Just started PROSCAR today 1.25mg

[NJhair]

I'm 28yo with severe thinning of hair all over my scalp.

For the past 2-3 years, during the fall season (around August), I've had EXTREME shock type of hairloss, and I don't know why. I'd run my hands through my hair and literally it'd be covered with fallen hair. Then it would slow down by December and I'd get some regrowth by Jan/February. But, every year it gets MUCH thinner overall.

I've had basic blood tests done. I rarely eat junk food and overall have a healthy diet and I work out. Recently, my diet has been even healthier will more green/natural foods.

Maybe there's some type of toxicity in me that's causing the hair to fall out, but I don't know what it could be. I've read and spent far too much time on this topic and finally decided to start taking PROSCAR today.

I'll report back on the results regularly on this forum.

[NotBelievingIt]

This kind of hair loss is indicative of a possible thyroid problem.

What blood tests were done?

[NJhair]

This kind of hair loss is indicative of a possible thyroid problem.
What blood tests were done?

Well, I wouldn't be able to give you details but just the regular blood test done by my general practitioner when they test for cholesterol.

I've been reading a lot on thyroid lately and maybe it could be related. But how on earth would I even know. There's SO MUCH info out there to process and the thyroid seems to be connected to everything. I definitely feel like it's an internal issue though. I haven't felt the same as I did just 4 years ago and it's not depression from hairloss. It's just an overall slow-down in my lifestyle that's been very unlike me b/c I've always been energetic and ambitious. But I have no clue how to diagnose something like this without spending a fortune.

I've changed my diet, I used to work out and consume lots of protein. I haven't had a protein shake in 2 months, significantly cut down on milk (only for coffee), actually cut down on coffee too and don't have it daily, and compared to the average person my diet is VERY healthy and I'm in great physical shape.

So rather than continuing to read and think about this issue every single day, I've decided to just take Proscar and hope it works out for my hair.

[25 going on 65]

Humans naturally shed more hair at certain times of the year, even people who aren't balding. Your case does sound extreme though. I would consider seeing a hair loss specialist who should be able to help you rule out (or identify) non-genetic causes.
Just to let you know: the vast majority of hair loss in men is because of genetic alopecia, and even if you do have thyroid problems or anything else causing your shedding, that doesn't mean you don't also have male-pattern hair loss.
If you do have hereditary balding, the finasteride (proscar) will probably be effective in stopping the process.
Good luck!

[NJhair]

Current photos attached.. wow, it looks 10x's worst when I take a photo of it.

The first two pics are in the morning, the others are in the afternoon after I put in some mousse for volume.

[Dr. Glenn Charles]

Photos usually make the thinning or hair loss look much wose than it does in real life. The flash seems to magnify the problem areas. It is questionable as to whether or not the Finasteride will slow down genetic hair loss in the frontal/hairline area. Certainly worth a try.

[NJhair]

UPDATE:
I started taking Proscar on Feb 24th.

3 months later.

I can definitely say my hair has gotten better. But, keep in mind that I seemed to have some kind of irregular hair shedding during the winter. So maybe the hair is growing back on it's own. I don't know. All I know is my hair is MUCH MUCH better than the pics I posted in February, the shedding has stopped and I've also made significant healthy changes to my diet and overall products that I use.

As for the sexual side effects....NONE. NONE at ALL. Hope it stays that way for me.

[BaldinLikeBaldwin]

happy to hear that, thanks for the update

[NJhair]

It's September and like clockwork, my hair is shedding profusely, AGAIN.

Looking back at the pics I posted in February, I can't believe how bad my hair was!

My hair has improved dramatically since then, but now the seasonal shedding is back and it's horrible!

I went to get a scalp analysis done today and the lady showed me a microscope image of my scalp. She said all my follicles have DHT on them, causing them to fall out.

Right now, my scalp also seems to have a very SUBTLE tingling/burning sensation. I have no idea what's going on. I wish I could at least understand this strange seasonal hair loss.


Definitely not looking forward to shedding all winter!

[dex89]

It's September and like clockwork, my hair is shedding profusely, AGAIN.

Looking back at the pics I posted in February, I can't believe how bad my hair was!

My hair has improved dramatically since then, but now the seasonal shedding is back and it's horrible!

I went to get a scalp analysis done today and the lady showed me a microscope image of my scalp. She said all my follicles have DHT on them, causing them to fall out.

Right now, my scalp also seems to have a very SUBTLE tingling/burning sensation. I have no idea what's going on. I wish I could at least understand this strange seasonal hair loss.


Definitely not looking forward to shedding all winter!

hang in there, your only taking proscar? You should start taking other medications.

[NJhair]

I started rogain yesterday too. Also taking saw palmetto.

I hate taking all these medications while feeling that this hair loss is an INTERNAL issue. Maybe something within me isn't right but there's no way for me to even know!

It doesn't make any sense that all my hair sheds, like clockwork, during the Fall season. And worst part - doctors don't have any explanations except for over-production of DHT.

[dex89]

I started rogain yesterday too. Also taking saw palmetto.

I hate taking all these medications while feeling that this hair loss is an INTERNAL issue. Maybe something within me isn't right but there's no way for me to even know!

It doesn't make any sense that all my hair sheds, like clockwork, during the Fall season. And worst part - doctors don't have any explanations except for over-production of DHT.

I know how you feel bro, I personally think I have internal issues because none of my family experience severe hair loss, max was NW2.5 but with thick hair. I'm a NW1.5 but fighting for my hair line, I don't want a "mature Hairline"(i'm 23 btw) I don't think I have experience seasonal hair sheds but will pay more attention to it now. Your taking the right steps though, try to look into folligen spray/cream, emu oils, and spiro 5%.

[NJhair]

Random questions for you, maybe we have some similarities -

Have you had any type of environmental exposure to mold/fungus/asbestos/airborne allergens?

Does your house/apartment get its heat from a furnace in the basement? Is it a forced hot air furnace? Is the filter changed regularly? Does your bathroom have any mold forming from moisture?

Just wondering if you have any exposure to mold which could be a major factor as an internal issue.

[dex89]

Random questions for you, maybe we have some similarities -

Have you had any type of environmental exposure to mold/fungus/asbestos/airborne allergens?

Does your house/apartment get its heat from a furnace in the basement? Is it a forced hot air furnace? Is the filter changed regularly? Does your bathroom have any mold forming from moisture?

Just wondering if you have any exposure to mold which could be a major factor as an internal issue.

No, I'm usually indoors 95% of the time, I never use the air conditioner or heater. I don't have a basement, my bath room get's pretty dirty but never seen any type of molds.

How does molds affect hair loss?

[NJhair]

Mold can cause allergic reactions within your body that can lead to hair loss. It's a toxic element that people may be exposed to and not even be aware of it.

Quick blurb on it:

http://blackmold.awardspace.com/mold-baldness-hair-loss.html

If you're indoors 95% of the time, I'm guessing you're in warm, lovely California weather where you don't need an AC or heat. In that case, this might not even affect you.

But it would be worth looking back at the past few years - were you ever exposed to mold/fungus for a long period of time? Do you have allergies/breathing problems/abnormal fatigue?