Hey folks,
I am pretty new around here. To be honest, the forum can be pretty anxiety inducing. I know I am balding, but I try to keep pretty level-headed about it (excuse the pun).
Nevertheless, I'm considering my options.
Attached are some photos. I'm 29. I have zero balding around the crown at present. Things have been VERY gradual, up until this year when I started to notice losing my hair more rapidly not just on temples but thinning in the middle.
I was trying non-prescription supplements from Oxford Biolabs for 1.5 years but decided to stop as it basically had no impact for me (though I guess you could argue that was why the rate was slow before). I've seen started washing my hair with Nizoral shampoo, taking saw palmetto once a day and coconut oil soaking through my hair overnight twice a week.
I clearly have a preference for the more herbal route, but now think I should brace myself for side effects and try something stronger. I'm mostly concerned about the libido-related side effects of finasteride, but also the "hassle" of Minoxidil. The idea of twice daily foam or liquid treatment seems like it would be challenging within my lifestyle, and I hate the idea of having to skip a session and shedding so dramatically. I have pretty long hair right now, so I'm not sure if I should cut it really short while starting the treatment for easier application, or will that only accentuate how much I am thinning.
Lastly, I have recently started a pretty serious relationship, and I guess I am nervous about "hiding" the treatment from my partner. Do people have experience or advice with this? I know that, if it were a longer term thing, I'd probably be pretty straight up with her, but this is different. I wouldn't want her to find it unattractive (that I am thinning, or that I am treating it), or vain.
Sorry for the rambling message! I guess I am looking for a little advice and encouragement.
I am pretty new around here. To be honest, the forum can be pretty anxiety inducing. I know I am balding, but I try to keep pretty level-headed about it (excuse the pun).
Nevertheless, I'm considering my options.
Attached are some photos. I'm 29. I have zero balding around the crown at present. Things have been VERY gradual, up until this year when I started to notice losing my hair more rapidly not just on temples but thinning in the middle.
I was trying non-prescription supplements from Oxford Biolabs for 1.5 years but decided to stop as it basically had no impact for me (though I guess you could argue that was why the rate was slow before). I've seen started washing my hair with Nizoral shampoo, taking saw palmetto once a day and coconut oil soaking through my hair overnight twice a week.
I clearly have a preference for the more herbal route, but now think I should brace myself for side effects and try something stronger. I'm mostly concerned about the libido-related side effects of finasteride, but also the "hassle" of Minoxidil. The idea of twice daily foam or liquid treatment seems like it would be challenging within my lifestyle, and I hate the idea of having to skip a session and shedding so dramatically. I have pretty long hair right now, so I'm not sure if I should cut it really short while starting the treatment for easier application, or will that only accentuate how much I am thinning.
Lastly, I have recently started a pretty serious relationship, and I guess I am nervous about "hiding" the treatment from my partner. Do people have experience or advice with this? I know that, if it were a longer term thing, I'd probably be pretty straight up with her, but this is different. I wouldn't want her to find it unattractive (that I am thinning, or that I am treating it), or vain.
Sorry for the rambling message! I guess I am looking for a little advice and encouragement.
