Propecia as a Preventive Medication?

Hi Dr. Rassman,
I am 19 years old with no signs of hair loss but I have a family history of mild MPB (Dad has thinning in crown + vertex, no recession). I was just wondering if there was anyway starting Propecia now could worsen my hair. I understand that it doesn’t make sense to take a drug if there is no hair loss, but I’d rather not play catch up. Also, have you had patients where there is no recession but thinning on the top near the mid scalp + crown? Thanks!

Propecia (finasteride) is not something you take to prevent balding when you don’t have a diagnosis of androgenic alopecia. You don’t use an antibiotic when you are healthy to prevent getting an infection. You don’t take blood pressure lowering medication to prevent high blood pressure that you don’t have.

This is one of the many reasons that you need to see a doctor before starting medication. You should begin by finding a doctor who can examine your hair for possible miniaturization and/or bulk changes, and ONLY if you are diagnosed with androgenic alopecia can you consider taking Propecia.

This is not about catching up or waiting for hair loss to occur. It is about a medical process that is logical and safe for you.