Progress After 13.5 Years On Finasteride

[Grempletonian]

I am a 31-year-old male, diffuse thinner with mild recession.

I began to notice my hairloss in 2003 aged 17. When I combed back my hair, my scalp was very visible in the sunlight for the first time in my life. My hairline was kinky and no longer thick and impenetrable. Applying gel to my hair made it look every worse. My temples had also receded about an inch on either side in just a matter of months. Some friends also occasionally commented that my crown was thinning, which it was.

For a few months, I used only topical saw palmetto and didn't really know what I was doing. Having seen continued hairloss and the thinning progress at an alarming rate in just six months or so, I became extremely worried. The diffuse thinning seemed to speed up very quickly and I was convinced I would be completely bald by age 21. It was a very sad and scary time for me, and I had to style my hair in certain ways (always flat and combing over the crown in a certain way) to cover up the loss.

I educated myself on this website, which was an absolute godsend (I used to post under the username 'Buster', or something similar.) I dropped the saw palmetto oil and began taking 1mg finasteride (Propecia) daily. Within a year or two, I had managed to maintain my hair and it may have even thickened up slightly, although it's difficult to say for sure. My recession did not progress either.

After a few years, I switched to 2.5mg finasteride, simply because it was cheaper to buy Proscar 5mg and cut the pill in half (I found cutting it into quarters too fiddly). I tend not to skip doses, although I occasionally do miss one and have had a few periods of a few months not taking it—usually when I've been abroad and not placed my order in time. I sometimes use generic finasteride if Proscar is out of stock and increasingly do so for price reasons. I've never noticed much difference in my hairloss when switching doses or switching between Propecia, Proscar and generic finasteride. I've occasionally used Nizoral or Alpecin shampoo, but not with any regularity or for long periods of time.

Thankfully, I've never suffered any side effects from any of the medications I've taken.

I'm now 31 years old. My hairloss has continued, but at an extremely slow rate. My hairline hasn't changed at all since I began, which was a huge surprise. Most of the continued hairloss has occurred at the crown, which has thinned further, but again, at a relatively slow rate. It has also continued diffusely in other places. I can still give the impression of a full head of hair, but it takes a little more time and styling now. Also, wind and water can expose the hairloss quite badly.

Overall, I view my progress as a huge success. My initial hairloss was so quick and at such a young age that I don't doubt I'd be bald by now if it weren't for finasteride. Instead, I've maintained very well and seen many of my peers start to lose their hair and go fully bald during the period of my treatment. The time I've bought has allowed me to feel much more comfortable with my much slower rate of hairloss and become more confident in myself. I've started a relationship and married in that time, and am thoroughly enjoying life. I'm afraid that's why I haven't revisited this forum for years—because I think about hairloss much less nowadays.

I have, however, experienced slow hairloss over the years and probably will lose it within the next 10 years or so if I don't make some changes. I'm considering adding minoxidil and regular Nizoral to my regimen. I've seen some people have very good results and wonder if I could regain some of what I've lost in the last 10 years. Minoxidil seems like a pain to apply, but I wonder if I could get away with using the 5% liquid version once per day, going up to twice per day and then stronger concentrations if required. I'm thinking along these lines because I realise it's a lifelong commitment and would prefer to keep my regimen as simple as possible for as long as possible. I will probably use Nizoral twice per week.

I'd rather not switch to dutasteride yet. I'm still not sure if I'd ever use it; it seems quite extreme and I don't believe it's been tested for hairloss for as long and approved for hairloss treatment in the same way that finasteride has (correct me if I'm wrong). Also, my wife and I will probably try to have a baby in the next year or so, and whilst I know there are no concerns with finasteride in ejaculate, I'm not sure if the same can be said about dutasteride.

I have a few questions I'd appreciate some help with:

1. What are your thoughts on my plans to introduce 5% liquid minoxidil once per day (as opposed to twice) and Nizoral twice per week?
2. I don't have hours to get ready in the morning and I'm often busy until just before I go to bed. Can I apply minoxidil very soon after showering in the morning or immediately before going to bed at night?
3. Does Alpecin actually work? Is it as good as Nizoral?
4. What are your thoughts on dutasteride for someone in my situation (not to introduce now but potentially as a consideration for the future)?

Thanks for reading and good luck to you all.

 

[DoctorHouse]

I am a 31-year-old male, diffuse thinner with mild recession.

I began to notice my hairloss in 2003 aged 17. When I combed back my hair, my scalp was very visible in the sunlight for the first time in my life. My hairline was kinky and no longer thick and impenetrable. Applying gel to my hair made it look every worse. My temples had also receded about an inch on either side in just a matter of months. Some friends also occasionally commented that my crown was thinning, which it was.

For a few months, I used a topical herbal remedy I found online and didn't really know what I was doing. Having seen continued hairloss and the thinning progress at an alarming rate in just six months or so, I became extremely worried. The diffuse thinning seemed to speed up very quickly and I was convinced I would be completely bald by age 21. It was a very sad and scary time for me, and I had to style my hair in certain ways (always flat and combing over the crown in a certain way) to cover up the loss.

I educated myself on this website, which was an absolute godsend (I used to post under the username 'Buster', or something similar.) I dropped the snake oil and began taking 1mg finasteride (Propecia) daily. Within a year or two, I had managed to maintain my hair and it may have even thickened up slightly, although it's difficult to say for sure. My recession did not progress either.

After a few years, I switched to 2.5mg finasteride, simply because it was cheaper to buy Proscar 5mg and cut the pill in half (I found cutting it into quarters too fiddly). I tend not to skip doses, although I occasionally do miss one and have had a few periods of a few months not taking it—usually when I've been abroad and not placed my order in time. I sometimes use generic finasteride if Proscar is out of stock and increasingly do so for price reasons. I've never noticed much difference in my hairloss when switching doses or switching between Propecia, Proscar and generic finasteride. I've occasionally used Nizoral or Alpecin shampoo, but not with any regularity or for long periods of time.

Thankfully, I've never suffered any side effects from any of the medications I've taken.

I'm now 31 years old. My hairloss has continued, but at an extremely slow rate. My hairline hasn't changed at all since I began, which was a huge surprise. Most of the continued hairloss has occurred at the crown, which has thinned further, but again, at a relatively slow rate. It has also continued diffusely in other places. I can still give the impression of a full head of hair, but it takes a little more time and styling now. Also, wind and water can expose the hairloss quite badly.

Overall, I view my progress as a huge success. My initial hairloss was so quick and at such a young age that I don't doubt I'd be bald by now if it weren't for finasteride. Instead, I've maintained very well and seen many of my peers start to lose their hair and go fully bald during the period of my treatment. The time I've bought has allowed me to feel much more comfortable with my much slower rate of hairloss and become more confident in myself. I've started a relationship and married in that time, and am thoroughly enjoying life. I'm afraid that's why I haven't revisited this forum for years—because I think about hairloss much less nowadays.

I have, however, experienced slow hairloss over the years and probably will lose it within the next 10 years or so if I don't make some changes. I'm considering adding minoxidil and regular Nizoral to my regimen. I've seen some people have very good results and wonder if I could regain some of what I've lost in the last 10 years. Minoxidil seems like a pain to apply, but I wonder if I could get away with using the 5% liquid version once per day, going up to twice per day and then stronger concentrations if required. I'm thinking along these lines because I realise it's a lifelong commitment and would prefer to keep my regimen as simple as possible for as long as possible. I will probably use Nizoral twice per week.

I'd rather not switch to dutasteride yet. I'm still not sure if I'd ever use it; it seems quite extreme and I don't believe it's been tested for hairloss for as long and approved for hairloss treatment in the same way that finasteride has (correct me if I'm wrong). Also, my wife and I will probably try to have a baby in the next year or so, and whilst I know there are no concerns with finasteride in ejaculate, I'm not sure if the same can be said about dutasteride.

I have a couple of questions I'd appreciate some help with:

1. What are your thoughts on my plans to introduce 5% liquid minoxidil once per day (as opposed to twice) and Nizoral twice per week?
2. I don't have hours to get ready in the morning and I'm often busy until just before I go to bed. Can I apply minoxidil very soon after showering in the morning or immediately before going to bed at night?
3. Does Alpecin actually work? Is it as good as Nizoral?
4. What are your thoughts on dutasteride for someone in my situation (not to introduce now but potentially as a consideration for the future)?

Thanks for reading and good luck to you all.

I would try Rogaine foam twice per day at first and then drop to once per day after two years. However, twice per day will give you the best results. Adding nizoral twice per week would not be a bad idea as well.

 

[Grempletonian]

I would try Rogaine foam twice per day at first and then drop to once per day after two years. However, twice per day will give you the best results. Adding nizoral twice per week would not be a bad idea as well.

Thanks for your response.

Why twice per day? My impression was it's best to keep more in one's arsenal. Also, won't dropping down to once per day result in loss?

Finally, why would you recommend the foam as opposed to the liquid? As my hair isn't particularly short, I imagine the liquid might be easier to apply.

 

[DoctorHouse]

Thanks for your response.

Why twice per day? My impression was it's best to keep more in one's arsenal. Also, won't dropping down to once per day result in loss?

Finally, why would you recommend the foam as opposed to the liquid? As my hair isn't particularly short, I imagine the liquid might be easier to apply.

Minoxidil is dose dependent. If you want faster results, go with twice per day. The liquid is fine but some people have problems with PG. Not only that but I find the foam acts like a hair thickener if you use it in the morning. Foam also dries super fast as opposed to the liquid. The liquid makes your hair look greasy or thinner.

 

[Grempletonian]

Minoxidil is dose dependent. If you want faster results, go with twice per day. The liquid is fine but some people have problems with PG. Not only that but I find the foam acts like a hair thickener if you use it in the morning. Foam also dries super fast as opposed to the liquid. The liquid makes your hair look greasy or thinner.

Understood, thanks. Any problem using cheaper alternatives like Tugain and Brintop?

 

[DoctorHouse]

Understood, thanks. Any problem using cheaper alternatives like Tugain and Brintop?

Not familiar with them as I live in the US.

 

[Pephair]

Thanks for your response.

Why twice per day? My impression was it's best to keep more in one's arsenal. Also, won't dropping down to once per day result in loss?

Finally, why would you recommend the foam as opposed to the liquid? As my hair isn't particularly short, I imagine the liquid might be easier to apply.

The liquid contains propylene glycol which allows the minoxidil to penetrate the scalp better.
Once a day is almost as good as twice a day, if using liquid.

Study for PG
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000527360900296X (ctrl+F: propylene glycol)

Well known hair specialist on the topic.
https://www.bernsteinmedical.com/hair-transplant-video/which-is-better-rogaine-foam-or-liquid/

 

[Robintx]

Understood, thanks. Any problem using cheaper alternatives like Tugain and Brintop?

Although i have been on minoxidil for a month only , but have had decent results so far with Tugain 5% by Cipla , which is what you have asked about.

Also , like a lot of people , i apply Foam in the morning 15 minutes before heading out for work and Tugain at night.

 

[michel sapin]

any pictures ? no sides after all those years ?

 

[Hairambe]

I am a 31-year-old male, diffuse thinner with mild recession.

I began to notice my hairloss in 2003 aged 17. When I combed back my hair, my scalp was very visible in the sunlight for the first time in my life. My hairline was kinky and no longer thick and impenetrable. Applying gel to my hair made it look every worse. My temples had also receded about an inch on either side in just a matter of months. Some friends also occasionally commented that my crown was thinning, which it was.

For a few months, I used only topical saw palmetto and didn't really know what I was doing. Having seen continued hairloss and the thinning progress at an alarming rate in just six months or so, I became extremely worried. The diffuse thinning seemed to speed up very quickly and I was convinced I would be completely bald by age 21. It was a very sad and scary time for me, and I had to style my hair in certain ways (always flat and combing over the crown in a certain way) to cover up the loss.

I educated myself on this website, which was an absolute godsend (I used to post under the username 'Buster', or something similar.) I dropped the saw palmetto oil and began taking 1mg finasteride (Propecia) daily. Within a year or two, I had managed to maintain my hair and it may have even thickened up slightly, although it's difficult to say for sure. My recession did not progress either.

After a few years, I switched to 2.5mg finasteride, simply because it was cheaper to buy Proscar 5mg and cut the pill in half (I found cutting it into quarters too fiddly). I tend not to skip doses, although I occasionally do miss one and have had a few periods of a few months not taking it—usually when I've been abroad and not placed my order in time. I sometimes use generic finasteride if Proscar is out of stock and increasingly do so for price reasons. I've never noticed much difference in my hairloss when switching doses or switching between Propecia, Proscar and generic finasteride. I've occasionally used Nizoral or Alpecin shampoo, but not with any regularity or for long periods of time.

Thankfully, I've never suffered any side effects from any of the medications I've taken.

I'm now 31 years old. My hairloss has continued, but at an extremely slow rate. My hairline hasn't changed at all since I began, which was a huge surprise. Most of the continued hairloss has occurred at the crown, which has thinned further, but again, at a relatively slow rate. It has also continued diffusely in other places. I can still give the impression of a full head of hair, but it takes a little more time and styling now. Also, wind and water can expose the hairloss quite badly.

Overall, I view my progress as a huge success. My initial hairloss was so quick and at such a young age that I don't doubt I'd be bald by now if it weren't for finasteride. Instead, I've maintained very well and seen many of my peers start to lose their hair and go fully bald during the period of my treatment. The time I've bought has allowed me to feel much more comfortable with my much slower rate of hairloss and become more confident in myself. I've started a relationship and married in that time, and am thoroughly enjoying life. I'm afraid that's why I haven't revisited this forum for years—because I think about hairloss much less nowadays.

I have, however, experienced slow hairloss over the years and probably will lose it within the next 10 years or so if I don't make some changes. I'm considering adding minoxidil and regular Nizoral to my regimen. I've seen some people have very good results and wonder if I could regain some of what I've lost in the last 10 years. Minoxidil seems like a pain to apply, but I wonder if I could get away with using the 5% liquid version once per day, going up to twice per day and then stronger concentrations if required. I'm thinking along these lines because I realise it's a lifelong commitment and would prefer to keep my regimen as simple as possible for as long as possible. I will probably use Nizoral twice per week.

I'd rather not switch to dutasteride yet. I'm still not sure if I'd ever use it; it seems quite extreme and I don't believe it's been tested for hairloss for as long and approved for hairloss treatment in the same way that finasteride has (correct me if I'm wrong). Also, my wife and I will probably try to have a baby in the next year or so, and whilst I know there are no concerns with finasteride in ejaculate, I'm not sure if the same can be said about dutasteride.

I have a few questions I'd appreciate some help with:

1. What are your thoughts on my plans to introduce 5% liquid minoxidil once per day (as opposed to twice) and Nizoral twice per week?
2. I don't have hours to get ready in the morning and I'm often busy until just before I go to bed. Can I apply minoxidil very soon after showering in the morning or immediately before going to bed at night?
3. Does Alpecin actually work? Is it as good as Nizoral?
4. What are your thoughts on dutasteride for someone in my situation (not to introduce now but potentially as a consideration for the future)?

Thanks for reading and good luck to you all.

So did you start taking at 17 years old ?
From taking it from such an early age how was your body and bones developed did you continue to fill out etc or did it stunt any of your growth , thank you