I’ve Shaved My Head for 10 Years, I Think I’m Norwood Class 7 — Should I Bother Taking Avodart?

Dr. Rassman,

I am considering asking my doctor to prescribe avodart, I began balding around 19-20 years old. I shaved my head for past 10 years and now would like to explore my options. I am most likely Type VII but can see many blond immature hairs so makes me believe follicles aren’t dead. Do you think its even worth trying? And if so, what do you recommend? I am 31 if that makes any difference.

Let your hair grow out for about 2 weeks and then get an examination. You should get your hair mapped out for miniaturization to see where your balding pattern is now, since you don’t seem sure of your pattern and I’d guess that you haven’t had a doctor actually look at your scalp in quite a long time. Avodart (dutasteride) is yet to be FDA approved to treat hair loss, so if you have a doctor that is willing to prescribe it to you, it could be worth trying — but I couldn’t say without seeing you.