Ok, so here is my story. When I was about 19 I started to lose my hair gradually. So I would say from about 19 to 23 it began to slowly thin. Me being me, I googled this issue until I found out every and any cure possible. After researching I found my only two options were Propecia (Finasteride) or Rogaine foam for men. After some careful research I was to afraid of propecia, and putting Rogaine foam on my head twice a day felt like it was going to be a hassle. So after dipping into natural stuff like B-Vitamins, and Saw-Palmetto, which helped a very little. I knew after that I had to make a decision. And by the way, a hair transplant was NOT an option do to the amount of money.
So after a long time of putting it off, and trying everything I could I went to see a doctor. I already knew it was Male Pattern Baldness. My question was what is better rogaine or propecia. I did not have insurance so I went to a hair transplant Dr. and it was a free consultation. That’s right you don’t want to pay a Dermatologist. We spoke about a few things, he had some questions, ever use steroids (only 3 shots in HS) which was nothing. Is your Dad bald or if you have an older brother is he bald? No they both have hair. But my Mom’s Uncles and father were bald. But not until later years 40’s and 50’s. So he said I somehow had the gene in me, obviously. He said the steroids probably didn’t play a part in it. That might be true since it was such a little amount, but I had a feeling it just sped up the process that would have happened years down the line. But either way I was stuck with this issue and wanted to change it.
Of course my hair was a HUGE part of my life, always had a hairstyle. So anyway we go over a few things, and again my options are rogaine or propecia. So I go with the propecia, he said if I didn’t have a side effect within 2 weeks I’m good. So I got a free trial and start taking the pill. Still scared to death cause of all the reviews online but hey figured I’d try it. Told my girlfriend if she sees any difference in my sexual performance to let me know ASAP!
Well I had no issues and 3 ½ years later I pretty much have my hair back, and I even get compliments from time to time. And all I can do is look at my girlfriend and we start to laugh because I would have been very bald and now people actually compliment my hair again.
When I first started Propecia it was about $68.00 a month, and yes it sucked paying. I mean my student loan was only $55.00 a month. But it worked for me and I had no issues paying $68.00 a month for hair. But about a year ago I made the choice to switch to Generic Propecia, which is just called Finasteride. Downside was it doesn’t come in 1MG pills, but in 5MG. So I cut the pill into 4’s. Best part is, it works fine, no side effects still, and its only $9.00 for 30 pills. So after cutting them I get about 120 pills for $9.00. And that makes my bank account and me very happy!
I took the chance, I didn’t over think and Finasteride worked for me, thankfully!! This is just a short sum of my story, when this happened I was devastated. By the way, about 6 months ago I decided to try Rogaine foam just for the front of my hairline. I wanted a stronger thicker hairline, so I started using it at night only once every 2 weeks or so. After a month or two I noticed solid gains in the front of my hair. Hair got a lot thicker and more hair grew. I think this was do to taking Finasteride so long and my hair follicles in front just had to be waken up a little more. Now I use the Rogaine foam once a month only on the hairline to keep it strong.
Good luck to anyone who starts a treatment, my advice is take a chance do what you can and see what works for you. This is why I wanted to share my story cause I would love to help others on this issue. I went through it and it sucked.
Your hair looks great! How long before the temples filled in well enough so you could style and things? I'm on 6 months so far but not a lot of regrowth at temples only a lot of vellus hair
