Need advice. Get on fin?

[nick9278]

Hello everyone! I'm 22, and for the past month or so I've been checking for possible hair loss. I figure if I think I'm experiencing hair loss, I probably am... but I wanted to get some outside opinions. I went to a ISHRS doctor, and checked for miniaturization. They seemed on the edge, like it is possible, but not positive. I figured I was fine for the moment, until I took a few pictures of my wet hair which seemed to show definite thinning at the crown. So if you guys could let me know what you think, that would be great! This really is a great resource!

I have the ability to take fin right now, but before I make that lifetime commitment, I wanted to make sure it is the right step. My hair loss doesn't seem very aggressive at the moment, but my dad started balding at 18, and my paternal uncle and grandfather are also bald. My mother's side of the family is pretty solid though, and I have her characteristics, thick hair/widow's peak.

I also have slight thinning at the hairline, and my crown seems a bit itchy lately. Additionally, if you don't notice I have a cowlick that parts my hair right on my crown, which you can see on the furthest left picture.

Sorry about the blurry pictures, and thank you!

[mnx]

I personally wouldn't take action until an expert is sure. I think the most reasonable course of action is to keep an eye on it, and check back with expert if there is a change.

I am no expert, so I'm not even going to venture a guess from your pics. I will say though that sometimes pictures make a situation look worse. For example, light hairs sometimes look like scalp, and wetness isn't very flattering. Try not to get too freaked out by a bad set of pictures.

[clandestine]

Understand fin has side effects. Beyond that, your decision, could be beneficial.

[25 going on 65]

It's a bit hard to tell from your pictures, but you may be in the early stages of thinning at the crown.

Definitely keep an eye on it, especially knowing it runs in your family. I would consider getting a second opinion from a different hair loss specialist as well.

Good luck!

[bob13]

Your hair looks good I wouldnt go on propcia for a while yet.. If it gets worse get a script

[Tracy C]

Hi nick9278,

Your hair looks fine. If you want, you could start using Nizoral A-D once or twice per week in place of your regular shampoo for about 6 months and see if it helps your hair look better to you.

[boricotico]

If I were you I'd try to avoid Fin until the last option, you're ok right now. We seem to forget that the Finasteride side effects are real, even at 2% it's a risk you're taking. I'm talking by experience, I only took the pill for six months and I'm still wondering if the side effects would go away some day.

[nick9278]

Thanks for the responses!

I have an appointment with a recommended IAHRS physician mid-April, so I'll monitor it until then.

I also picked up some Nizoral 1% last week. I've lived in a hot place my whole life and have recently moved to cold weather. I think it's making my hair react with some dandruff, which may explain the itchiness. I might be shedding more too? Who knows. Anyways, thank you again!

[25 going on 65]

Abrupt changes in climate can definitely cause changes in your skin, including unwelcome ones like dryness and itching.

I respectfully must disagree boricotico about finasteride. If you are in fact losing your hair due to male-pattern baldness, and you want to treat it effectively, finasteride would typically be the first line of defense and not the last. This is because it is the better-understood (i.e. safer) of the two proven DHT suppressants on the market, and because without DHT suppression, there is currently no way to stop hereditary hair loss in men.

That said, you don't want to take a lifelong pill if it's not necessary, so I would wait until after your doctor's appointment to make any decisions like that.

[nick9278]

Just wanted to update. I went to an IAHRS doctor in my area and found out I have MPB. Diffuse thinning with the worst in the crown. I've caught it early though and he said I have a good chance of maintaining what I have (cosmetically) for quite a while with the Big 3. Hopefully in 5 to 10 to 12 years... whatever they are saying nowadays... better treatments will be available and I'll still have a similar amount of hair, assuming I respond well to my current regimen.

Looking back I realized the process started when I was 21, last fall probably... I didn't think much of it at the time. Kinda crazy how it creeps up on you.