Aggressive male pattern baldness or Shedding?

[shh5455]

I have been shedding pretty heavily since 12/05. Briefly, here is my story:

I'm 28 years old. Began using minoxidil(5%)/nizoral religiously Apr '05. Went through a shed for a month or 2 then it stopped. I started getting lazy with my treatment and would skip an application here or there. Around Nov '05 I started shedding again. I figured it was because I was missing applications, so I focused on it really hard again. Around Feb '06 I was still shedding. My hair looked like crap. Since I had done nothing but lose hair while I was on minoxidil (I know I didn't use it long enough) I decided I was not a responder and quit cold turkey. I thought my shedding would stop if I wasn't on anything.

It's now Jun '06 and the hair is still falling out. I was a NW2 last year and am getting close to NW3, although my spots are not completely bald. They are about 50% density.

Back in Apr '06 I wasn't sure if I liked minoxidil or not, so I figured I would give finasteride a try. finasteride + nizoral only. My shedding has not changed at all since I have been on it. I know it's not near long enough, but I haven't heard of anyone shedding this long no matter what treatment they're on.

I have 2 questions:
1) Is this still shedding or is it aggressive male pattern baldness (in which case I'm doomed)?
2) Should I start minoxidil again? If so why do you think so?

Thanks guys

 

[shh5455]

bump

 

[shh5455]

help a bro out.

 

[Sir_LagaLot]

the answer to your question is pretty simple actually.

if your condition is getting worse and your hair looks worse overall then its aggressive male pattern baldness.. if your hair is the same but you're shedding everyday then its just probably everyday shedding.

i'm in the same boat so i know how it feels. I've been shedding constantly since the last 13 months now and its pissing the hell out of me.

like you i also thought minoxidil was too much of a bother, and i didnt want to commit to it. taking a pill everyday is so much easier. and i didnt want to depend on it so much the second i miss out on a few applications i'd start shedding.