Just got told I (M19) have male pattern baldness, should I take finasteride?

Light Bulb

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I visited a derm that specializes in hair today and got told I have male pattern baldness. He told me that my only real option was to take propecia MWF (1.25 g tablets) and that none of his patients have had any side effects. The nurse that was in the room with us also said her 18 yo son was on it as well lol. I’ve already stopped growing about 2 years ago so I’m not worried about any development issues. I am worried about the possible side effects though, is it worth taking now? Still have a good head of hair but it’s thinning out pretty fast.
 

Flamingflaps

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You have amazing hair, I can’t see any of the thinning the doctor saw.

I started balding at a similar age to you and didn’t catch it quite as early - started propecia about a year into the process. I can recommend it - I’m 34 now and still have pretty much the same hair I had at 20. That hair is worth saving!
 

NickyA

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It's a good idea to begin taking finasteride, especially if a doctor considers that you have male patern baldness and it runs in your family. If you're worried about side effects you could get a blood test done and check your Hepatic Enzimes, Estrogen, Estradiol, Estriol, Prolactin, Testosterone, DHT and SHBG. If everything's normal you'll be fine. Two Australian doctors on Youtube (The Hair Loss Show) also suggest a custom dose of finasteride (1mg three times a week) which they say 99% of the men they have worked with tolerate without any side effects whatsoever the 20 years they've been working as dermatologists.
 

Here For the Lulz

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I’m guessing that picture isn’t remotely indicative of the entire thing. Either that or your doctor is on crack. Just remember, beat your dick as much as you can now so you can look back on those memories once you've gone smooth a few months is.
 

Jakejr

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I get a kick out of these forums.
I think I read a post similar but the writer was 13 (yo).
The general problem is AMA doesn’t have answers. So it becomes a journey of trial & error. Since hair loss is a moneymaker, the scammers abound. What works for me may not work for you.
For my two cents it’s an individual decision. If you orally take any anti-androgen medication, your whole body is affected. So loss of libido etc. is that where we want to go?
For me I would only use these chemical compounds topically on scalp where it’s needed. Whether it gets into bloodstream is usually negligible. The trade off is taking it orally doesn’t usually do much in long run. It was designed for prostate patients.
I started using, of all things (safflower oil)
This is highly regarded in India/Asia but not here in USA. Rosemary oil is another, & so on.. Also Hair Restoration Labs has good shampoo/conditioner.
Your hair is still thick, but I see you’re worried about thinning hairline.
If that’s no.1 for you, hit it with topicals every day/night & it should thicken.
 
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