finasteride and Chronic Telogen Effluvium

[Weepy]

I do not want to alarm anybody; I am simply posting some information I received, following a consultation. In addition, my circumstance is relatively novel for a number of reasons.

I noted the finasteride shed that many forum members are experiencing. The doctor respon that finasteride can (1) Cause Telogen Effluvium, and (2) Cause chroinc Telogen Effluvium. (2) is consistent with the reports I've seen on this board -- finasteride users whose sheds seem to go on.

He suggested I stop finasteride. I am at an absolute loss as to what to do. As far as I can tell, finasteride should not be causing this! In fact, finasteride responders do not seem to go through this shed.

God, I want to jump off a f*****g bridge.

 

[Dick Hyman]

get a grip. relax. take a breath.

if your Doctor tells you to stop than stop.

you will probably thicken up a bit and then you will slowly lose your hair over time. Ypou'll get used to it and life will go on.

it is NOT the end of the world.

 

[SE-freak]

This is not to pick it up from where we left it Dick, but I think that this was not a good message.

Reality is, that there is another option for maintenance and this option is topical antiandrogens.

Weepy does not need to hear that he is going to lose his hair over time and as a matter of fact this is by no means a certainty.

This is not the end of the world OR the end of your hair Weepy.

Never kneel.

 

[Weepy]

Never kneel.

Thanks, bro. I definitely needed that right now. I just feel so lost. And I know you do, too. So it helps to commiserate. I truly appreciate it.

BTW, could you add your timeline in your regimen? I am trying to follow people's progress, but people forget to do this.

 

[SE-freak]

done.

 

[Weepy]

done.

Our treatment times are similar. Let's keep in touch.

 

[Dick Hyman]

Sorry Weepy, didn't mean to come off defeatist there. I was actually trying to put some perspective on hairloss as you seem(ed) really bent up about it.

By all means pursue other avenues, but I feel that if a Doctor tells you to give Propecia the "Heisman," you should probably listen to him.

Best of luck.

 

[SE-freak]

Weepy,

I just reviewed your regimen timeline.

What made you think that you are shedding because of propecia and not minoxidil?

You just started and you jump to the conclusion of Telogen Effluvium?? :shock:
a Telogen Effluvium involves follicles entering the telogen phase which lasts 3 months.
If propecia induced a Telogen Effluvium it would be 3 months after the start of your timeline and not some days after.

Stay on the exact regimen you started and give it some time.

I have lost most of the hair on my crown in a week. But I don't bother.
It's probably a minoxidil shed and these hairs were obviously afflicted.

Dont freak out.