I Quickly Saw Great Improvement from Propecia, Then It All Started Shedding Just as Fast

I am 23 and have been experiencing MPB since age 16. I decided to try Propecia 6 months ago. After 2 months, I started getting fantastic results (hair looked WAY thicker, nothing was falling out). However, a month or so later, Propecia seemed to stop working. I am now in month six, and for the last 3 months my hair has been shedding and falling out like it was before I started the drug and it seems it has completely stopped working. I even called Merck and they told me they had NEVER heard of anyone responding positively so quickly and then stopping. Is it possible for a “shed” to last over three months and then revert back to positive results?

Interestingly, I had the SAME reaction when I tried Saw Palmetto a year ago. It worked great for a month or so and then completely stopped. Does my MPB overpower the DHT inhibitors and create some sort of immunity? I did not stick with Saw Palmetto for more than a few weeks after it stopped “working,” but I have stuck with Propecia so far.

Please let me know if you have any advice as I am desperate for some guidance. (I am no longer with my prescribing doctor and have nowhere to turn)

An uncommon report from some people starting on the drug is that they experience shedding. When this occurs, it generally disappears after one or two months. You’re asking about three to four months of shedding caused by the drug, and I frankly have not seen that report. The real effects of Propecia take a year or so, in some people up to two years. Patience is a virtue.

It is unusual to see fantastic results in just a couple months, so I’m not really sure what you saw. Since it is a prescription medication and you’re no longer with your prescribing doctor, the best thing I can recommend is to find another doctor and have him/her handle your care. Hopefully you can get some metrics to compare your hair today to your hair a year from now to see if you’re experiencing any benefits from the medication.

You could have accelerated hair loss from the genetic impact. The hair loss cycle with those that have genetic hair loss can come in spurts and slow periods, and the only way to know is to watch it over time while you are on Propecia.