My Family Has a Norwood 7 History, So I Want to Do Everything I Can to Prevent That for Me!

I have been taking generic Finasteride for nearly a year and a half with what I consider to be great results. My hair has always been thin, even from the age of 14 (as a barber once told me), and all the men on my mother’s side of the family are at Norwood 7 (Grandfather, two Uncles; father’s side isn’t as dramatic, there is thinning, but no classic MPB). The medication has brought back a considerable amount of volume back to my scalp, and I have been able to grow my hair out with excellent results. So for I have stabilized at Norwood 2; where I plan to keep it.

I am considering switching to generic Dutasteride, which as you know inhibits two types of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme (as opposed to just just one type with Finasteride). My question is simply this, what are your thoughts on Dutasteride vs. Finasteride? Is there anything I should be aware of or put into consideration if I make this decision?

I found your blog on google and have been reading ever since. What you and the other Doctors do here and in the patient-care-room is incredible and I hope you have further success with your practice. Thank you for your time.

I have said this many times — if you are destined to be bald, there is no stopping it. Just slowing it down is the best you can hope for. There is no cure for hair loss! Propecia helps, but you need to be followed by a doctor to see what you are actually treating. Just because your family members are Norwood class 7 does not mean you are guaranteed to develop that same class 7 balding pattern.

Dutasteride will not cure or stop hair loss and it is not necessarily better than Propecia. It’s still yet to be FDA approved to treat hair loss, and I’m waiting for safety and dosing information. Do not take drastic actions due to fear. If the current approved treatments you’re using are working, why risk it? Become well informed and educated, but keep in mind that there is no substitute for seeing a physician for a medical issue.