Hi, 28 year old, lack of hair on crown

Hey all.

I am currently 28, and I became aware of a minor spot on the crown about 4 years ago. For about 3 years time, it was a minor bother, I was not sure as to whether it was the beginning of hair loss or just a hair whorl I had since I was a child being more pronounced.

I kept a loose eye on it, with the help of mirror and camera, but it did not start to genuinely bother me until about 6-7 months ago.

I would say that it had not rapidly diminished, in fact, at times I've not been sure if I'm just paranoid about it, and that it is a non issue. At any rate, I have been watching it closely, and taking pictures.

Over the last month or two however, it went from a concern into an obsession. It appears to me to have gotten significantly worse in a significantly small amount of time, noticeable change in 1-2 weeks after years of little to no change. Over the last two weeks I have trouble thinking of anything else, and I have studied hair loss quite a bit lately.

Even now, it isn't quite what I'd call severe hair loss, but it is getting to being worrisome, and I don't feel comfortable with it. I often feel obligated to wear a hat or beanie. It has finally got to the point where I feel a strong sense of urgency to do whatever I can to turn back this tide.

I will post a pic or a few in a bit, but here's some information.
-no baldness on mothers side of family, tons on fathers side(I had though mothers side was what mattered, and so I hadn't feared going bald)
-I've always been susceptible to stress, and I lost a lot of hairs when I was 19-20 a midst a mental breakdown of sorts, but had since grown them back, never had a bald patch from it
-Several months ago, I had small lighter hairs in my crown. If I died them, almost all skin was covered up and I felt confident. The small light hairs seem to have gone away, and this concerns me.
-I recently moved, and have been relatively stressed lately, but I have my doubts that this is the cause of my problems

Anyways, among my research I've learned that stopping DHT is integral in preventing further loss, and allowing regrowth. I've heard propecia(finasteride) is effective, but I fear the sexual side effects too much to use at this stage. So as a result, I've been looking into all natural ways of dealing with DHT(Saw Palmetto, Pumpkin seed, etc.). I have been somewhat interested in Provillus.

My current planned course of action is to aggressively take supplements geared at stopping DHT and 5 alpha reductase. I have formulated my own regimen based on some treatments on the market as well as my own research. I'll put a complete list of this regimen up if anyone is interested later.

Another prong of my attack is going to be the use of a shampoo http://www.swansonvitamins.com/AVL025/ItemDetail
This shampoo has saw palmetto as well as a few other supplements that supposedly help attack DHT as well.

Thirdly, I am going to start Minoxidil soon. I plan on going to doctor this week to see if I can confirm the cause of my hair loss, then go ahead with the use of Minoxidil. I am somewhat hopeful since Minoxidil is most effective seemingly for people with my description.

Also, as a side, I'm keeping my eye on a product called cabooki. It shakes fibers onto your hair and is a concealer. I want to try to fix before I try to conceal though. I am impressed with the effect of that product though.

Ok, all that is out of the way. I appreciate any advice and encouragement anyone can give me.

Thanks,
mnx

[IMG]http://img837.imageshack.us/img837/5...0120217009.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

[IMG]http://img543.imageshack.us/img543/5...0120217009.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

These are both from a few days ago.

Not great lighting, but this was only 2 months ago.
[IMG]http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/6...1122100695.jpg Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

Also to note I haven't lost a single hair from the front. At first I took relief from that thinking it might rule out MPB, but then I learned it doesn't necessarily mean anything.

I wouldn't bet its MPB, some people seem to have that appearance on the crown naturally.

Glad to hear You are staying off propecia.. its a health hazard. Its now officially linked to permanent erectile dysfunction, cancer, depression etc. by 2 top US studies of Dr. Traish(Boston) and Dr. Irwig(Washington)..
http://www.examiner.com/courts-in-ba...#ixzz1mLgDjzw3

I myself am using several natural DHT inhibitors.. 510mg of beta sitosterol, 300mg saw palmetto, 200mg pygeum etc. As for saw palmetto in the shampoo, its good stuff overall, but I haven't seen reports of it beeing to block DHT when used topically. It can't hurt though, so if You wish give it a try and do send some updates.

For stress btw, I currently use B100, complex of all B vitamins, 1500mg vitamin C.. I also use 5-HTP 100mg, but unless You're really stressed and have trouble with sleeping like I do, You might want to avoid it. Melatonin is also good for sleep BUT can easily leave You groggy the next day.

Hi mnx,

It does not matter which side of your family has hereditary hair loss. You can inherit it from either side.

What you have going on does not look bad but it does look like the typical start of hereditary hair loss. If this does bother you, you should see a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss. Here is a link to help you find a good one. Though these doctors are hair transplant surgeons, don't let that scare you off. You do not need a transplant and they will see that. They will tell you what you need to do to manage it.

http://www.iahrs.org/hair-transplant/

Provillus is a complete scam. Natural DHT blockers do nothing to slow down, stop or reverse hereditary hair loss. No one has ever been able to slow down, stop or reverse hereditary hair loss with natural DHT blockers. Taking the natural course is a waste of time, money and your hair. Don't listen to the fear mongers about Propecia. The medicine does have possible side effects but the percentage of males who experience them is very small and the side effects usually go away, even for those who continue to use the medication. Talk to a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss to get the real information about Propecia.

You can find the most truthful information on treating hereditary hair loss at this link:

http://www.americanhairloss.org/

You will learn that there are only two medications that are proven to work and FDA approved to treat hereditary hair loss. Those medications are Propecia (or generic Finasteride) and Rogaine (or generic Minoxidil). Nizoral shampoo and low level laser therapy can help as adjunct treatments but everything else on the market is a complete scam. Don't fall for the scams.

Tracy C, I've read people who've had success with saw palmetto. The number of men who have side effects from finasteride is up for debate.

I think that's the balanced view on this topic, since it's a complex and uncertain one.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisis

Tracy C, I've read people who've had success with saw palmetto.

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Ask them to provide photo evidence as proof.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StressedToTheBald

I wouldn't bet its MPB, some people seem to have that appearance on the crown naturally.

Glad to hear You are staying off propecia.. its a health hazard. Its now officially linked to permanent erectile dysfunction, cancer, depression etc. by 2 top US studies of Dr. Traish(Boston) and Dr. Irwig(Washington)..
http://www.examiner.com/courts-in-ba...#ixzz1mLgDjzw3

I myself am using several natural DHT inhibitors.. 510mg of beta sitosterol, 300mg saw palmetto, 200mg pygeum etc. As for saw palmetto in the shampoo, its good stuff overall, but I haven't seen reports of it beeing to block DHT when used topically. It can't hurt though, so if You wish give it a try and do send some updates.

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by StressedToTheBald

For stress btw, I currently use B100, complex of all B vitamins, 1500mg vitamin C.. I also use 5-HTP 100mg, but unless You're really stressed and have trouble with sleeping like I do, You might want to avoid it. Melatonin is also good for sleep BUT can easily leave You groggy the next day.

---

Thanks for the reply. I recently started using melatonin for stress, also started taking multivitamins to help with that. I'll look into 5HTP, thanks.

I'm basically trying to take a bunch of different natural supplements that have shown some 5 alpha reductase inhibiting ability in various studies, as well as certain nutrients that nourish the hair I do have(msm, silica, PABA etc).

I intend to update as I go.

It's true I've not seen photo evidence, but the problem is not many people are bothering with saw palmetto, given that finasteride is heavily promoted as superior. Of those men, a fraction will be actually administering it effectively (the correct type of saw palmetto, the correct dose, in conjunction with beta sitoserol and over a long enough time period). Of those men, a fraction will be documenting it with photos over the space of several years. Of those men, only a fraction will actually be successful at controlling their hair loss (as with finasteride).

It's easy to understand why it's hard to get testimonials, let alone testimonials with photographic proof.

All I'm saying is the topic is too complicated to boldly write-off saw palmetto.

We're all feeling around in the dark here.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tracy C

Hi mnx,

It does not matter which side of your family has hereditary hair loss. You can inherit it from either side.

What you have going on does not look bad but it does look like the typical start of hereditary hair loss. If this does bother you, you should see a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss. Here is a link to help you find a good one. Though these doctors are hair transplant surgeons, don't let that scare you off. You do not need a transplant and they will see that. They will tell you what you need to do to manage it.

http://www.iahrs.org/hair-transplant/

Provillus is a complete scam. Natural DHT blockers do nothing to slow down, stop or reverse hereditary hair loss. No one has ever been able to slow down, stop or reverse hereditary hair loss with natural DHT blockers. Taking the natural course is a waste of time, money and your hair. Don't listen to the fear mongers about Propecia. The medicine does have possible side effects but the percentage of males who experience them is very small and the side effects usually go away, even for those who continue to use the medication. Talk to a doctor who specializes in treating hair loss to get the real information about Propecia.

You can find the most truthful information on treating hereditary hair loss at this link:

http://www.americanhairloss.org/

You will learn that there are only two medications that are proven to work and FDA approved to treat hereditary hair loss. Those medications are Propecia (or generic Finasteride) and Rogaine (or generic Minoxidil). Nizoral shampoo and low level laser therapy can help as adjunct treatments but everything else on the market is a complete scam. Don't fall for the scams.

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Thanks for the reply.

That's what I've been concerned about. While the hair loss isn't too bad yet, it looks like its heading that direction.

Thanks for the links. I really do want to see a specialist, and I found one near by on the list. I'll make sure to hash out with him what of the big 3 he thinks is good for me and his information on the risk involved.

I've been into nutrition and natural supplements for awhile, and I felt like it has really helped my overall health, especially helping me overcome serious digestive issues. Your point about the unproven efficacy of natural supplements used for hair loss is well taken though. If I do in fact have the beginnings of MPB, I understand that this is an acute and aggressive issue with body chemistry and my use of supplements will probably not be sufficient for the results I desire. I still am very hesitant to consider finasteride.

At the stage I am at, and until I sit down and talk with a specialist, I'll bide my time with my regimen and hope that the progression is slow. Part of me still hopes that this is just fallout from some extreme stress I've had lately.

Thanks again for advice.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisis

It's true I've not seen photo evidence, but the problem is not many people are bothering with saw palmetto, given that finasteride is heavily promoted as superior.

There are only a few people who try it, but they're a fraction of the men who even bother to research the topic properly. Of those men, a fraction will be actually administering it effectively (the correct type of saw palmetto, the correct dose, in conjunction with beta sitoserol and over a long enough time period). Of those men, a fraction will be documenting it with photos over the space of several years. Of those men, only a fraction will actually be successful at controlling their hair loss (as with finasteride).

It's easy to understand why it's hard to get testimonials, let alone testimonials with photographic proof.

All I'm saying is the topic is too complicated to boldly write-off saw palmetto.

We're all feeling around in the dark here.

---

I think you and stbb make a good point. I'm not completely writing off the effect of the correct supplements. There are no clinical trials or testimonies proving their success, but there is some science attached to various herbs and their abilities as 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. I think they have the potential for some effects, and since my hair loss to this point hasn't been very aggressive I'm willing to give them a shot.

I figure until the time I'm willing to try finasteride, if that happens, I may as well try it out.

A couple questions for Tracy or whoever can answer. (I will ask specialist when I am able to meet with one, but any answer I can get now is greatly appreciated)

I've read somewhere that finasteride is only effective at stopping hair loss at stage 2 or 3. Myself being early in the process, should that preclude my use of it until I'm more progressed? Would it not be able to stop hair loss at it's current state?

I would say with almost total certainty that you are in the beginning stages of hereditary hair loss, if I'm going by the crown.

A hair loss specialist could tell you for sure.

If it is MPB, I suggest using a proven DHT suppressant that can stop and help reverse the loss. There are two of these on the market, finasteride and dutasteride. I would strongly recommend the former over the latter to start with. Both have a risk of side effects, but they are significantly higher with dutasteride (and there is also much less information currently about using dutasteride long-term for hair loss).
I don't recommend spending time on alternative remedies like saw palmetto, because there isn't scientific evidence that they can maintain your hair. If you get unacceptable side effects from finasteride, you could try experimenting with alternatives at that point, but if you do things in reverse order you will lose more hair than you have to. Delaying treatment for just one year can unfortunately have a noticeable cosmetic impact.
(2% ketoconazole shampoo and minoxidil are good supporting treatments, but on their own they won't maintain your hair or reverse your loss in the long term.)
Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 25 going on 65

I would say with almost total certainty that you are in the beginning stages of hereditary hair loss, if I'm going by the crown.

A hair loss specialist could tell you for sure.

If it is MPB, I suggest using a proven DHT suppressant that can stop and help reverse the loss. There are two of these on the market, finasteride and dutasteride. I would strongly recommend the former over the latter to start with. Both have a risk of side effects, but they are significantly higher with dutasteride (and there is also much less information currently about using dutasteride long-term for hair loss).
I don't recommend spending time on alternative remedies like saw palmetto, because there isn't scientific evidence that they can maintain your hair. If you get unacceptable side effects from finasteride, you could try experimenting with alternatives at that point, but if you do things in reverse order you will lose more hair than you have to. Delaying treatment for just one year can unfortunately have a noticeable cosmetic impact.
(2% ketoconazole shampoo and minoxidil are good supporting treatments, but on their own they won't maintain your hair or reverse your loss in the long term.)
Good luck.

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Thanks for the advice. My hair is very important to me, and if finasteride is the absolute best answer I may be able to talk myself into doing it.

The time issue is not lost on me at all, I am currently considering all options.

mnx, my advice if you start on finasteride would be to start at a lower dose, and take your time working up.

I started on 1.25mg (5mg generic cut into 4) but got definite side effects after 2-3 months in. This was despite being optimistic and somewhat dismissive about sides. Some people have alleged it's probably in my head, but since they haven't been through the experience they really aren't qualified to speak on it. Might as well ask them to talk about how it feels to be a lesbian or a unicorn.

I recently learned 0.5mg is almost as effective. Even 0.25mg is still very good so if I was to start again, I'd go with 0.25mg. I may try it again at that dose, but I'm waiting for my libido to fully return. 4 days off it and I'm waiting... :rolleyes:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisis

mnx, my advice if you start on finasteride would be to start at a lower dose, and take your time working up.

I started on 1.25mg (5mg generic cut into 4) but got definite side effects after 2-3 months in. This was despite being optimistic and somewhat dismissive about sides. Some people have alleged it's probably in my head, but since they haven't been through the experience they really aren't qualified to speak on it. Might as well ask them to talk about how it feels to be a lesbian or a unicorn.

I recently learned 0.5mg is almost as effective. Even 0.25mg is still very good so if I was to start again, I'd go with 0.25mg. I may try it again at that dose, but I'm waiting for my libido to fully return. 4 days off it and I'm waiting... :rolleyes:

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Did you notice any positive results in that time? A low dose might be good for me. Good luck with your libido, not a side effect I take lightly :(

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

Thanks for the reply. I recently started using melatonin for stress, also started taking multivitamins to help with that. I'll look into 5HTP, thanks.

I'm basically trying to take a bunch of different natural supplements that have shown some 5 alpha reductase inhibiting ability in various studies, as well as certain nutrients that nourish the hair I do have(msm, silica, PABA etc).

I intend to update as I go.

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You're very welcome.
Well, I use melatonin for sleep, but if You use it too often then the body gets used to it and it doesn't work as well as in the starts. Also it can easily leave You groggy the next day.. Thats why I've not switched to 5-HTP. If You use melatonin btw.. they're usually sold in 3mg.. You can cut the tablet in half, even 1,5mg will work well enough.

I'm doing the same, I've pilled up and made plenty of research on natural DHT inhibitors and hair supplements. I soon plan to include reishi(ganoderma lucidum).. the study on it says it reports up to 50% DHT.. so that plus beta sitosterol, saw palmetto etc.. Its some of my main ingredients. I also use MSM, now about 3,000mg daily, and some silica via horsetail tea. You might want to consider arginine as well - it boosts nitric oxide and blood flow in the folicles.. I use it via protein shakes, now will be 3,500mg+ daily.

Please do keep me updated, I will too, its good to meet people who actually do the research and have some wisdom to share. Way too many people here have no research background nor solid arguments and are sadly only here to promote that hazardous drug called propecia..

Wow, you have the exact same hair loss pattern I had at 28. I'm 31 now. I didn't do anything about it at the time because no noticed it and everywhere else was thick with no receding hairline. I agree it's probably the onset of MPB, especially since you have hairloss in your family.

All the other posters here seem to have covered everything pretty well. See a hair loss dermatologist and see what they can do for treatment. Make sure you weigh the risks/rewards of drugs like propecia/proscar. I have chosen not to try it because the possibility (I didn't care how small the possibility) of sexual side effects, both long or short term. I started Rogaine this year and it has been slow going and there has been some shedding involved which is something you might want to keep in mind if you start it. It's like a lot of drugs where it makes things worse before it makes things better, but supposedly if you stick with it for 6-8 months. Also it apparently works better when you're younger. The company Rogaine claims 85% of men regrew hair, but I've seen clinical studies that report it's closer to 55%.

Lastly, start conditioning yourself for what baldness might be like. I rarely see people suggest this on websites. With treatment you may keep your hair looking pretty damn good for many years, but eventually it will fall out if it's in your genes. I wouldn't hold my breath for "the cure" even though there have been some great advances and I don't think it's healthy to pin so much hope on the possibility coming soon, even though I hope it does.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

There are no clinical trials or testimonies proving their success, but there is some science attached to various herbs and their abilities as 5 alpha reductase inhibitors.

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There actually are, a small study on beta sitosterol + saw palmetto has reported a success rate of 60%.

Also other studies have reported that these natural DHT inhibitors do not show significant nor permanent side effects as with propecia.

mnx,

To answer your other question, DHT suppressants fight hair loss no matter what stage you're in. You don't need to wait for the condition to progress. Generally, the earlier you start a regimen, the more effective it will be.
But if you want to hold off on medication until you see a hair loss specialist, there's nothing wrong with that.

chris is right that there is a risk of side effects from finasteride. These often resolve themselves while continuing to take the medication, but not always.
Most people tolerate this medicine well, but if you're not one of them, his advice on lowering your dosage will probably be very useful.

StressedToTheBald should generally be ignored. He has been hijacking every active thread with alarmist propaganda about finasteride, while pushing unproven treatments. He also doesn't seem to know how to evaluate scientific studies.
This may sound harsh, but many others on this forum would say the same. You'll notice it too if you stick around long enough.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

Did you notice any positive results in that time? A low dose might be good for me. Good luck with your libido, not a side effect I take lightly :(

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Hard to say anything about positive results because I only took it for 3 months. I do see some peach fuzz hair at the corners of my hairline, but that could be down to minoxidil, which I started about a month ago. It could also be a consequence of shedding, which I may have experienced on either of those meds.

Yeah, Stressed is just pushing unproven woo like saw palmetto.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisis

Of those men, only a fraction will actually be successful at controlling their hair loss (as with finasteride).

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That "fraction" of men who have successfully managed their hair loss with Finasteride is the larger portion of the total. This is very well documented and very well known. To state it as "only a fraction" is slightly unethical, though technically true. Putting it that way understates the true effectiveness in an attempt to hide it. Much in the same way that overstating the frequency of side effects hides the facts about possible side effects. Neither is ethical.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisis

It's easy to understand why it's hard to get testimonials, let alone testimonials with photographic proof.

All I'm saying is the topic is too complicated to boldly write-off saw palmetto.

---

You are reaching. If anyone actually were able to slow down, stop or reverse hereditary hair loss with natural DHT blockers such as Saw Palmetto everyone would know about it. You would not need to dig very deep to find it. It would be ight there available for everyone to see.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

If I do in fact have the beginnings of MPB, I understand that this is an acute and aggressive issue with body chemistry and my use of supplements will probably not be sufficient for the results I desire. I still am very hesitant to consider finasteride.

At the stage I am at, and until I sit down and talk with a specialist, I'll bide my time with my regimen and hope that the progression is slow.

---

Please understand that I am not totally against suppliments. I use a specific Hair, Skin & Nails multi-vitamin myself. When dealing with a natural and normal process such as male and female patterned hereditary hair loss, especially when it is aggressive, supppiments cannot provide a strong fight.

However if you chose to try a natural approach, there is one study that shows some limited merit for a specific Saw Palmetto complex. Nature's Bounty makes a product that matches the complex tested in that study. Here is a link to a PDF file of the label that shows the list of ingrediants for that product.

http://images.vitaminimages.com/cdn/...L006052-NB.PDF

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

I've read somewhere that finasteride is only effective at stopping hair loss at stage 2 or 3.

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The Medication does not care what stage of hair loss you have. It simply blocks the formation of the hormone that triggers hereditary hair loss (DHT). The medication can stop hereditary hair loss regardless of what stage you are. Of course for someone who is beyond NW6 there is no point.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by chrisis

mnx, my advice if you start on finasteride would be to start at a lower dose, and take your time working up.

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I think this is good advice. This is what I had to do when I started on Spiro.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by itssomuchfun

Wow, you have the exact same hair loss pattern I had at 28. I'm 31 now. I didn't do anything about it at the time because no noticed it and everywhere else was thick with no receding hairline. I agree it's probably the onset of MPB, especially since you have hairloss in your family.

All the other posters here seem to have covered everything pretty well. See a hair loss dermatologist and see what they can do for treatment. Make sure you weigh the risks/rewards of drugs like propecia/proscar. I have chosen not to try it because the possibility (I didn't care how small the possibility) of sexual side effects, both long or short term. I started Rogaine this year and it has been slow going and there has been some shedding involved which is something you might want to keep in mind if you start it. It's like a lot of drugs where it makes things worse before it makes things better, but supposedly if you stick with it for 6-8 months. Also it apparently works better when you're younger. The company Rogaine claims 85% of men regrew hair, but I've seen clinical studies that report it's closer to 55%.

Lastly, start conditioning yourself for what baldness might be like. I rarely see people suggest this on websites. With treatment you may keep your hair looking pretty damn good for many years, but eventually it will fall out if it's in your genes. I wouldn't hold my breath for "the cure" even though there have been some great advances and I don't think it's healthy to pin so much hope on the possibility coming soon, even though I hope it does.

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Did it happen aggressively for you? How is it now?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tracy C

Please understand that I am not totally against suppliments. I use a specific Hair, Skin & Nails multi-vitamin myself. When dealing with a natural and normal process such as male and female patterned hereditary hair loss, especially when it is aggressive, supppiments cannot provide a strong fight.

However if you chose to try a natural approach, there is one study that shows some limited merit for a specific Saw Palmetto complex. Nature's Bounty makes a product that matches the complex tested in that study. Here is a link to a PDF file of the label that shows the list of ingrediants for that product.

http://images.vitaminimages.com/cdn/...L006052-NB.PDF

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Thanks, I think I'll try that product out.

I went to a clinic today, and asked about hair loss(I'll check out a more expensive specialist later).

She thought it was possible MPB but sent me for some blood work to check things out. Apparently really extreme stress can cause delayed hair loss 2-3 months after, and that actually fits my situation. Wishful thinking maybe, but I want to cover all bases.

Anyway, I may as well list my supplement regimen.

Saw Palmetto/ whole berry, 540mg x3 daily(Going to buy a standardized extract complex to replace this)
Multivitamin/ once a day(500% b-6, 100% zinc + usual array, has added Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed)
Hair, Skin, and nails/twice a day(700mg MSM, 250mg horsetail extract 7 % silica, L-Cysteine, Choline, Inositol, PABA)
Biotin/ 1668%, once a day
Black currant seed oil/ 1 gram 14-17% gamma linolenic, twice a day
Virgin Cold pressed Pumpkin seed oil, I put on almost everything I eat, consume a good 1-2 tbsp a day.
Green tea/ 3 cups a day
Trader Joes super green drink/1 scoop a day(Not specifically for hair loss, but the stuff makes me feel great, and there are some things in there that could help at the very least with the health of my hair)
(Buying Beta-sitosterol, nettle leaf, eleuthero ginseng, green tea extract)

Also, I try to eat a very healthy diet. I eat lots of seaweed which is good for your hair, only good fats, not excessive meat, little to no dairy etc. No sugar, I try to limit my carbs in general. Hey this stuff can't hurt.

Buying thickening shampoo with nutrients http://www.avalonorganics.com/?id=88&pid=23

There are some other supplements I'm looking at, such as Reishi mushroom, may add to the list.

Then of course, once I see a specialist or at least a primary care doctor, I may step up the regimen to include the serious stuff.

You don't know if it's MPB? Try to find out before spending money on all those supplements

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

Anyway, I may as well list my supplement regimen.

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Wow! You really don't need all that. It is best to get your nutition from the foods that you eat. A good quality Hair, Skin & Nails multi-vitamin will have most of what you need anyways.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mnx

Anyway, I may as well list my supplement regimen.

Saw Palmetto/ whole berry, 540mg x3 daily(Going to buy a standardized extract complex to replace this)
Multivitamin/ once a day(500% b-6, 100% zinc + usual array, has added Saw Palmetto, Pygeum, evening primrose oil, pumpkin seed)
Hair, Skin, and nails/twice a day(700mg MSM, 250mg horsetail extract 7 % silica, L-Cysteine, Choline, Inositol, PABA)
Biotin/ 1668%, once a day
Black currant seed oil/ 1 gram 14-17% gamma linolenic, twice a day
Virgin Cold pressed Pumpkin seed oil, I put on almost everything I eat, consume a good 1-2 tbsp a day.
Green tea/ 3 cups a day
Trader Joes super green drink/1 scoop a day(Not specifically for hair loss, but the stuff makes me feel great, and there are some things in there that could help at the very least with the health of my hair)
(Buying Beta-sitosterol, nettle leaf, eleuthero ginseng, green tea extract)

Also, I try to eat a very healthy diet. I eat lots of seaweed which is good for your hair, only good fats, not excessive meat, little to no dairy etc. No sugar, I try to limit my carbs in general. Hey this stuff can't hurt.

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Those are excellent ingredients. We have plenty in common, my regimen contains many of those compounds You listed. Most importantly - they're safe, unlike that man-poison hazard drug called propecia.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StressedToTheBald

Those are excellent ingredients. We have plenty in common, my regimen contains many of those compounds You listed. Most importantly - they're safe, unlike that man-poison hazard drug called propecia.

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^ just so you know, he's still bald... That might tell you something about the efficacy of those supplements :D

Quote:

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Originally Posted by StressedToTheBald

Those are excellent ingredients.

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mnx,

StressedToTheBald does not know anything. The nonsense he keeps shoveling is worthless and will steer you down the wrong path if you believe it. Following his advice will waste your time, waste your money and waste your hair that could have been saved if you had chosen proven treatments.

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Originally Posted by 2020

You don't know if it's MPB? Try to find out before spending money on all those supplements

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I would say it is likely, and I don't really want to wait until it is obvious before I address it. Also, those supplements really aren't as expensive as it all sounds.

Some of it I would be consuming anyway(super green drink, pumpkin seed oil, green tea and multivitamin).

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Originally Posted by Tracy C

Wow! You really don't need all that. It is best to get your nutition from the foods that you eat. A good quality Hair, Skin & Nails multi-vitamin will have most of what you need anyways.

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I try to eat healthy, and yeah some might be unnecessary, but it really isn't as expensive or troublesome as it sounds.

Honestly I've been big on supplements ever since I used them to combat severe stomach problems, and this amount feels ok to me.

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Originally Posted by StressedToTheBald

Those are excellent ingredients. We have plenty in common, my regimen contains many of those compounds You listed. Most importantly - they're safe, unlike that man-poison hazard drug called propecia.

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Originally Posted by 2020

^ just so you know, he's still bald... That might tell you something about the efficacy of those supplements :D

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Originally Posted by Tracy C

mnx,

StressedToTheBald does not know anything. The nonsense he keeps shoveling is worthless and will steer you down the wrong path if you believe it. Following his advice will waste your time, waste your money and waste your hair that could have been saved if you had chosen proven treatments.

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You know, I notice that stbb has a similar interest in herbal supplements, however I am not putting all my eggs in that basket trust me. I appreciate your warnings, I am not buying bogus cures, and I am going to consider the big 3 with advice of a specialist. I also will continue to pursue my own regimen.

I am resolved to do everything in my power to keep my hair.

mnx, there are people at either sides of the spectrum, either pushing propecia or criticising it. I'm personally in the middle, because the truth is we don't conclusively know what the risks are, and anyone who says otherwise is lying.

The facts are that the studies that have been conducted indicate finasteride is useful to stop male pattern baldness, and that it is relatively low risk. However, Merck have recently pulled their website promoting Propecia and are preparing to defend themselves in court.

Facts aside, my personal experience and that of many others indicates that the risks may be higher than Merck and people on these forums suggest.

It's your decision at the end of the day, so try not to be convinced by people at the "poles" of the argument. If you try finasteride, start at a lower dose and work up, but I certainly would applaud you for trying alternatives first, especially if you're just at an early stage in the balding process.

By the way, I had a fine experience with finasteride for 2-3 months and then the side effects kicked in. It's not always instant, apparently. I'm off the drug for nearly a week now and waiting for things to return to normal. I'll inform the board when they do. If they don't, I'll have to see my doctor...

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Originally Posted by Karimoo7

Hi,
How can I stop falling hair? I am losing hair day by day.denver airport shuttle

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LOL Leave the airport. It can't be good for hair, all them planes coming from above..

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Originally Posted by chrisis

because the truth is we don't conclusively know what the risks are, and anyone who says otherwise is lying.

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we don't know the risks and yet FDA concluded that it's safe?
Don't worry, FDA is much more paranoid than you two combined. They wouldn't have approved it if it was unsafe.

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Originally Posted by chrisis

The facts are that the studies that have been conducted indicate finasteride is useful to stop male pattern baldness, and that it is relatively low risk. However, Merck have recently pulled their website promoting Propecia and are preparing to defend themselves in court.

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you do realize that this drug has been around for more than 20 years and its patent is about to expire on 2013?
There is no need for Merck to advertise it anymore, that's why the website is down.