Big 3?

[scorched earth]

Hello all. This may be a stupid question...but what are the big 3? From what I have gathered, it is Finasteride (.5mg-1mg daily, likely the generic), minoxidil(rogaine foam), and what else?

I am 23 and have just overcome the denial phase. Every time I go into a store I am horrified by looking up at the security monitor and seeing the glare come off my dome! So I have spent all day on this site and am really encouraged and have a hell of a lot of compassion for the rest of you dudes out there. I want to start the fight tomorrow..the fight to regain my lettuce!

Should I go see a doctor? Or did most of you just decide to go with the big three and mount a solo attack not under the guidance of a professional? How did you determine your dosage on the Finasteride? Also, is the dutasteride generally reserved for older men? What is up with the dutasteride?

Thanks!

 

[Maxpwr]

Okay, first - the other component of the "big 3" is Nizoral shampoo. This can be purchased from most chemists / pharmacies / drug stores. I don't actually use it but I'm led to believe that using it once every 2 - 4 days will help with general scalp condition.

If you decide not to go to see a doctor before commencing treatment, I would advise you to do a little research online or in these forums with regards to side effects, dosages, availability, instructions, costs etc. Depending on where you're from, you may need to see a doctor anyway to get a script for finasteride. Get to know what you're dealing with, how much you're gonna be up for and make the decision whether you're gonna stay on treatments as long as it takes.

Finasteride. Most guys who use it are getting Propecia or Proscar (Merck Sharp & Dohme). These are available worldwide - I think Proscar is cheaper (that's the one I use). With Proscar the dosage is pretty standard - 1 quarter of 1 tablet per day - preferrably at the same time every day. I'm not sure about Propecia but I think it's just 1 tablet per day (someone correct me if I'm wrong)

I cannot comment on Dutas, since I know buggerall about it.

So yeah, good luck with your decision and your treatments. If you do decide not to see a doctor, there are many switched-on folk on these forums who can answer almost any hair loss related query you may have. Don't feel you'll be left in the dark if you decide to tackle it on your own.