Noob questions on the big 3.

[cs2257]

Propecia
I have a bottle of Propecia that I'm afraid to use it after looking online about the sides. I'm also in fear of a major shed, since my hair is already pretty thin in the front. Should I go all in with Propecia or maybe just take .5mg?

Nizoral shampoos
Why are they so expensive? Whats a good alternative? Anything out there with the 2% keto?

Rogaine Foam
Is it more likely to cause a shed than propecia? Should I start with Propecia first and wait on Rogaine? Im already pretty thin in the front, so Im a bit fearful of the Rogaine shed.

[BigThinker]

2% keto requires a script, at least in the US.

As for the other two, if you're worried about the shed, that should be motivation to start then ASAP. Get the shed behind you; it's only going to be tougher the later you wait.

Figure out what you want to treat with and get to it, my friend.

[StuckInARut]

Don't do what I did and delay starting Fin due to the horror stories you've read online. I'd have much more hair on my head right now if I didn't. I'm not telling you to use it but really decide whether it is for you or not because it's your best chance right now to save your remaining hair.

Minoxidil will initiate a shed, but usually only the weaker thinned hairs will go. They will eventually grow back thicker and stronger.

Nizoral is expensive because there is a shortage. You can get a prescription for the 2% (in U.S.), try Regenepure or another branded shampoo that contains Keto.

[cs2257]

Thanks for your advice, Stuck and Big.

Would you recommend that I start on both Fin and Rogaine at the same time? Im already planning on taking Fin, but Im trying to taper off of sleep meds at the moment, as I believe its possible that they have expedited the process. So it will be a good week before I do.

As far as keto 2%, are there any site out there that sell it? I read it was on Amazon before...but those prices are insane.

Additionally, what are your thoughts on s5/spiro cream? Is it worth it to use both Fin and S5? Perhaps allowing me to go with a lower fin dosage.

[StuckInARut]

Some people start them at the same time others wait a little while after starting the other. I am taking Finasteride right now and want to add Minoxidil but I want to see what results I get with Fin on it's own first.

As for 2% Keto, I am not sure. Where I live it is available OTC at any store but in the U.S. you need a prescription. Perhaps inhousepharmacy or a similar site.

I have no knowledge of spiro so can't help you there.

[PatientlyWaiting]

Waiting and being hesitant is the worst thing you can do. DHT will eat your hair follicles and bury the remains alive. You don't want that, go block that DHT with Propecia, and stimulate hair growth with Rogaine.

[PatientlyWaiting]

Once you wait, you lose the war on hair loss. MPB waits for no one. It takes no prisoner.

[Shan]

Just take fin and nizorel. Forget about minox at this time.

[PatientlyWaiting]

Na. Fin+Rogaine>Fin+Niz.

In the nizoral studies for hair loss, to showed to be as good Minoxidil 2%.

[chrisis]

I would always say start with minoxidil and Nizoral and see how that goes.

Remember that the reason Propecia works is because it's the most serious intervention, except surgery. Dabbling with your hormones is really not a decision to take lightly.

Have you been to the doctors to test your DHT levels?

[cs2257]

My doctor was in the dark. I'll email him tomorrow to see if I can get bloodwork tests done.

What should I have checked?

[chrisis]

You just want levels of testosterone, estrogen and DHT. Even if you do take the drug, I think it's sensible so you have a baseline for later, if you end up having trouble.

I read that a healthy ratio of testosterone to DHT is 10:1, and those of us with MPB have a level closer to 10:4. I suspect those of us who suffer symptoms are in the range 10:1-10:3. A guy emailed me recently saying his DHT was too low so he decided not to risk Propecia.

[cs2257]

I ordered online. Thanks Stuck. 100ml of nizoral for $20... I guess thats OK....
Are you supposed to use it daily or just once a week?

Thanks Chris. I'll email my doctor and try to talk some sense into him. Unfortunately, my health insurance is ridiculous...My GP wont let me see an endocrinologist or a dermatologist. So unless I seek one out and pay out of pocket, Im kinda screwed regarding an expert opinion. Hopefully the labwork wont too much for him to bare LOL.

[cs2257]

Is there anyting else i should add to the test?
Such as Iron?

[chrisis]

I don't think iron matters as that's more on the nutrition side of things, but it wouldn't harm to check it to see how your general health is.

Low iron usually has obvious symptoms, such as fatigue and paleness.