I’m Really Concerned About My Hair And Could Use Advice

[Jacky Truong]

Recently I went to my doctors and told him I was experiencing extra shedding in the shower and finding some not a lot of hair under my pillows he barely did a hair pull test and looked at my scalp for a second and started to preach how I should not go on finasteride I am currently 19 and want to keep my hair for as long as I can can you guys tell me if my temples are receding or if I’m worrying too much

 

[Who Farted]

It looks like it could be early stage male pattern baldness. The left temple isn’t showing much at this point, but the right one is most definitely receding, but it’s not bad at this point.

That said, without pictures of your hairline in the past and shots of your crown now, it’s hard to be definitive about anything.

 

[Jacky Truong]

Should I be concerned ? And what are the necessary steps I should take from here

 

[Ollie]

It looks like the process has started yes. The only real treatment unfortunately is finasteride. There are risks in taking it that you should educate yourself on before taking it.

 

[Zenya]

Looks like it's started, judging by the photos. Especially if you are already noticing extra shedding and that some hairs remain on your pillow. Also pay attention to your family history, that's usually a good indication.

... started to preach how I should not go on finasteride..

What were his arguments for discouraging its use?

 

[Who Farted]

Best thing to do is to confirm what’s going on by seeing a dermatologist, who will also be able to help you with your options/treatment.

That being said, your doctors concerns about finasteride are probably related to your body not having reached maturity. Because your body requires a specific hormonal recipe to finish developing, it’s a bad idea to take finasteride or dutasteride prior to the completion of said recipe. Most men aren’t there until their 20s and while some choose to go ahead with treatment anyway, they do so at higher risk of side effects and developmental issues.

Blood tests can help a doctor evaluate and explain your individual situation so that you can make whatever choice you are comfortable with. It’s a heavy drug and it permanently changes your hormonal balance; you need to be absolutely sure you need it before you start and to, if possible, hold off until your body fully matures.

To be clear, you can take finasteride prior to this point, and many have done so without issue, but the risks are higher and you need to be sure you are comfortable with that before you take it.

 

[Jacky Truong]

Looks like it's started, judging by the photos. Especially if you are already noticing extra shedding and that some hairs remain on your pillow. Also pay attention to your family history, that's usually a good indication.



What were his arguments for discouraging its use?

He did not really give me reasons why I should not take it he just gave me a look of disapproval and said it had many side effects I’m disappointed cause he didn’t even refer me to a derm I would really like to see to what extent I’m losing hair

 

[Jacky Truong]

Best thing to do is to confirm what’s going on by seeing a dermatologist, who will also be able to help you with your options/treatment.

That being said, your doctors concerns about finasteride are probably related to your body not having reached maturity. Because your body requires a specific hormonal recipe to finish developing, it’s a bad idea to take finasteride or dutasteride prior to the completion of said recipe. Most men aren’t there until their 20s and while some choose to go ahead with treatment anyway, they do so at higher risk of side effects and developmental issues.

Blood tests can help a doctor evaluate and explain your individual situation so that you can make whatever choice you are comfortable with. It’s a heavy drug and it permanently changes your hormonal balance; you need to be absolutely sure you need it before you start and to, if possible, hold off until your body fully matures.

To be clear, you can take finasteride prior to this point, and many have done so without issue, but the risks are higher and you need to be sure you are comfortable with that before you take it.

From what you can see of my temples what would you say I am on the Norwood scale and if I should go on finasteride now or later to save my hair cause I always read about people regretting not going on it before it was too late