Thoughts about preemptively Taking Fin?

[LG1816]

Hi,

Male pattern baldness runs in my family. My dad started going bald in his late 20s and my grandad on my mothers side started in his 30s.

I’m 25, and am extremely worried about losing my hair. It hasn’t started as of yet. I’ve compared my hairline to pictures from several years ago and it hasn’t changed, and compared it to the Norwood scale and I don’t have any signs of recession.

I’ve learned about the options to prevent and slow hair loss such as finasteride and minoxidil, and am wondering what your thoughts are about starting finasteride as a preemptive measure?

Considering two members of my family have suffered from MPB, I assume the likelihood I will too is very high. If possible, I’d rather not wait until I see it happen, because then I’ve already lost hair I can’t get back (unless I went on minoxidil which I’d rather avoid because of the potential skin issues).

In the UK, you’re able self refer to be prescribed finasteride at one of the big drug store chains, so it would be pretty easy to get hold of. The question is, are there any inherent concerns with going on the drug when I don’t already have hair loss? Will I likely experience shedding and make my already good head of hair look worse for a long time?

Any advice would be much appreciated. Many thanks!