Using Minoxidil At 15 Years Old

Hey Doc, your site is awesome. I have a question. I am a 15 year old Indian male, and I recently discovered my receding hairline. For a week or so I thought it was a mature hairline since everyone in my family has one (noone is bald though). Anyway I went to see a dermatologist and she said it’s male pattern baldness because of the recession on the sides. She prescribed Minoxidil 5 % for 12 months. I just wanted to know if you think I should take Minoxidil at such an early age or get another opinion. BTW, when I raise my eyebrows my last fold of skin is 3/4 inch away from my hairline. And the recession of my left and right sides are an inch away from my hairline.

I do not have the benefit of examining you in person and this site is not intended for personal medical advice and second opinions. From what you are describing, your hairline may be advancing from a juvenile hairline to a more mature hairline, albeit a bit prematurely. This is generally not considered male pattern hair loss. To be more certain, you should have your scalp hair evaluated for miniaturization with a hair densitometer.

Also, I am curious as to what you mean by “recession on the sides”. Are you saying the the sided temple prominences are a problem as well? If that be the case, then there is more here than meets the eye.