With No Visible Signs of Balding, I Took Propecia and Lost My Body Hair!

Dear Doctor,

I am a 40 year old male living in the UK with no particularly visible signs of balding though I noticed over the last couple of years my scalp was becoming visible when having my hair cut wet at the barbers. I started taking Propecia (I used an online clinic here in the UK) about two years ago as I was just keen to preserve the hair I have (which hitherto had been wavy and thick) Since then I have lost all the hairs on my arms, my chest hair has disappeared and my pubic hair is rapidly dissipating. The hair on my head has thinned out all over to an alarming degree particularly over the last three months (especially at the side of my head and the base of my neck)and there is a constant tingling/burning sensation in my scalp. I would be most grateful for any advice (even if just a recommendation of someone in the UK you could recommend)as I am totally despairing of what is happening and just don’t know what I should do as looking at previous queries on your blog it seems that stopping may actually exacerbate matters.

Taking any drug when it is not necessary exposes you to side effects of the drug. Better not take a drug unless you understand the benefits and liabilities. Plus, medication you buy on the Internet may not be what you think you are buying (particularly prescription drugs purchased without a prescription). I’m glad you realize you need to see a doctor, and while I am a doctor, you really need a physician who can actually examine you directly and treat you.

The loss of body hair is a potential side effect of Propecia but it would take considerable time to see that side effect (which is very, very rare). There are other conditions that can cause body hair loss, and a good dermatologist should be able to help you in that regard. I don’t have any physician recommendations in the UK, but you can use the search at ISHRS.org to find a hair transplant doctor in your area (don’t get talked into surgery though — these doctors just understand hair).