I don't really have hair loss, should I stay on Propecia?

TheMan23

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Let me briefly explain my story a bit. I would really appreciate some advice.

Background: I am 23 years old. About 3 months ago I started taking Propecia after I freaked out about losing a little bit of hair. On one of my temples (yes only one) I have lost a little bit of hair. It's not noticeable at all, I would have to pull my hair all the way back and really analyze it for most people to notice. Even then it's not a big deal at all, some people might even think that's how my hair always was, but I know there was a little more hair there that is now gone.. My hairline is still very strong but I feel like it's not quite as strong as it once was (maybe there's a few more hairs missing, but I can't prove this at all). It is entirely intact and looking good though. No one except paranoid me would notice any difference, even after analyzing it.

Family history: My mother's father had a full head of hair all the way into his 60s and 70s. My mom doesn't have brothers, so that's all I can judge for that side of the family. My father's father was completely bald by the time he was 30. He is the only person in our family with severe hair loss. His sons (including my father) didn't really have hair loss until they were in their late 30s. All of them still have a good amount of hair to this day.

My derm told me that if I have any hair loss in my family that I am at risk. So I decided that even though I have a full head of hair I would try Propecia to prevent hair loss. When my dad and younger brother found out about this they both thought I was ridiculous (even though my bro is using Propecia himself and doesn't have any noticeable hairloss). My dad, though not a doctor or anything, thinks that my hairline is just maturing a little bit and I have absolutely no need to be on Propecia. In his words "if people found out you were using Propecia they'd laugh at you because it is totally unnecessary." He may be right or wrong. I just worry because his father went bald. But my family has always said my hair is more like my maternal grandfather's anyway. I just want to prevent it if I can. I've had a few friends go through the hair loss struggle recently and obviously would like to avoid it. (Wouldn't we all?)

Anyway, here is where I'd like some advice: I've been on Propecia for almost 3 months. I've had no serious side effects but I do have decreased libido. I can still get erections and have no trouble ejaculating. But my erections have not been as hard or as frequent since I've been on this drug. Can this situation get worse? Can it get better and I'll get more libido back? I don't have a girlfriend/wife right now, but I want to be ready when it comes time for sex. Given this information what is your advice? Should I look into a different alternative to Propecia? Should I wait it out and my libido will come back stronger? Any help you can give would be great. Thanks.

I should also mention that I've noticed my hair seems a little bit thicker texture lately, but that is probably because I have also started using a shampoo rotation of Nizoral, Nioxin and T-Gel.
 

heretohelp

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i was in a similar position to you as my hairloss was hardly noticable but i knew something was up. it is possible that its just a mature hairline .A good way to judge this may be to see if the hairs at the new hairline are even slightly thinner than the ones further back and it is really important to be honest with yourself (i wasnt for a while). but one thing is for sure is that u always know your own hair the best so dont listen to other people especially parents (they always tell u what u want to hear -my mam was the same). if u feel that the hair is defo gettin worse stay on the propecia and the slight side effects may just be in your head if u are still able to get an erection etc but still might be benificial to see a doctor to make sure . if your hair doesnt get any worse it could be cause of the propecia ,if it does get worse then i would also advise goin on the minoxidil (rogaine 5%) ,the two combined work really well (well they did for me anyway) and they can defo help the hairline. if you are losin your hair its really good that u started so soon to help it as the earlier you start the best chance you have of keeping all your hair.
 

amthello

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I would stay on Propecia. even just taking 0.5mg (half the recommended dose...its as 80% as effective as 1mg) If you are not experiencing sides you should stick to it.

I am the same age as you.. started loosing hair 2 years ago... I started Propecia this year but I cant help telling to myself why I didn't start it before say 1.5 year ago when my hairdresser suggested it to me.. (note my hairdresser is bald).

My family history is similar to yours. My mother's father had full head of hair while my father's dad was bald.. They say that you have less chance of going bald if your mother's father is not bald. My brother is bald. But everyone used to say that I resembled my mother's dad and in fact had plenty of hair. And so denied it (all the 1.5 years). You wont notice loosing hair until you reach that point when ou acutally see your scalp... but the loosing process would have started long before..

In the end it is your choice...
hope this helps
 
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