Hi guys,

I am a new member at this forum and I am 23 years old. I have suffered receding hairline for about 1 year now, and now I am at phase 2.

I have started doing something about my problem about half a year ago. Since I am from Asia, my parents advised me to go to clinics in Taiwan who specialize in these types of problems. Wanting to give it a try, I did, and at this point I don't really notice any difference and not sure if I benefited. I say that because I take photos regularly and from what I could see I don't really see any noticeable changes.

And I have steered away from Propecia because I didn't like what the side effects could do. It's also partly because of what I read on Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) Side Effects.

But right now I want to look at this from a fresh angle and be educated about this problem so I know where I really stand. I found this website First Steps to Treating Your Hairloss, and I think it's a pretty good site for it. So I was wondering if any1 on this forum has been there and what do they think about this site overall. Any comments will be welcomed.

Thanks.

Oh, I forgot to mention that my current regimen is as follows:

What the clinic has proscribed:
1. Oil to massage my scalp with
2. Shampoo
3. Conditioner
4. Hair Spray

Other things I do on my own (I have been doing these up to now without any noticeable adverse effects):
1. Pumpkin seed
2. Green tea
3. Chinese herbs
4. Multi-vitamins
5. B-16

Other things I am considering:
1. Nizoral
2. Nioxin
3. Methyl-Sulfonyl-methane (MSM)
4. Biotin
5. Folic Acid
6. Fish Oil
7. Rogaine Foam

If any1 has any advice on what I am using and what other things I should consider, please feel free to let me know.

Thanks.

Lancery,

Welcome to our community

Unfortunately, the only two things proven to combat hairloss are finasteride and minoxodil. Whereas many of the other things you provided may have some benefit for a healthy scalp (and body), none of them will regrow your hair or prevent future loss.

Nizoral is the only other one you mentioned that may help remove surface DHT from your scalp. But it is best when combined with finasteride and/or minoxodil.

Finasteride can have side effects, but they are pretty rare. Do your own research and draw your own conclusions, but In my experience, I've been taking finasteride for 3 years now without side effects.

Hope this helps,

Falc

Lancery,

Falc is accurate in his statement however I do like the fact that you are using your brain and attempting to resolve things. Although most of the items listed in your regimen might not be proven to grow hair I think that it is important to maintain your body and scalp in a healthy environment to limit any other sources that might add to your hairloss problem.

I would also add vitamin A to your list and I have to question the oil product you are applying. Also be cautious of hairspray and conditioners. Yes they might help to keep hair manageable, but tend to add sediment to the scalp that is not overly ideal. Do a search on this site for shampoos and try to get some that have less chemicals and are not taxing to hair and scalp if used regularly. Nioxin, Shen Min Vitalize, Nutregena are ones that quickly come to mind.

Good luck.

NN

Hi falceros and NervousNelly,

Thanks for your reply. I appreciate it.

I understand what you are saying, and that's why I am looking at Minoxodil Rogaine (Foam), Nizoral, Nioxin and MSM because I have seen other people on this and other forums who find them helpful to combat hairloss (whether clinically proven or not).

As for other things like Fish Oil or Biotin, my theory is simple, if it doesn't do bad things to my body (like my current regimen) and I am fine with spending the $$$ on it, then I will use it because you never really know if it does any good.

However, regarding propecia, I am really not sure about it. While it might still be a relatively safe medical treatment, I am not certain 2-4% of individuals who are undertaking the medicine suffer side effects is an accurate number. In fact, according to Dr.Lee's analysis of the following article Propecia 5 year study results released, I believe the 2-4% number we see may be misleading. The above link and other forums toss around the idea that 20% would be a much more accurate number. While I am not sure how accurate that number might be, I am inclined to believe that is more accurate than the 2-4%.

Oh and one more thing, I have read postings on Finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) Side Effects. where individuals complain of severe side effects after 3-5 years of use. I just wanted to mention that so people who are currently in use and have not seen any serious adverse effects don't let their guard down.

Thanks.

Lancery,

I essentially have the same philosophy as yourself. I take a number of different vitamins and herbs because I feel that they certainly can't hurt and are helpful in other aspects of my health.

I agree with your thoughts on the side effects of finesteride. I'm not sure of the figure of 20% but I certainly did feel that I noticed some sides so I changed my dosage and now take it approx. every 2-3 days. It does seem to help slow down my hairloss without the side effects.

I also use an inversion table because it helps my back and the increase bloodflow to the scalp can't be a bad thing.

Everyone has their own regimen and as long as its not harmful what the hell.

Good luck with things.

NN

Lancery,

I agree with NN. There is nothing wrong with using any of the supplements you are using, but just don't count on it stopping your hairloss.

Clearly I can understand your resistance to finasteride...who wants side effects? Any study I've read, however, does state that side effects are reversable (if you experience any) once you stop taking the medicine.

When I have some time, I will read some of the articles you posted.

Good luck my friend,

Falc

Hi Lancery,

I agree with Falceros and NN. If I can add my 3 cents, I recommend that you track your progress while following your regimen so that you can acertain if there is any real benefit. If you are sure there is no benefit, you have the option of stopping.

For me, I wouldn't continue if it doesn't work. Even if it doesn't hurt, why waste the money. Save if for a future transplant

/J

Hi guys,

Thanks for all your posts.

After reading your posts and some others on this forum, I notice that a lot of people play around with the recommended dosage (Rogaine 2x/day and Finasteride 1mg/day). Is that safe to do and how do the desired effects change with that? I realize the experience might differ from person to person but I just wanted to get a general idea from those who have tried.

Btw, where do you guys get the Rogaine foam and Nizoral? I am from Canada so I am not sure if I would have to get it online.

Thanks.

Lancery,

It's very difficult to advise on dosages and what these may do (or not do) for a person.

I don't use Rogain so will stick to reponding on Finasteride. I've always taken it every other day and I do know it's working for me. The theory for EOD dosage is that Fin actively inhibits DHT in your body for 72 hours so a daily dose isn't necessary. I was advised in this fashion by Dr. Wong after my 2nd HT when I started taking it.

As for Nizoral..........you can purchase 1% without a script at any Walmart. You need a script for 2%.

Hi guys,

After reading your posts and seeing a couple of docs I am going to start a new regimen to combat my hair loss.

My current plan:

1. Start on 2% Minoxidil for 2-3 weeks to see if I can any side effects and possibly get used to it.

2. Start on 5% Minoxidil if I don't experience side effects on the 2% for 4-6 months.

3. Start on Propecia 0.25mg if 2 doesn't show any effect.

4. Gradually up the Propecia from 0.25mg->0.5mg->1mg if 3 doesn't work.

Of course, if any of the above steps show any adverse side effects that I cannot tolerate, then I will have to skip steps and such.

In the meantime, I will supplement with the following materials:

- 1% Nizoral 2 times / week
- Classic Head and Shoulder 2 times / week
- Green Tea Extract 1 tablet / day
- Fish Oil 1 tablet / day
- Multivitamin 1 tablet / day
- Chinese herb <to make hair black and thicker> 1 tablet / day

If any1 can advise on my currently planned regimen, please let me know and I will greatly appreciate it.

Thanks.