Official Introduction - Please Advice – w/PICS.

[EvilMonkey]

First of all, I am glad to know I am not alone and there is a whole community dedicated to helping each other through these rather “tough” times.

About Me:

I am 24 years old male and started noticing my hair loss/thinning this year. I still have a lot of hair, but have a thinning hair line and noticeable hair loss on my crown (See Pictures). My sister and dad were first to notice hair loss on my crown. I have noticed a lot of hair on the pillow and shower/tub for past couple of years, but I never paid too much attention, since I had so much. The hair loss has slowed down as I don’t see as much hair in the shower and my bed, but I still seem to be losing hair and it is noticeably thinner.

What I have done about it:

1. Met with my family doctor, had a general blood test, nothing seems abnormal, especially all the thyroid and testosterone results are normal.
2. Met with dermatologist, just told me the obvious, it is MPB, and prescribed Propecia (Finasteride) and Rogaine 5%.

My Regimen:

Fincar 5mg- 1.25mg/day Ordered from Inhouse Pharmacy
Nizoral 1% - 3 times/week
Burt's Bees Very Volumizing Pomegranate & Soy Shampoo – On Non-Nizoral Days

Questions:

1. Is it true people experience more side effects from generic finasteride, such as Fincar?
2. Could people share their expreince with Fincar bought from Inhouse Pharmacy? Or in general?
3. How should I store Fincar once cut into quarters? Does it have to tightly packed to preserve its effectiveness?
4. Is it recommended for me to start with 1.25mg or should I start smaller?
5. Should I start Minoxidil right away or wait and see if Finasteride alone works first?

THANKS A LOT FOR ANY HELP!

PICTURES: