I’ve Taken Finasteride for a Year, So Is it Too Late to Map for Miniaturization?

Hello Doc,

Within the next days, I’ll map my own scalp for miniaturization for the first time. However, I have been taking finasteride for one year. (It kept most of my hairline but didnt regrow anything.) So without having done the test before, how accurate can the results be after such a long time?

Besides, currently only my left corner is receding (between NW 1 and 2) and the whole side is more see-through than other, where my hairline has already receded 3 years ago and then stopped at a Norwood 2. Is it common to see one side go up because of maturation, while 2 years later the other catches up by MPB? Or do hair characteristics (such as curliness or color) vary in diff areas, create the see through appearance, and will these hairs thus look differently under a microscope? Thanks again

A miniaturization study is an attempt to objectively quantify the degree of thinning and place a metric to different areas on the scalp so that you can compare one spot to another, as well as compare the measurements over a period of time. It is better than just looking in the mirror or running your fingers over your hair to judge the degree of thinning.

Ideally, one should get a baseline miniaturization measurement and even a photograph before starting on any hair loss treatment. If you have been on finasteride for about a year, I would at least get one objective measurement to record for comparison at another date.

If you are categorizing yourself as a Norwood 1 or 2 and the degree of thinning is on the front corner hairlines, I would point out that finasteride is taken mainly for men with thinning on the top / crown areas. Any hairline asymmetry will likely even out eventually. I generally like to get bulk measurements in people like you to establish a baseline from which future comparisons can be made.

I seem to repeat this theme over and over, but you need to follow up with the doctor who is prescribing you the medication and understand your treatment goal and Master Plan.