I Need a More Sympathetic Doctor

Im just wondering if you really need a prescription for Propecia? What could go wrong taking it. I ask this because I recently visited my doctor stating that I would like to try it – Im 40 with some thinning hair – no bald spots yet.

My doctor (who is 60ish with a full head of hair) said very few of his patients ever stick with it, as very little ever happens – and really I just needed to accept that my hair was going to fall out.

He then ushered my out.

Can you tell me what medical history type questions a more sympathetic doctor would ask?

Why cant I just buy it through the internet?

Yes, a prescription is necessary for obtaining Propecia (finasteride 1mg). You may not need to be on Propecia if you do not have male pattern hair loss. That is why in my practice I conduct miniaturization studies on all the patients that may be candidates for Propecia. That being said, there are many doctors who prescribe Propecia without a thorough examination. This isn’t necessarily bad, but it is my opinion that it is difficult to follow up with the patients after 6 to 8 months when there is NO objective documentation (miniaturization study pictures, numbers, data, etc) to see if Propecia is actually having an effect. To look at yourself in the mirror and feel your hair and say, “well, it looks a bit thicker/thinner”, is NOT scientific.

I recommend against just buying a prescription drug over the internet without a good physical exam. It is my opinion that you will be just throwing away money in most cases and even worse, putting your health at risk.

If you were to see any doctor for a medical problem, he/she should take the time to take a good history and conduct a good physical exam. The relationship between a doctor and patient should be thought of as a partership rather than a dictatorship.