Balding as a teenager: First treatment

[danylq]

Hello everyone. I've been balding for the past 6-9 months now, with what seems to be thin temples & sides. I have consulted with a doctor, but got the worst advice ever. I was told that it was a temporary issue, and that it would resolve itself automatically (???)

The advice I was given was roughly about 3-4 months ago. Now, my hair is worse than before. Everytime I cut my hair (#2 ≈*) I notice the hairloss more and more. I am currently taking Biotin, and I'm considering the usage of Minoxidil til I'm 18 ( in 2 months ), and perhaps using Finasteride if it comes down to it. Can anyone relate to this? It feels like I am the only one experiencing this, almost every friend I know has a full head of hair etc.

I am almost 100% certain that this is genetic, and not because of stress or any of that bullshit. My brother who is 25 is about NW2 ≈*and I'd say that I am a 1.5, on my way to NW2 at the age of 18.

Before you mention Mature hairline, NO, I am positive that it's not ''maturing''.


Help me out someone, I've got no one to talk to this about. Parents barely listen, and doctor's give bullshit advice that won't prescribe me anything whatsoever.

I've got pictures on my other posts... check them out if you'd like

Cheers

[OldEnoughToKnowBetter]

That's tough. I once had a classmate who was balding at 16. He was a happy-go-lucky type, but I'm sure it bothered him. He's 41 and bald now, but he's been married for 10 years and has two or three kids IIRC.

I noticed my temples receding when I was 20 and it was very traumatic to me personally, so I can understand a little of what you're going through.

You say you've seen a doctor, but what about a dermatologist or hair specialist? You're under 18, so doctors are probably hesitant to prescribe you anything like Propecia. How about buying Nizoral 1% and using that 2-3 times per week?

[danylq]

That's tough. I once had a classmate who was balding at 16. He was a happy-go-lucky type, but I'm sure it bothered him. He's 41 and bald now, but he's been married for 10 years and has two or three kids IIRC.

I noticed my temples receding when I was 20 and it was very traumatic to me personally, so I can understand a little of what you're going through.

You say you've seen a doctor, but what about a dermatologist or hair specialist? You're under 18, so doctors are probably hesitant to prescribe you anything like Propecia. How about buying Nizoral 1% and using that 2-3 times per week?

I'm going to hopefully meet with a dermatologist this upcoming week, and see what to do from there on. I don't know anything about Nizoral, is it safe to use?

[Hairhope4ever]

I personally recommend avoiding a hair transplant as long as you can while young. Definitely give rogaine and propecia a shot to see how you respond to them.
If you decide to eventually have a procedure make sure to do your due diligence at all costs on the doctor and clinic.

[OldEnoughToKnowBetter]

I'm going to hopefully meet with a dermatologist this upcoming week, and see what to do from there on. I don't know anything about Nizoral, is it safe to use?

Good. A dermatologist will give you better advice.

Nizoral 1% is sold over the counter (in the US) and is pretty safe. Some research has shown it reduces shedding and increases thickness of the hair shaft.

Here is a little bit about Nizoral: http://www.livestrong.com/article/21...eat-hair-loss/

[OldEnoughToKnowBetter]

double post

[danylq]

Good. A dermatologist will give you better advice.

Nizoral 1% is sold over the counter (in the US) and is pretty safe. Some research has shown it reduces shedding and increases thickness of the hair shaft.

Here is a little bit about Nizoral: http://www.livestrong.com/article/21...eat-hair-loss/

Thanks for the help. Do you know where I can buy this over the net? (I don't live in the US)

[OldEnoughToKnowBetter]

Thanks for the help. Do you know where I can buy this over the net? (I don't live in the US)

I don't know, I've only ever bought Nizoral 1% shampoo from department stores and Walmart in the United States.

Perhaps meet with your dermatologist first, then ask about Nizoral 1% (or other topicals you can use at your age). I doubt he's going to prescribe you oral finasteride until you're at least 18. You're very young, so it's possible your hair loss will progress slowly and you will still have a great head of hair when you turn 18, when you can get on finasteride.

[danylq]

I don't know, I've only ever bought Nizoral 1% shampoo from departments store and Walmart in the United States.

Perhaps meet with your dermatologist first, then ask about Nizoral 1% (or other topicals you can use at your age). I doubt he's going to prescribe you oral finasteride until you're at least 18. You're very young, so it's possible your hair loss will progress slowly and you will still have a great head of hair when you turn 18, when you can get on finasteride.

alright, thanks for the help. im currently trying to stick to headmassages, shampoos without chemicals (forgot the specific name of the chemicals), dht-blocking foods such as pumpkin seeds, etc. do you have anything else you'd possibly recommend for me? best regards, dany

[OldEnoughToKnowBetter]

alright, thanks for the help. im currently trying to stick to headmassages, shampoos without chemicals (forgot the specific name of the chemicals), dht-blocking foods such as pumpkin seeds, etc. do you have anything else you'd possibly recommend for me? best regards, dany

On the natural route, there is Saw Palmetto, which reportedly blocks 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts T to DHT (but not as well as finasteride). In the United States, saw palmetto is sold over the counter in department stores. However, as with finasteride, I'm sure a doctor would tell you to not take anything that messes with your hormones until you're 18. As much as hair loss sucks, you don't want to damage your body before you're a full adult.

Just have your dermatologist run tests to determine if you have male-pattern baldness. It's always possible your hair loss is caused by some other condition unrelated to genetics.