I’m 22 with Early Hair Loss, So I Need Medication Recommendations

Hello Doctor,

For the past year I have noticed more hairs in the shower and also when I comb my hair. I am 22 and my hair loss does not seem to stop or slow down. I have noticed over the past year that my hairline has receded in the temple area. Also, the sides seem to be thinning and receding. I went to my doctor and told me the hair loss may be due to stress since he found no pathology from my blood test and he said I may use Rogaine. I have not used Rogaine. Based on my observation I am at Norwood Class II. I am worried my hair problem will get worse but not sure if I should start medication. Are these symptoms of MPB? Propecia workes best at the vertex yet I do not have much thinning or hair loss in that area. What would you recommend I do? I know that the earlier I deal with hair loss the better, but if I start early will Propecia still have its effects 10 years or more from now? Also, I do not have much money so would you recommend I take a generic of Proscar?

Thanks

You’re in LA, I’m in LA. You can come in for a free consultation and find out about your hair loss for sure. I can test your hair for miniaturization and we will be more certain if you are really balding and where you might go with it.

I can’t make drug recommendations without seeing you, but I can provide general info. Propecia does work best at the vertex, but it will halt or slow the hair loss all over the scalp. Rogaine also works best in the vertex. Propecia will still have effects for as long as you take the medication, but as hair loss is progressively a game of tug-of-war, the Propecia will possibly not be able to hold on to as much hair as time goes on. I’ve had patients that have been taking it for a decade without problems, and then there’s some that I’ve increased the dosage for due to lackluster visual benefits after 5+ years. Everyone is different. Generic finasteride 5mg (Proscar) is a lot cheaper than Propecia and is the same medication.