Hi, 28 year old, lack of hair on crown

[mnx]

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

[mnx]

[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

These are both from a few days ago.

Not great lighting, but this was only 2 months ago.
[IMG] Uploaded with ImageShack.us[/IMG]

[mnx]

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.

[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-baltimore/doctors-link-hair-growth-drug-to-sexual-dysfunction-depression-and-cancer#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.

[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.

[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.

[chrisis]

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.

[Tracy C]

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

Ask them to provide photo evidence as proof.

[mnx]

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-baltimore/doctors-link-hair-growth-drug-to-sexual-dysfunction-depression-and-cancer#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.

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.

[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. 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.

[mnx]

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.

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.

[mnx]

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.

[mnx]

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?

[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.

[mnx]

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.

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.