Feedbacks on long term usage of propecia+rogaine

[aj2008]

Hi All,
I would appreciate feedback from folks on my scenario.

I have been on propecia/rogaine regimen since 2000. I initially started noticing diffused thinning at the top of my head . I started off with Rogaine in 1999 and added propecia in 2000.
I have been responding very well and have had significant growth and maintainence. I am still on the same regimen(propecia +rogaine) daily.

However since the past 1 year I am noticing that i am slowly thinning again at the top. After researching this forum a lot I gave hairtransplant an option.

Last week I visited an open house conducted by NHI(NewHairInstitute -Rassman). I met with his co-associate Dr Jay Pak who looked at me and mentioned that I am not a candidate for a transplant.

Reason being, I still have good hair and he mentioned that transplanting 1000-2000 grafts to the top wont make much difference in my case considering that i still have a strong frontal hair line.

Also, he was concernced about shockloss to surrounding hairs that might occur due to the transplant.

Basically, I might end up losing some due to shock loss and the end effect would just be neutral and I might not see any improvement et all.

He recommended me to try toppik or derrmatch...Also,gave me a prescription for Propecia (considering I have been buying them online all along ) and suggested me to continue with propecia and rogaine.

This was a bummer, but I was happy that he gave me a honest feedback and not blindly recommend me for a transplant ( 10k down the drain).

I would like to know if there are folks who have been on this regimen for long (upto 8 yrs)...able to maintain the hair consistently...without any tapering effect.

Also, what do you folks recommend me to add to my regimen.


Thankyou,


PS: I also recently started experimenting with Generic propecia (finax) looking for an cheaper alternative...I am not sure if it is really effective..I might now get back on to buying merck propecia...esp after hairtransplant is not an option for me anymore.

 

[kalbo]

Might want to consider switching from propecia to a stronger drug, ie dutasteride. No guarantee that you will get better results, but it's something to think about if you feel that the finasteride has already run its course. Personally, it didn't work for me when I made the transition but it did work for others on this board.

You might also want to add another topical like copper peptides (tricomin, folligen, etc) or spironolactone. And I noticed you didn't mention using Nizoral. You're going to shampoo anyways so might as well use a shampoo with some anti-dht properties.

If those don't do it for you, you also have to option to use herbal treatments like saw palmetto.

So those are the options... Start with considering dutasteride first and then think about the other stuff later. Good luck!

 

[aj2008]

Thank you for the suggestions..Yes, I do use nizorol.

i will probably first add saw palmetto to my regimen and give it a try.

Thanks again...

 

[Cassin]

read this forum

viewforum.php?f=30

 

[metropolis]

[...] Also, what do you folks recommend me to add to my regimen.


Thankyou,


PS: I also recently started experimenting with Generic propecia (finax) looking for an cheaper alternative...I am not sure if it is really effective..I might now get back on to buying merck propecia...esp after hairtransplant is not an option for me anymore.

I've been taking finasteride for 12-13 years (I'm not sure when I started but it is definitely more than 10 years) and it's still working. I'm 32 and I'm still a NW2. Maybe finasteride is becoming less effective, there has been some recession in the frontal area in the last couple of months but I have no intention to stop.

I suggest you don't add anything else to your regime - unless you are really brave and want to try avodart, but beware of possible side effects.

Generics are always a risk. Brand drugs may be more expensive but at least you know you're getting the real thing.