BruceLeroy
New Member
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Hi, all. Been browsing the forum for a few weeks and decided to post.
My situation: Approximately two years ago (at 33), my stylist noticed a bald spot on the crown, which was news to me. Since I was going through a considerable amount of stress at the time, I did a tiny bit of research and decided to treat what was possibly anxiety-related hair loss with 1% Nizoral 2-3 times per week.
Owing either to that or just genetics, the bald patch didn't seem to get any worse over time. But over the past six months--and really dramatically over the past two--I've had noticeable thinning through the top of my head and the front. It feels like 50% of the hairs have disappeared. I can see bare patches on my scalp after showering and the top just seems substantially thinner than it's ever been. Unfortunately, due to a family illness, I don't see my stress triggers going away anytime soon, and I'm not even sure that didn't just jump-start a hereditary problem I was due to have anyway.
My questions:
1. Is it worth going to a dermatologist to get a biopsy and see what could be causing the thinning and loss? Or is treatment the same regardless?
2. I'm considering Rogaine, but the prospect of facial bloat is making me hesitate. I have a thin, slight frame, and "moon face" I've gotten from lack of sleep or weight gain or previous corticosteroid use does NOT look good on me AT ALL. I also don't want to use diuretics. If I try Rogaine and find I'm susceptible to facial swelling, will it go away if I discontinue the solution? Could I try to mitigate sides by only using it once a day, or using 2% minoxidil?
3. I've heard the liquid penetrates the scalp better than the foam--but if my hair is thin to begin with, does it make much of a difference?
4. I don't think I have the constitution for Propecia: I have a lot of health anxiety, and the idea of serious sides is very scary. As much as I want to maintain or gain hair, I don't think it's worth the concern I'd have over sexual dysfunction or mental fog. (I've already got my share of that.)
5. Would asking for a 2% ketokonazale shampoo prescription be of any benefit?
6. I already take fish oil and am considering adding Biotin because it doesn't seem like it would hurt. Any opinions on the latter?
I would appreciate any advice. This is really starting to impact my mood. I don't have a lot of physical assets in terms of height or physique, so having a half-head of hair isn't really anything I'm looking forward to. Attaching some photos for reference. Thanks.
My situation: Approximately two years ago (at 33), my stylist noticed a bald spot on the crown, which was news to me. Since I was going through a considerable amount of stress at the time, I did a tiny bit of research and decided to treat what was possibly anxiety-related hair loss with 1% Nizoral 2-3 times per week.
Owing either to that or just genetics, the bald patch didn't seem to get any worse over time. But over the past six months--and really dramatically over the past two--I've had noticeable thinning through the top of my head and the front. It feels like 50% of the hairs have disappeared. I can see bare patches on my scalp after showering and the top just seems substantially thinner than it's ever been. Unfortunately, due to a family illness, I don't see my stress triggers going away anytime soon, and I'm not even sure that didn't just jump-start a hereditary problem I was due to have anyway.
My questions:
1. Is it worth going to a dermatologist to get a biopsy and see what could be causing the thinning and loss? Or is treatment the same regardless?
2. I'm considering Rogaine, but the prospect of facial bloat is making me hesitate. I have a thin, slight frame, and "moon face" I've gotten from lack of sleep or weight gain or previous corticosteroid use does NOT look good on me AT ALL. I also don't want to use diuretics. If I try Rogaine and find I'm susceptible to facial swelling, will it go away if I discontinue the solution? Could I try to mitigate sides by only using it once a day, or using 2% minoxidil?
3. I've heard the liquid penetrates the scalp better than the foam--but if my hair is thin to begin with, does it make much of a difference?
4. I don't think I have the constitution for Propecia: I have a lot of health anxiety, and the idea of serious sides is very scary. As much as I want to maintain or gain hair, I don't think it's worth the concern I'd have over sexual dysfunction or mental fog. (I've already got my share of that.)
5. Would asking for a 2% ketokonazale shampoo prescription be of any benefit?
6. I already take fish oil and am considering adding Biotin because it doesn't seem like it would hurt. Any opinions on the latter?
I would appreciate any advice. This is really starting to impact my mood. I don't have a lot of physical assets in terms of height or physique, so having a half-head of hair isn't really anything I'm looking forward to. Attaching some photos for reference. Thanks.
