Cerbercus's Story!

[cerbercus]

Hi everyone! I'm new here, posted one other post in the styling section about Fudge thickening shampoo, but apart from that, I've just read and not spoke.

So, here's my story!

When I was about 17 I started to notice more and more hair was coming out when I washed and styled my hair. I ignored it but was a bit worreid about what was causing it. Anyways, two years later, things are still the same, more hair than normal is coming out when I wash and style my hair, as well as a recent purchase of a white pillow which allows me to see every single hair I shed over night which isn't a pretty picture in the morning!!

I went to a trichologist a month or two ago and was diagnosed as having male pattern hair loss (thanks Dad for passing it on to me!) She said the treatment was a course of minoxidil. for 6 months to increase regrowth whilst taking Propecia at the same time. Having done research into each, I decided I'd rather stick with taking a pill daily, as I barely have time to shower each day, let alone apply minoxidil. twice! I ordered my Propecia last week and it's planned to arrive within the next day or two!

I have a few questions however!

1) My hair fell out ALL over the scalp, not just temples, top and vertex. Is this normal for male pattern baldness?

2) Does Propecia help with regrowth? I'd like to regain what I had, but if minoxidil. is the only way to do this I'm happy to just maintain!

3) Do ALL Propecia takers go through the periodic sheds a while into treatment? I've read as to why this happens but I've also read that people have taken Propecia for years without experiencing it!

4) What's my likelihood of success? I'm a very fit and healthy 19 year old male - daily exercise, eat right, drink plenty of water/green tea/soya milk, not easily stressed etc - my hairloss isn't dreadful but is noticeable. I've got medium length hair that I style so the only place it's noticeable when it's styled is the crown/vertex!

Replies would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks guys, I look forward to meeting and speaking to you! Some of your stories have been really inspirational and offer me loads of hope! Gotta think positive eh??

Cheers guys (and girls too I guess!)
Cerbercus - aka Mike!

 

[thinisin]

If your hairloss is not affecting your hairline or crown, but you are generally thinning, then you are probably (like me) a diffuse thinner. This is still classified as male pattern baldness, though you won't follow the typical Norwood pattern.

As far as treatments go, the sooner you start, the better. If your goal is maintenance, propecia is probably sufficient. Using the other proven methods will enhance your chances of maintenance and regrowth, but you need to decide if it is worth it to you.

Many of us envy your position and wish we had started to do something about our hairloss sooner, so stick with it. You'll be much better off than if you did nothing.

 

[cerbercus]

Thanks for getting back to me.
I had a feeling I had diffuse thinning, although the trichologist simply dimissed it and didn't particularly listen to what I had to say!
I'm a bit anxious about starting Propecia, what with possible side effects, but I'm hoping my health and lifestyle will be a good way of keeping them at bay!

 

[thinisin]

The sides are rare and go away if you stop the treatment. Many have noted initial sides that abated with time while still taking it. Bottom line: it won't hurt to give it a try for a few months.