. It looks like once again my hairline is receding even more. And in the exact same way everytime. see that red bump? that is a scab from the dry skin on my hairline which i always get right before the hair goes. I wash my hair everyday and try to keep a cleanish scalp the best i can.

My question is:

Since I will still be in Uni for another month, is there anything I can do to stop this rapid hair loss?

and then when i do get home how do I get on some treatment? Do I see a certain type of doctor? Or can I just ask for fin?

thanks!

[chrisis]

The side effects are very rare as with any medicine

Whenever someone urges caution I don't quite get why you feel the need to dismiss it?

polarbro, consider Propecia very carefully and at least get some blood tests done to check how your testoserone and DHT levels are. I'd start yourself on a ketoconazole shampoo such as Nizoral or (better) Regenepure DR. Support this with a minoxidil based topical (I recommend the foam), but be prepared for a shed.

That's a good start.

Hope this helps.

[BigThinker]

Just get on fin.

It takes time to work for most people, so you'll regret waiting (should you be seriously considering taking it in the first place). Pissing around with ketocanazole exclusively is asinine -- the only ones who will tell you different are the ones who are afraid of finasteride.

Go see a dermatologist, get a prescription, get your blood work done. Blah, blah, blah, blah. Just get on finasteride if you want your hair.

[BigThinker]

because this "cautionary message" often implies a higher risk than really exists, leads them to propeciahelp (a website full of lies and propaganda), and prevents people from making informed decisions about the drug.

Yes a very small number of people experience sides, of those most will have them resolved by continuing with the treatment, and an even tinier minority claim that there are permanent sides (poorly documented and substantiated).

It's unwise to underestimate the power of the placebo effect. Scaring people about a drug only goes to further increase the incidence rate of sides.

That said, i agree the ideal route is to get blood and hormone tests before getting on finasteride. Keto and minox would help a lot too, but you need to avoid using too many treatments at once. Since your hair loss appears aggressive i would say you're better off using finasteride first, then after 6-12 months consider adding more to your regimen.

thisssssssssssss

[polarbro]

So I have finally gotten a hold of some 1mg Fin. I was very sure I wanted to take it for the longest time but of course I had to go snooping and man....some of these guys on the internet would act like this drug single handedly ruined their entire life. the only thing that is even remotely worrying is the sexual side effects lingering even after quitting.

i know i have to make the decision for myself, but could someone point me in the right direction or google search that would lead to the proper studies? If these side affects are even less than 5% in men then I would have to say most of these guys have problems and just try to blame the drug. But if the percentage is up near 15-20% I might consider just buzzing my head.


I really just want to take it till I am around 30 and can comfortably go bald. It just makes me sick to be so thin at 20....

Im sure this has been asked 10,000 times and apologize if so but can I really just nuke my body with this 1mg pill? I am reading guys talking about life altering affects after just 2 days of use.....


pic included to update on the thinning.

[Dan26]

Hey man,

I am not going to try and convince you to take fin or to not take fin. But I just want to give you some advice if you do decide to test it out.

First step, get blood tests. This would include, most importantly, bioavailable testosterone, LH, FSH, DHEA, DHT if possible etc.

Secondly, start on a low dose. I'd suggest 0.05mg/day. You will hear mixed opinions on this approach. The two advantage of starting low, specifically at 0.05mg/day, is that,
1) Your DHT make a gradual increase rather than a rapid one. This is much easier on your body
2) Studies showed 0.05mg/day inhibited nearly the same amount of scalp DHT as 1mg/day. Serum DHT was also decreased by 20% less from the 0.05mg/day. This is an ideal situation!

Also some food for thought, I read this recently and was intrigued by it...

http://blog.alanjacobsmd.com/

[BigThinker]

So I have finally gotten a hold of some 1mg Fin. I was very sure I wanted to take it for the longest time but of course I had to go snooping and man....some of these guys on the internet would act like this drug single handedly ruined their entire life. the only thing that is even remotely worrying is the sexual side effects lingering even after quitting.

i know i have to make the decision for myself, but could someone point me in the right direction or google search that would lead to the proper studies? If these side affects are even less than 5% in men then I would have to say most of these guys have problems and just try to blame the drug. But if the percentage is up near 15-20% I might consider just buzzing my head.

I really just want to take it till I am around 30 and can comfortably go bald. It just makes me sick to be so thin at 20....

Im sure this has been asked 10,000 times and apologize if so but can I really just nuke my body with this 1mg pill? I am reading guys talking about life altering affects after just 2 days of use.....


pic included to update on the thinning.

Dude, chill.

You're balding. Want to do something about it? If so, just take ~1mg a day and move on with your life. Googling "finasteride side effects" isn't doing you any favors. Want the scientific literature? Go to: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed

'Nuff said.