I’ve Taken Propecia for 8 Years for Preventative Purposes

Dr. Rassman,

I started Propecia eight years for preventative purposes. My dermatologist said he may have seen some slight thinning on the crown area. However I still had a full head of hair.

Throughout the years I have not shown any indications of balding possibly or likely because of the medication, but who knows. My hairline has not receded and looks the same. But I do not want to be on a prescription med if it is unnecessary. However back then I thought hair loss would run on your mothers side and now my understanding is it can be either or.

My question is, is if I were to stop and see if the medication is even doing anything for me, what would be the best way to tell. Obviously hair loss is the only way, but at what months should I get checked out. Would the HairDX test in you opinion help me in making my decision? And do you think it would be worth a trial without it?

Thank you

My suggestion would be to gather as much information about the status of hair loss that you may have. A hair bulk analysis is the best and most sensitive way to evaluate genetic balding. Considering that you have been worrying about this for at least 8 years, if you would have any balding or thinning of the hair anywhere on the scalp, it would show up in the bulk analysis. With that information, you can be pretty sure that if there are no changes in your hair bulk anywhere on the scalp (including the crown), that you would be reasonably safe to stop the medication. To be extra sure, repeat the test 3 months after stopping the medication.