IMO around 6-8 months you'll probably know if it's going to work or not. If not, I'd drop it. I gave finasteride way too many chances. Inhibitors are weird drugs.
I don’t think that’s enough. Some see results after a year. If you experience worse shedding/loss of hair throughout that entire time, maybe stop.
My contention is that if you don't see ANY progress, or you are worse off by 6 months, then it probably isn't working. Yes, hair is cyclical in nature and you will may experience a second or even a third finasteride-induced shed. But if you are a positive responder, you should see at least SOME kind of improvement by then, especially if you are doing 1mg/day. It would also be a good idea to keep an eye on your body hair. An increase in this is not a good sign.
Yes, prolonged AR upregulation/reflex hyperandrogenicity is the risk, but 1) it’s rare so most likely you’re experiencing the classic finasteride shed (which IMO is just a hair cycle shed based on hormonal changes, could be androgen downregulation or temporary upregulation causing it) and 2) if you don’t experience increased body hair/sebum/increased libido for a long time as you’re also shedding, you’re fine.
Thanks I’ve been freaking out idk what is going on with my hair. What should I look for if it’s Telogen Effluvium? Here’s some without flash Idk if flash makes things appear differently???
For Telogen Effluvium, the end of the root hair usually has a "white bulb" substance. Those hairs would usually return with the same thickness & quality and not prone to miniaturisation.
If I feel like I have been thinning on top it would have shown prominently on my crown area right? So if crown looks good could it just be Telogen Effluvium or seasonal shed? I notice tip of hair shed has white stuff on it or white bud
Maybe wait about 3 more months before giving the final verdict on it.
