Hey guys, this is my intro post. As I try to fight my hair loss I'll be as detailed and informative as possible on the forum and hopefully my results (or lack thereof) can eventually help other users.
SUMMARY
Age: 27 (almost 28)
Ethnicity: Arab/Middle Eastern
Family history of balding: Dad started in early 20s, now ~ Norwood 5; younger brother with hair loss comparable to my own, youngest is a teenager with no hair loss thus far
Age at start of hair loss: 23
Estimated Norwood scale: 3
Past and current regimens: None
Description of hair loss: Temples are basically gone, though with a few fragile hairs left; frontal hair is now a small "island" thinning throughout; hair on top of my head is quite a lot thinner than it was years ago, compared with my sides and back; crown is basically fine, no crown balding. Significant daily shedding
Possible non-genetic factors: Pack-a-day smoker for six years
PHOTOS (about a month and a half since my last haircut)
Left temple: http://imgur.com/3yy7Z1i
Right temple: http://imgur.com/E1xc95C
Thinning frontal island: http://imgur.com/ay1feNM
More of the front: http://imgur.com/IAeiWM4 ,
http://imgur.com/bFXWj4V ,
http://imgur.com/YQcSrqR
"Combover": http://imgur.com/ty3QPHx
Crewcut: http://imgur.com/IvXknYb
Crown: http://imgur.com/v3k7vwt ,
http://imgur.com/iT5qukR
What I'm wondering now: How bad is my hair loss? Is it too late to start acting, considering it's been 5 years? Where should I start in terms of meds?
Products I'm interested in trying: Nizoral (1% or 2% ketoconazole), monoxodil (2%),
RU-58841, Kourosh DHT Blocker (azelaic acid, zinc sulfate, vitamin B6), dietary supplements and natural suggestions
I prefer not to try finasteride because of the unpredictable side effects, but I might be willing
I'm shaving my head soon (figuring it'll help with absorption) and going on keto and minoxidil
