Propecia, Then Minoxidil, Then Propecia Again

[fermi234]

Hello! I am 24 years old and I have been dealing with hair loss for a few years now. Of course, because of genetics. Here is my story, and I think I need a little help..

In september 2012 the situation was ok, I was absolutely not having any big hair loss problem... but the dermatologist suggested me to start using propecia, to catch the thing in time. I did that, and I definitely noticed some hair growth : propecia definitely worked on me, but then again there was not a huge lot to improve. I have some photos of me after 1 year of propecia, and my hair looked perfect (and better than when I started)

Since there was no reason for me to keep using propecia, the same dermatologist told me to stop and use minoxidil instead, 5% once a day, 2 small pipes(not sure I remember the quantity, but 1 guess that was 2ml in total). I started minoxidil in 2014, and I kept using it until a few months ago. Around 1 year ago, I started noticing that my hair was indeed not as good as it used to be. The situation did not change, hence I went to a dermatologist (new one this time) to ask if maybe was time for me to get on propecia again. He said "sure, makes sense", and gave me the proscription.

The same day I stopped minoxidil (no, I did not reduce dosing, this was not mentioned to me) and I started to take 1 pill of propecia a day. As of right now (5 months after) I do not see any improvement, maybe the situation is even worse.

I understand that the process takes time, but I am a bit worried! Is this due to me suddenly stopping minoxidil? Should I expect propecia to kick in soon?

Thanks a lot for you time!!

 

[reuters]

Minoxidil helps regrowth, propecia helps you keep what you have.

You need to use both and there is no way around that.

And you cant stop using it, that will remove any gains you had. Your doctors answer that you could stop with propecia makes no sense at all..

 

[MorningGlory]

Finasteride (Propecia) should be the base treatment for any male suffering hair loss and you should never stop taking it unless you’re suffering unbearable side effects.

 

[Retinoid]

People are correct here--Finasteride shouldn't be stopped, nor should Minoxidil. Use both at the same time. You may be able to lower the dose or take it every other day as time goes on but unfortunately both are for life until something better comes around...

 

[Derelict]

Shouldn't have stopped the finasteride, your hair more than likely still recovering from stopping minxoidil. There are plenty of cases where people get regrowth from just finasteride, i don't see how minoxidil should be used until you have given finasteride atleast a year to see your results.

 

[MorningGlory]

Shouldn't have stopped the finasteride, your hair more than likely still recovering from stopping minxoidil. There are plenty of cases where people get regrowth from just finasteride, i don't see how minoxidil should be used until you have given finasteride atleast a year to see your results.

Anyone who takes a little time to research male hair loss will quickly learn finasteride should be the first - and continuing base - treatment. Ketoconazole based shampoo will complement it, with minoxidil added later as an optional extra.

I think those who take a chaotic approach to their hair loss treatments are destined to fail in the long term, even if they achieve some short term gains which satisfy their desire for instant gratification.

 

[reuters]

Anyone who takes a little time to research male hair loss will quickly learn finasteride should be the first - and continuing base - treatment. Ketoconazole based shampoo will complement it, with minoxidil added later as an optional extra.



I think those who take a chaotic approach to their hair loss treatments are destined to fail in the long term, even if they achieve some short term gains which satisfy their desire for instant gratification.

I had lost a lot of hair, almost completely bald and tried minoxidil to start with and had a fantastic regrowth.

why not start with all big three at the same time, they complement each other.

my only regret since I started is that I waited 4 months to add finasteride.

 

[MorningGlory]

why not start with all big three at the same time

Because you want to keep your routine as simple as possible and you won’t know what you’re benefiting from if you start finasteride and minoxidil simultaneously. Finasteride is more important in the long run because it addresses the underlying cause of your hair loss. Minoxidil is a growth stimulant.

 

[reuters]

I think that depends on how bald you are and at what age you start your treatment , someone who starts early can start with only one product...but someone with a very visible scalp and older might just as well throw everything on it.

 

[Retinoid]

I think that depends on how bald you are and at what age you start your treatment , someone who starts early can start with only one product...but someone with a very visible scalp and older might just as well throw everything on it.

Agreed, if you have a bald spot already (quite easy to get a bald spot on the crown and not know till it is bad enough since you cannot see up there) then you probably should not JUST use Finasteride if you want fast growth. While Finasteride can still grow on the crown, it seems adding something to it makes it better. Finasteride really does not shine as a growth promoter for most people, it shines at 5 years later you still have your hair vs you would be almost totally bald by now.

 

[MorningGlory]

quite easy to get a bald spot on the crown and not know till it is bad enough since you cannot see up there

I can attest to this. What’s weird is that even when I got my hair cut and the barber showed me the back of my head with a mirror I didn’t notice it. Flattering light plus me not anticipating it must have coloured my perception. It was only when I happened to catch a glance of myself on a CCTV in a store that I noticed some scalp shining under the bright lights. When I got home I angled my shaving mirror with another mirror and finally realised the full extent of my problem. I was on finasteride within a year having taken time to research it.

 

[Retinoid]

I can attest to this. What’s weird is that even when I got my hair cut and the barber showed me the back of my head with a mirror I didn’t notice it. Flattering light plus me not anticipating it must have coloured my perception. It was only when I happened to catch a glance of myself on a CCTV in a store that I noticed some scalp shining under the bright lights. When I got home I angled my shaving mirror with another mirror and finally realised the full extent of my problem. I was on finasteride within a year having taken time to research it.

I had a thinning crown and top 10yrs ago that looked very slight (never took a pic of the top or anything) plus I had very long hair and curly hair. I saw it when it was wet. Minoxidil took care of it...only used it for 6 months. I started to see the same thing around a yr ago and was like, oh I should use Minoxidil again but never got around to it. Got a short hair cut and did not have my glasses on (I am blind without glasses or contacts) and saw my scalp in the mirror. I almost vomitted. Then I went home took a picture of the top and saw the full extent and was SHOCKED. I got Rogaine and started on Propecia within 2 months. My dad and both grandfathers balded fully early...so not wasting time. My only saving grace is my moms 4 brothers all have full heads of hair in their mid 60s and I have the same type of hair as they do. One grandfather was bald at 19 (when I first noticed balding) and my dad had visible thinness in his mid 20s ( I am 30 now).

 

[MorningGlory]

I am blind without glasses

This was probably another factor with me. I only ever used to wear glasses for reading and computer. Since I got fitted with a set of John Lennons I wear them all the time because they look cool (plus I actually need them!).

 

[el_duterino]

Ideally finasteride should be started when you still are a nw1 at the very early signs of hair loss and never stopped

If you have unberable side effects then we have other good options such as RU or CB

And of course minoxidil, stemoxydine and oral MSM should be standard additions since those 3 have no side effects and help overall

 

[hopeforhappiness]

Your derm sounds like he is getting bored ? Using you as an experiment ? Or just ill informed ? It’s not advised to quit finasteride if it’s works well and sides are bearable. Ever. You stay on it until it fails you or you are 68 and dying.

It should be stated that any regimen that is working and working well should be continued until it fails. At which point you can increase it. It’s not advised to drop any bearable working treatment unless you are willing to sacrifice your hair.

Use fina and minoxidil and you have a chance at getting back what you lost or at very least halting any further loss. Good luck