Efficacy of Hair Loss Medications on the Front of the Scalp

[rbernstein]

There is some misinformation being passed around suggesting that hair loss medications (finasteride and minoxidil) are not effective in growing hair in the front part of the scalp. With our patients’ permission, we have posted the results of treatment with Propecia and Rogaine to show that medications do work well in many cases. It is important to note that most patients have used the medications consistently for at least a year to achieved the desired results.

Below are some examples of Bernstein Medical patients who have treated their hair loss with medication alone. Visit the Bernstein Medical website to see additional before and after photos of medical treatment.

Click for larger versions:


Patient OVQ


Patient KMJ


Patient QTC

[Zao]

Great post Dr. Bernstein. I read so much misinformation about Propecia and the frontal hair loss issue is always something that comes up. I have personally kept my hairline in check sine 1998 using Propecia and I was losing hair in that area aggressively before I started.
Here’s my story, you might remember me

http://www.baldtruthtalk.com/showthread.php?t=435

[8868alex]

Dr Bernstein - Many thanks for this. I congratulate you on highlighting the success of medical therapy as a stand alone treatment. Surgery obviously has it's place but I think it's testament to your integrity that you don't merely focus on the surgical apsects.

Zao - Great story, all the best for continual success!

[25 going on 65]

Great post Dr. Bernstein. I read so much misinformation about Propecia and the frontal hair loss issue is always something that comes up. I have personally kept my hairline in check sine 1998 using Propecia and I was losing hair in that area aggressively before I started.
Here’s my story, you might remember me

http://www.baldtruthtalk.com/showthread.php?t=435

13+ years on finasteride and your hairline is solid?? Have you noticed any loss n front and at the temples since you started? Also, are you using any other treatments?
Your story gets me excited because I've been worrying a lot lately about finasteride losing its effectiveness after 3-5 years, especially in front. If this drug could maintain my hairline for more than a decade that would be a dream come true for me.
Also, have you noticed any side effects?

[WarLord]

13+ years on finasteride and your hairline is solid?? Have you noticed any loss n front and at the temples since you started? Also, are you using any other treatments?
Your story gets me excited because I've been worrying a lot lately about finasteride losing its effectiveness after 3-5 years, especially in front. If this drug could maintain my hairline for more than a decade that would be a dream come true for me.
Also, have you noticed any side effects?

Guys, in what a space are you living?! I have kept my NW1.5 hairline for 15,5 years on minoxidil alone, and it would never occur to me that it should stop working. The available treatments are very effective especially as a sort of prevention. If they can regrow hair, it is just logical that they can keep existing hair. The bullsh*t that is posted on internet forums is sickening. Can you understand that people, who are successful with their treatments don't need to go here?

[25 going on 65]

Guys, in what a space are you living?! I have kept my NW1.5 hairline for 15,5 years on minoxidil alone,

Then you do not have hereditary hair loss. Minoxidil doesn't stop MPB.
You are also responding to posts from January.

[Tracy C]

Then you do not have hereditary hair loss.

His comments do indicate that he does not actually have MPB but instead just the natural and normal adult mature male hair line. Some males can prevent the adult male hair line from developing - but most males can not prevent it.

However, his argument concerning the fictitious time limit on the effectiveness of treatments is still a valid one. I know males who actually do have MPB but maintained their hair for over 15+ years. Females with FPB can be expected to maintain for even longer.

Minoxidil doesn't stop MPB.

That is correct. Minoxidil does not stop MPB or FPB. It just fights against the effects of androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride (for males) and Spironolactone (for females) actually stops androgenetic alopecia.

[WarLord]

Then you do not have hereditary hair loss. Minoxidil doesn't stop MPB.
You are also responding to posts from January.

MINOXIDIL STOPS MPB!!! Are you crazy?! If it regrows hair, it means that it has the capacity to preserve existing hair. You are completely brainwashed by posts of some internet morons, who theirselves haven't used this stuff.

The long-term studies from late 80's that are at disposal quite clearly show that a large proportion of patients was regrowing hair on 3% (!) minoxidil even after 4-5 years. And even if you extrapolated the declining curves of average hair counts to the future, it would take about 15 years, until the people reached baseline. And I repeat that this was 3% minoxidil!

[blakes33]

There is some misinformation being passed around suggesting that hair loss medications (finasteride and minoxidil) are not effective in growing hair in the front part of the scalp. With our patients’ permission, we have posted the results of treatment with Propecia and Rogaine to show that medications do work well in many cases. It is important to note that most patients have used the medications consistently for at least a year to achieved the desired results.

Below are some examples of Bernstein Medical patients who have treated their hair loss with medication alone. Visit the Bernstein Medical website to see additional before and after photos of medical treatment.

Click for larger versions:

Attachment 13104
Patient OVQ

Attachment 13105
Patient KMJ

Attachment 13106
Patient QTC

I have used propecia since it was released (almost 14 years) but recently became VERY worried about the new studies showing potential of permanent hormonal changes and impotence. Even Merck revised their side effects warning in the last 6 months to include "erectile dysfunction that persisted even after stopping the drug".

Do you know if catch-up hairloss is real - if so, how much will I lose and how soon (based on experience)? I have been off propecia now for 11 weeks.

What about minoxidil - do you think if I start using that instead of propecia it will stop my hairloss the same way propecia has done?

[25 going on 65]

From everything I've read, catch-up hair loss is real. If you quit finasteride, all the benefits gained from drug will disappear - I believe it takes less than a year. This is true whether you've been on the drug for a couple years, or for 14.
Minoxidil has a different effect than finasteride and won't stop your hair loss. It stimulates growth where your follicles can still grow hair, but the number of follicles capable of growing hair will continue to decrease if you have male-pattern hair loss and are not using finasteride or dutasteride.