[oc24]

I'm 26 and starting to get the widow's peak/receding hairline. If you have any experience with this, let me know..

[picus]

Propecia is a hormone, iirc you need a prescription and some doctors won't give it to you until you're a little older for fear of messing with you awesome 20's male virility. You may want to try Rogaine or another topical solution first, since they have no side effects and are available OTC.

[oc24]

Originally Posted by picus

Propecia is a hormone, iirc you need a prescription and some doctors won't give it to you until you're a little older for fear of messing with you awesome 20's male virility. You may want to try Rogaine or another topical solution first, since they have no side effects and are available OTC.

I already got the prescription, but haven't filled it yet. Trying to do more research. I've tried Nioxin, and that didn't really work. Haven't tried Rogaine yet but I heard that doesn't work for receding hairlines/widow's peak. Moreso for the vertex area (bald spot).

[magmd]

I have Rx'd it to many guys. I have had no problems with it in younger guys...it does really work at keeping your hair. Only about 20% see regrowth of hair that is lost.

Thus...its better to start now, and halt the hairloss than to continue to lose hair at your current rate...then trying to do something about it later.

Rogaine is also good, but its a PIA to use---you have to do it twice per day to get maximal benefit. Most guys end up not using it correctly.

If I were you...I would talk to your primary care physician or Dermatologist and get a Rx. It costs about $50/mo for treatment---no covered by insurance. How long do you use it for? For as long as you want to keep your hair.

[magmd]

Originally Posted by slubu

I already got the prescription, but haven't filled it yet. Trying to do more research. I've tried Nioxin, and that didn't really work. Haven't tried Rogaine yet but I heard that doesn't work for receding hairlines/widow's peak. Moreso for the vertex area (bald spot).

Both Rogaine and Propecia are not great a hair regrowth...again, only 20% of men see that. The benefit from both, is that it will halt you rate of hair loss and allow you to keep the hair you have right now. Kind of freezing time for you. If you decide not to do it...then you will continue to slowly lose hair, and next year...you would wish you started now.

Imagine your hair situation last December during the holidays....compare to how you are now. Would you prefer to have been frozen then?? If so, then definitely take it. If you can't tell a difference, then you have some time.

[BuckJon]

My friend used propecia, and I have no idea if this was a related side effect or what, but anyway he said that sometimes when he busted a nut, it came out bloody. hahahahahah. I guess when he went to the doc they said it could have been from a vessel that kept getting injured, I dunno but he said that it started coinciding with his use of propecia.


I think it would be a great way to freak out your gf.

[oc24]

It's not covered by insurance?

[BuckJon]

I wouldn't imagine, it's cosmetic.

[kal-el]

Just let it all go, some women find bald guys sexy

[Ninjaneer]

Originally Posted by kal-el

Just let it all go, some women find bald guys sexy

Like Lex Luthor?

[whippersnapper]

Finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia) is also in another Merck product (Proscar) for bph (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Propecia was developed as a result of researchers looking at Proscar discovering the unexpected side effect of recued hairloss in men

[magmd]

Originally Posted by slubu

It's not covered by insurance?

Nope. Just need a prescription. All out of pocket. Costco/ Sam's club/ etc..have better deals at pricing from pharmacy.

You can also get a $25 rebate on line from website, but you need to get the 90day supply (Propecia Propack written out this way by your doctor) and send in your receipt along with the rebate form.

[oc24]

Magmd, there is a lot of information out there regarding its side effects, have you had any problems with this?

[picus]

Originally Posted by slubu

Magmd, there is a lot of information out there regarding its side effects, have you had any problems with this?

Originally Posted by magmd

I have Rx'd it to many guys. I have had no problems with it in younger guys...

I defer to the Doctor of course.

My Doc just told me he doesn't like to prescribe it to guys below 35, for hormonal reasons. Rogaine works for me so

[oc24]

Originally Posted by picus

I defer to the Doctor of course.

My Doc just told me he doesn't like to prescribe it to guys below 35, for hormonal reasons. Rogaine works for me so

Rogaine eh...can you give me some details on your experience?

[picus]

Originally Posted by slubu

Rogaine eh...can you give me some details on your experience?

Sure, I started thinning around 24 mostly in the crown area; I didn't bother doing anything about it for about 18 months and it got progressively worse, then it started thinning up front. About 3 years ago I started using Rogaine (1oz, 2x daily) and the hair I have has just stayed; no new growth but no new loss so I am happy with it. Only con really is cost and remembering to apply; but at ~$60 for 3 bottles it isn't too bad.

I will probably try Propecia when I get a little older and see how that works.

[Ninjaneer]

I dunno, I might just decide to go for the Mr. Clean look if mine gets bad

[magmd]

Originally Posted by slubu

Magmd, there is a lot of information out there regarding its side effects, have you had any problems with this?

None whatsoever....in my young patients. Older patients...yep, decrease in libido can be an issue...but its reversible, just stop the medicine. It has never been reported to cause any problems with fertilization, but if a male patient is concerned and is "trying" to have a baby...I tell them to stop until they are successful solely to treat their worries...hey, its a legal world out there.

From website: In general use, the following have been reported: allergic reactions including rash, itching, hives and swelling of the lips and face; problems with ejaculation; breast tenderness and enlargement; and testicular pain.

I have never seen any of these. I think they have to report them due to legal reasons, but risk of these side effects is very very low. Most are related to risks of blocking 5-alpha-reductase (enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT--potent form of testosterone). Many of these are self limiting and reversible upon discontinuation of use.

The only issue that I think is real...and that I inform all my patients about is---by using this medicine...you need to tell your urologist about it in the future. Why? As men get older...all develop BPH...to varying degrees. And some can have risk for prostate cancer. They usually use PSA screening test to check for possibility of prostate tumors and cancers. Since you are taking finasteride (originally developed as treatment for BPH at a different dose)...your prostate will not "enlarge" at the rate it would have--had you not taken the medicine. Thus, your PSA will be "lower" than anticipated when you are older. Thus, the urologist needs to adjust his screening tool..essentially lowering what is considered normal and abnormal to account for the fact that you have been taking the medicine. IT DOES NOT CAUSE PROSTATE CANCER AND IT DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF GETTING PROSTATE CANCER. But, if you happen to get it....if your urologist does not know about your propecia use..it can delay diagnosis because they are waiting for levels to increase to a certain level...a level that you are masking due to medication use.

I hope that makes sense. I have no reservations prescribing it. Actually...I put 2 guys under 35 on it today.

[VakhariaINC]

I spoke to a dermatologist about this. He stated that this medicine is most effective on the top-back portion of the head, doesn't work too much near the receeding hair lines.

I have the same problem you do. When I was in HS I used to spike up my hair. I'd take American Crew put it in my palms, and put it from the hairline of my hair. I stopped it in college, and when I looked at it when I stopped, I didn't realize how much damage I did to my hair. Unfortunately, it's also inconsistent, as one side is receeding farther up, compared to the other side.

[magmd]

Originally Posted by VakhariaINC

I spoke to a dermatologist about this. He stated that this medicine is most effective on the top-back portion of the head, doesn't work too much near the receeding hair lines.

Yes...definitely better at crown, but still helps at front receeding hair line. Both medicines better at maintianing hair...less on regrowth. So if you are going to start...better to start early.

There is always hair transplantation...or the Mr Clean look...take a razor to it.

[SteveMD]

Yup. Shave the dome.

[SE3P_to_E90]

i saw a commercial for the new rogaine... it's like foam or something and apparently it's extremely easy to use... worth a try?