Motorcycle Helmets, Finasteride, and Guarantees in Life

Hi, I have a few questions regarding hair loss and finasteride.

1. Does tight motorcycle helmet causes hair loss.I’ve notice increased hair loss since i regularly started wearing full face helmet which is a bit tight on my hairline and genera crown area.
2. Could it be possible to experience hair loss due to lack of iron mineral?
3. Propecia is being advocated very often but how is it logical not considering the loss of 70% of your DHT as a serious issue which is in essence the maleness hormone from a young age of 23?
4. What is your opinion about the Swedish Medical Products Agency 2008 study that supports permanent side effects from the use of finasteride?
5. I am prone to depression and sexual problems due to antidepressants from time to time, do you still recommend finasteride in my case?
6. Can you guarantee from your expertise that side effects subside even if you quit the drug after e.g 3 years or more of continued use?

Thanks

1. There is one patient I have seen that had traction alopecia from wearing a very tight fitting helmet everyday for a year. The hair loss did not look like genetic male pattern balding, but the balding area was where the helmet was rubbing on the side of the head. So it is possible, but not common.
2. A lack of iron in your diet can cause anemia (low red blood cells). Your mucosal membranes (under the eyelids and gums) will be pale, you will feel weak, and you will have other serious medical issues before hair starts to fall out. Hair should be the last of your worries.
3. Men in their early 20’s take Propecia without adverse effects associated with lowering of their DHT levels.
4. If you believe in the study, do not use Propecia. Many of the reports that I read are on bulletin boards which are suspicious. I’ll point out some interesting tidbits about this in my next post…
5. This is something you’ll need to discuss with your doctor. Assuming you would be a good candidate for Propecia based on your hair loss, your doctor will need to make the decision if you’re a candidate based on your history of depression. There shouldn’t be a problem with taking the medications together though.
6. There really is no guarantees in medicine (or in life). Actually, the only two guarantees in life are death and taxes. I do not give reassurances to someone who is afraid to use a medication. This is something you need discuss with your doctor.

#4 continued here