n2se5

Both actually!

 

Prior to HT, I used it (a few sprays twice a day & finger massaged into scalp) for over two years. No adverse reactions. Plus it seemed to stimulate growth in hair areas that previously were losing hairs for good (& some folk commented on hair growing back).

Plus (& no scientific evidence here) I felt that it at least slowed down the MPB & may have even prevented further loss (just my personal observations but as I say, I can't guarantee that as its easy to let hope win over experience at times!).

OK, thanks. Which minoxidil brand did you use?

I think the 10% minoxidil I've used has probably helped to stabilize my hair loss and perhaps even thickened it (I am being very optimistic here) but definitely no hair regrowth so I'm hoping 5% will continue to stabilize my hair loss and maintain the thickness (if this has happened!)>

I've been using the 5 per cent successfully for a few years now. Post HT I had to stop it for a period of time as it caused spots on the scalp (too much blood to the surface I guess). Back on again but just once a day now (as opposed to twice ...once in morning & before bed).

 

Good Luck!

Thanks for your post. You mention minoxidil has been successful for you, how so? Has your hair stabilized or have you seen some regrowth?

Cheers

I would avoid anything advertising itself as "10% Minoxidil", since it hasn't been tested clinically.

Majority of users use 5% Minoxidil and it works well

I would advise you to avoid quitting Minoxidil and better buy 5% Minoxidil

 

I hope you aware that Minoxidil is less effective on frontal areas

10% may not have had the same vigorous testing as 5% but there are proven results on Belgravia's website, but I didn't get any regrowth. I am aware that Minoxidil is less effective on the frontal areas but it does work for some people.

I'm thinking 5% minoxidil but if I've seen zero regrowth on 10% I'm very doubtful I will see any regrowth with 5% too which makes me think, what;s the point?

I am hoping to get a frontal hair transplant one day.

I would avoid anything advertising itself as "10% Minoxidil", since it hasn't been tested clinically.

Majority of users use 5% Minoxidil and it works well

I would advise you to avoid quitting Minoxidil and better buy 5% Minoxidil

 

I hope you aware that Minoxidil is less effective on frontal areas

10% may not have had the same vigorous testing as 5% but there are proven results on Belgravia's website, but I didn't get any regrowth. I am aware that Minoxidil is less effective on the frontal areas but it does work for some people.

I'm thinking 5% minoxidil but if I've seen zero regrowth on 10% I'm very doubtful I will see any regrowth with 5% too which makes me think, what;s the point?

I am hoping to get a frontal hair transplant one day.

I've been using Belgravia's 10% Minoxidil for 18 months now and I haven't seen any regrowth at all. It might of helped to stabilized my hair but I can't prove this because I've also been taking Propecia/Fin for the same period and I think its the pill that helped to pretty much halt my hair loss.

I am paying a lot of minoxidil at the moment with no proven results so I am looking to change or quit.

I will continue to take fin because I am sure this is working.

So I am thinking should I stop using minoxidil or should I go down to 5% (which is a lot cheaper and buy Kirkland's 5%) or I could even request 12.5% minoxidil.

I've read that low doses of minoxidil (5%) only works on a third of patients and the rest of us see no benefit but many more of us may see benefits using higher doses. As I have used 10% for 18 months and seen no benefit, I'm thinking of what are my chances of seeing a benefit using 12.5% minoxidil.

If anyone has any comments please so write them so I can make my mind up about what to do.

I want to at least maintain my hair or even have some growth on my frontal area. I would say I'm closer to a Norwood 3 than 2.

Thank you.

Yeah kinda wish I'd started 3 years ago! Read too many stories on the net?!

Stop reading them. people love to moan and complain and I bet many of those commenting on Propecia haven't even taken it. Ok, it does have side affects that affect a very low number of people. I've been taking it for over 14 months and experienced no side affects what's so ever and managed to halt my hair loss.

The quicker you do it, the quicker you'll probably save what hair you have pal.

I agree KO but he is in the UK & I'm not sure they sell the Kirkland Min brand there.

I find it very hard why he's paying that amount of money for Min tho.

Wonder if he can order from the UK amazon & have kirkland ship directly from amazon USA.

I trust Amazon before Flea bay tho that's for sure.

Kirkland is available for UK users here: http://www.kirklandminoxidiluk.co.uk/ It's also on Amazon UK too.

Yeah, I am paying so much for my minoxidil at the mo.

If I go from 10% to 5% is there a possibility of a shred?

I agree KO but he is in the UK & I'm not sure they sell the Kirkland Min brand there.

I find it very hard why he's paying that amount of money for Min tho.

Wonder if he can order from the UK amazon & have kirkland ship directly from amazon USA.

I trust Amazon before Flea bay tho that's for sure.

Kirkland is available for UK users here: http://www.kirklandminoxidiluk.co.uk/ It's also on Amazon UK too.

Yeah, I am paying so much for my minoxidil at the mo.

If I go from 10% to 5% is there a possibility of a shred?

10% is not better than 5%. A lot of the minoxidil does not even dissolve in the solution (does it look cloudy?) and is essentially wasted. I'd stick with the 5%, and you can apply it more times if you want. I would take the Kirkland.

It has occasionally looked cloudy and watery but normally it's pretty thick cream and dry's into my scalp fast with no mess. That's one benefit of it.

I've found Kirkland for UK users here: Buy Kirkland Signature Minoxidil Online UK

I've found this website too: Lipogaine for men Lipogaine, any thoughts on this one?

Cheers pal

Doesn't it effect Testosterone levels?

Source?

https://minoxidilmax.com/product_html/minoxidil-10.php Just seen this, it appears to be exactly the same stuff as I am taking but it's from the US. I'm from the UK and buying this stuff from an expensive clinic in C London.

Would anyone be able to tell me if the above link is the same as this? - High Strength Minoxidil Hair Loss Treatment – A Comprehensive Guide

Would appreciate any thoughts on this.

Thank you.

What should be the effects of taking propecia and weight training? I'm tryin to bulk up.

Thanks in advance.

None what's so ever. I've been taking Fin/Propecia for 14 months and it's had zero effect on my training.

From what I've read from others that there is not much differance using 5% or 10% Min

I've been using 5% kirkland Min foam & it don't itch my head.

 

You can order from amazon 6mth supply for around $65.00, I would rather trust amazon than ebay when coming to Meds like this.

 

The standard Fin that most people do is cut up a 5 mg in 4s not 5s like you are doing but I guess over a period of a wk you be taking the same as us regular guys anyways so I don't think its going to hurt you doing that way anyways.

 

IMHO...

If something is working for you stick with it.

Best wishes.

Thanks for your reply.

Yeah, I've read there isn't much difference between 5% and 10%. I've been using 10% for over a year and it's expensive! Kirkland is a lot cheaper but not sure if it's going to be just as 'effective' i.e. continue to stabilise my hair loss because it's very unlikely I'd experience any regrowth now.

Thanks for the fin advice, I plan to carry on cutting it into 5 bits 9that's what the doctor recommended) and take it daily, seems to be OK so far.

I've been looking on the net about the different types of minoxidil now, very difficult to find clear answers as to which one's are the best. Look's like I'll have to pay 150 quid again for 10% minoxidil.

Hello everyone,

Treatment is very expensive so I've taken steps to cut costs. Firstly, I have moved away from 1mg propecia to 1mg of fin (I cut 5mg tablets into 5 pieces). I've been on 1mg fin for 3 months and experienced no shredding, so I am very happy with that. However, I want to wait until 6 months before I have firm conclusion on this. I'm not expecting any shredding because 1mg fin is essentially the same as 1mg propecia.

My next step is to cut costs for minoxidil. I'm currently using 10% minoxidil and I've used it now for 12 months but it's costing me ?150 every 3 months (?50 a month). I like the fact it's high strength but it's so expensive. As I experienced a shred in the summer, I am tempted to look towards 12.5% but this will only increase my outgoings.

I've been looking at alternatives. I'm thinking, perhaps, to stay on 10% min for another 3 months just so I can continue to use 1mg fin and 10% min as I've had good results, hair has stabilised, no regrow though.

Alternatives; Kirkland 5% extra strength min - I've read it's pretty greasy but it's cheap.

I've had a look on ebay and you can get 10% minoxidil really cheap, like this one: MINOXIDIL 10 extra strength Solution HAIR LOSS TREATMENT-Spray Hair regrowth | eBay

However, not sure if this is legit so I'm very reluctant to get this.

Moving away from my current regime nerves me but I want to save money and I do believe I can get minoxidil cheaper than what I am actually paying. Further, I'm not even sure if 10% is having more positive effect than 5%.

Any advice on how I can move forward to cut costs and continue with effective treatment?

Hello,

I've bought over a year's supply of 5mg Finasteride tablets. I currently taking 1mg Propecia and they are due to run out in a few days so I will start to use Fin tablets . However, I need to cut 5mg into 5 bits first. How do I do this? The 5mg tablet is even smaller than 1mg of Propecia - how can this be the case when they're both equally as effective? I'm worried crumbs/bits of the tablet will be lost due to having to cut it. Is there anything I can buy that will cut the tablets for me?

Many thanks guys.

No this is why so many people cut up Proscar as its exactly to same as Propecia. A lot of forum members do this.

Thank you for recommending the above Dr. I have contacted him and his 5mg Finasteride is a lot cheaper than buying Propecia from an expensive pharmacy every 3 months.

Do you use Minoxidil?

I am currently using 10% Minoxidil from an expensive place n C London - and I was led to believe I would see increase hair growth with it, which I haven't. However, it probably has helped to stop my hair loss. I was wondering how easy it would be to get 10% cheaper from else where? I notice a lot of people use 5% instead - I am open to 5% however, worried that I could incur shredding or it may not be strong enough for my hair line so I end up with more hair loss. I know none of these questions can be answered with guarantee but I just want to make sure I am informed and know what I am doing., Many thanks.

Proscar (5mg) is made by Merck who make Propecia (1mg) so yes they are the same. The drug is Finasteride and the only difference is the amount in each tablet.

So if I cut Fin into 5 1mg bits, there won't be any difference in my medication in take?

Sorry to be anal about this.

Proscar (5mg) is made by Merck who make Propecia (1mg) so yes they are the same. The drug is Finasteride and the only difference is the amount in each tablet.

So if I cut Fin into 5 1mg bits, there won't be any difference in my medication in take?

Sorry to be anal about this.

Garageland made some very good and valid points.

 

The whole thing in making a decision to borrow money is so ambiguous between individuals. The real issue is, "Will the new loan obligation put a significant strain on your budget?" and also, "If your employment situation was to change for the worse, would you still be able to meet that obligation?" It does not sound like you are putting yourself in a dire situation yet you know your own financial situation which is your business and only you can make those decisions.

 

Here's the thing to keep in mind as you move forward. You already stated that there are family members who have reached the more advanced classes of MPB and so your lifelong planning has to take that into consideration. Hopefully the meds will continue to be efficient but you are still young and no one can predict how long they will work for you. So we have to plan as if we are going to lose as much hair as the other men within our family profiles.

 

Low dose finasteride and minoxidil really won't provide any efficiency for the frontal core where you are noticing the majority of your hair loss. And btw, using 10% minoxidil could have induced a higher level of shedding than say the 5% version that is normally recommended. I think what you are noticing in the frontal zone is an improvement in hair shaft diameter (caliber) which is a good thing in itself. So if you were continuing to experience too much shedding, then a lower strength minoxidil would be the recommendation.

 

1300 grafts in the frontal core will undoubtedly help to strengthen your hair line but as was already stated, you will progress with more loss in that zone behind those grafts and there will begin a noticeable thinning behind the transplanted area in the near future.

 

Trust me, you will want more surgery when this happens and then ask yourself, "Will I have the loan paid off by then?" If not, then you might start to create a snow balling effect because chances are, your future loss will also impact the temporal lobe areas and a larger potential recipient area to where you will need more grafts than even the first initial procedure.

 

Is your hair loss more recession in nature or does your frontal zone have noticeable diffusion of the hair shafts?

 

Glad to hear that you are not rushing into surgery. You have lots of time to research and especially in the selection of the surgeon who is right for you. I have found that most of the doctors who are previewed in high powered advertising and marketing sites are not necessarily the best choices. They just pay for the expensive promotions whereby the best docs get referrals and do not need to promote themselves with high powered marketing campaigns.

 

Again, keep up your research and things will fall into place for you. Good docs are worth the time and expense to travel to...

Many thanks for your reply, much appreciated.

Getting a loan for this isn’t ideal but if I prioritise what I spend in life, I would rather pay X amount a, month to ensure I have a head lien then spending that amount of money – I prioritise a hair line very highly. I would be OK repaying off the loan, I can’t foresee any problems there, and however, what worries me is that I may require another procedure whilst still repaying the first loan – that would be a terrible situation to be in.

It looks likely I could have advanced hair loss, I started early and many family members have this. However, I’ve responded well to medication, so far. Therefore, I am a good candidate for FUE right now? Or should I wait longer? This is what’s currently going through my head. I am prepared to wait but don’t want to wait too long because I am young and I really don’t want this hanging over me. I want to sort it out.

“Low dose finasteride and minoxidil really won't provide any efficiency for the frontal core where you are noticing the majority of your hair loss. And btw, using 10% minoxidil could have induced a higher level of shedding than say the 5% version that is normally recommended. I think what you are noticing in the frontal zone is an improvement in hair shaft diameter (caliber) which is a good thing in itself. So if you were continuing to experience too much shedding, then a lower strength minoxidil would be the recommendation.” I am currently taking 1mg Propecia and 10% minoxidil, provided by a clinic in London. Is 1mg of Propecia/fin low dosage? I was under the impression that’s the amount you need per day. You may be right about 10% minoxidil inducing the initial shredding I encountered but it does appear to have stopped now and my hair line has been stable now for about 10 months. I am looking to see if I can get my meds cheaper than what I am currently paying. If being on 5% is no different than 10% of course, I am prepared to change but I am worried about experiencing another shred.

“1300 grafts in the frontal core will undoubtedly help to strengthen your hair line but as was already stated, you will progress with more loss in that zone behind those grafts and there will begin a noticeable thinning behind the transplanted area in the near future.” Indeed, this is what I am thinking about. I have stabilised so I could be a good candidate for FUE 1,300 grafts right now. However, what happens in the future with meds and genetic hair loss – it’s really hard to predict. I guess when I do eventually have a FUE for how many grafts that will be will essentially be luck.

“Trust me, you will want more surgery when this happens and then ask yourself, "Will I have the loan paid off by then?" If not, then you might start to create a snow balling effect because chances are, your future loss will also impact the temporal lobe areas and a larger potential recipient area to where you will need more grafts than even the first initial procedure.” So how long do I wait? This is the burning question which I’m not sure what the answer is or if there is an answer to it as we can’t predict biology.

“Is your hair loss more recession in nature or does your frontal zone have noticeable diffusion of the hair shafts?” What do you mean by this? I’m sorry.

“Glad to hear that you are not rushing into surgery. You have lots of time to research and especially in the selection of the surgeon who is right for you. I have found that most of the doctors who are previewed in high powered advertising and marketing sites are not necessarily the best choices. They just pay for the expensive promotions whereby the best docs get referrals and do not need to promote themselves with high powered marketing campaigns.

Again, keep up your research and things will fall into place for you. Good docs are worth the time and expense to travel to... ”

Thanks pal, I’m definitely going to take my time and I intend on seeing many surgeons/clinics and getting as much advice on here as possible. It needs to feel right and it currently doesn’t, hence why I am not going for surgery yet. I’m sure I’ll find the right surgeon, someone who I can trust and will do a good job. I look forward to it very much.

As for the loan you know your personal commitments and with the base rate of interest being low you can get some decent rates out there currently. Taking out a loan obviously increases the overall cost of the surgery if it turns out to be a great success and you are happy then it will have been worth every penny. But if you end up not so happy and the density is not there as you were expecting and you need another session then what happens?

 

Or you loose more hair and need further work because the recession continues and the 1300 hairline grafts become isolated then what, another loan?

 

I had 3 very small ht's in 3 years around 400-500 grafts each time, ok it was a while back but the lesson is still relevant to learn from. I had money for the first one and then had to borrow from relatives for the second two. The results were terrible and whilst I was not on medication like you I lost more hair eventually to a Norwood 6. I gave up after the third HT partly because I realised that I was never going to solve my hair loss problem and I had run out of money.

 

Ok so that is a very grim reality of my situation back then but putting 1300 grafts into someone who had a high family level of hair loss at your age is likely to mean further surgeries. How the Doctor can say 10 years before you need anymore work is just guess work has he even been in this business 10 years to have past cases to refer to?

 

It seems to me that some clinics are quoting patients what they are conveniently able to transplant by fue in one day or what they think might suit the patients budget.

 

Propecia tends to work better in the mid scalp and crown but patients can still loose hair in the front. If your mid scalp and crown are solid with no signs of miniaturization yet then that would be a very positive sign but if you have any thinning behind the hairline just placing 1300 grafts I am not sure it is going to make you happy.

 

This is all speculation as I have not seen your photos but I would hate for you to have a small session and then require more work before you have even paid off the first loan.

 

You should research and visit other reputable clinics I am not saying the one you visited isn't but getting further opinions is valuable research.

 

It is more stressful to suffer hair loss in your twenties it is more likely when you are single and image is even more important and more of your friends and colleagues your age are not suffering with loss and you feel more the minority having to deal with this. That said loosing your hair in not a nice thing to experience at any age.

 

Your last paragraph was spot on and the questions you have raised are perfect ones to be asking yourself. Good luck with your research.

Thank you for your reply.

As the procedure is very expensive, at least ?6,000 for FUE I have no option but to take a loan. I do not mind this providing I get a good result as it will be worth it. I don’t want to be in a position where I receive a terrible FUE with low density for example or that I’ll require another FUE not long after. I do understand it’s probably inevitable I’ll require two FUE or even three but hopefully the time between them is a long one. Long enough to at least repay the first loan. This is why I am not going to rush into it. A clinic has been ringing me several times but I will hold out until I am happy with the doctor, clinic, the procedure and I understand my own genetics with it comes to balding.

How do I establish when is the right time for surgery? That’s a question I am finding difficult to answer. I have looked at my family hair loss and it is has affected most males including my father, grandfather, uncles and cousins, however the degree of hair loss varies. I’m only 26 and probably at a Norwood III and started to take Propecia and Minioxidil about a year ago. Hair loss has stabilised after an initial shred. I’ve not had any more hair loss – I don’t really notice any on my bed pillow etc anymore unlike previous I started taking meds. My hair line seems to be the same as it was 12 months ago too. So I’ve obviously responded well to medication. Question is, how long do I wait until I am sure it’ll be stable for medium to long term?

“It seems to me that some clinics are quoting patients what they are conveniently able to transplant by fue in one day or what they think might suit the patients budget. “ In that case I’ll compare and contrast various surgeons and opinions and then ask them why they’re all quoting me different number of grafts. Judging by other people’s hair transplants on this website, 1,300 does seem right for my hair loss level. I will put pics up soon as I can so people can see my hair line.

“Propecia tends to work better in the mid scalp and crown but patients can still loose hair in the front. If your mid scalp and crown are solid with no signs of miniaturization yet then that would be a very positive sign but if you have any thinning behind the hairline just placing 1300 grafts I am not sure it is going to make you happy.” Well I’ve taken Propecia for 1 year now and not had any more shredding since the initial shred I had at the beginning. I’d argue that’s a positive response from Propecia but I can’t guarantee how long that’ll last. I will upload photos so you can see my hair line. I would appreciate your feedback. I really don’t want to be in a position of having many procures. Ideally I’d love just to have one and stay on Propecia but I know this is unlikely and I’ll need another procedure. I want to be realistic about this but I also want a sustainable hair line. If I was 60 I wouldn’t care but because I am only 26, having a hair line is very high is a high priority.

Thanks again for your reply, it’s much appreciated and encourages me to think about this deeply so I can make the right decision.

I think if you are based in UK and looking for quality FUE for your hairline you should hop on the Eurostar to Belgium. Look at the doctors there. I just had 1800 FUE with Dr Feriduni on my hairline. It cost 6,500 pounds. Very easy from the UK. I wouldn't go to a UK clinic if I were you but if you insisted I'd say go to Dr Ragu Reddy but I think if its FUE you want and hairline then Dr. Feriduni would be your man. All the best buddy!

I may have some questions if you'd be wiling to answer then pal!

n2se5,

 

I have been buying 5mg Finasteride through Dr Edgar for a while. I know he is legitimate as he is a GP in the UK and the medication comes out via LLoyds pharmacy.

 

Email him as he is very helpful, affordable, keeps in close contact with you and willing to answer any questions within hours. Cutting 5 mg Proscar into 5ths is the same as 1mg Propecia but much more affordable.

 

I have never taken brand 1mg Propecia. I have always cut brand Proscar in quarters (not fifths) and I used to spend a similar amount on Finasteride of the price you stated.

 

You can email him on drstevengedgar@gmail.com

I understand you cut Proscar but is Proscar exactly the same as Propecia (minus the branding)?

I don't want to swop tablets and shred or something similar. Propecia has been good for my hairline, so I don't want to risk that.

Hey guys,

I am currently paying ?125 pounds a quarter for Propecia 1mg. I have seen it cheaper else where but also wary of fakes.

I have been doing some research on Google and this website. I've seen a few stores offering Propecia 1mg a lot cheaper than what I am paying right now. It's very temping but I just need to be sure they're the same as what I am currently taking now. I've had good results with Propecia, no side affects and hair loss has stopped so I am keen to keep taking this.

These are the one's I have found:

Propecia (Generic) - Propecia 1mg (generic) - what do they mean by generic? Do you think this is totally legit?

Here is an American website: http://www.quality-rx.com/prescriptions/finpecia/

This is Finasteride 1mg which is essentially the same as Propecia, right? Just a different name? Therefore, if the tablet is the same, surely I can order this and expect no change in my results?

Thanks for anyone who can help me here, I don't want to keep paying over the odds for Propecia when you can get it much cheaper else where.

Many thanks for your message.

I didn't see any normal patient results and it's been very difficult to find much info about this particular clinic despite it being featured in the media quite a bit. That's what's partly putting me off. I want to see examples of people like my self who have had the procedure. There is very little info on the particular clinic on this website.

One of my uncles has a particularly high Norwood like 6/7, my dad's hair loss seems to have started in his 20s, like mine. He is 61 now and still has hair at the back and sides but very thin at the top, probably between 5A and 5V and its probably stopped now due to his age. So it looks like I could end up with a high Norwood. However, I am taking medication which seems to have worked. I haven't had any more shredding since I initially started taking meds. Question is, how long should I wait before it's time to have surgery? A year without any further hair loss on meds, to me, seems like a good starting point but I am still anxious because of my young age. However, on the other hand, I desperately want my hairline back now.

The doctor suggested 1,300 grafts. I asked the doctor how likely it was I'll need further surgery in the future. He said I probably would but in about 10 years time. How is he able to predict this? Will the meds ware off eventually?

I could repay the loan without any problems to be honest. Obviously I'd prefer not to have to spend around ?170 a month on a loan but if I want my hairline back it is something I will have to do.

Thanks for your message, you have given me a different perspective and to be cautious about this.

I know I am young hair loss sufferer but it is so depressing seeing other guys my age with beautiful hair, with attractive styling, something I used to do my self! Every time I go to the hair dressers I get really anxious just in case the hair dresser reveals to much of my bald spots. Each morning I get stressed about my hair making sure I am able to cover bald spots with hair or toppik.

Something I have noticed about this whole hair thing, the more I stress about it, the more I feel like my hair loss is getting worse. I did have a period where I didn't worry too much about it (because in my head I was telling my self my full hair will come back soon as I've had a transplant and this made me feel better) and I felt content about it all. Now I am feeling very stressed about it all I get tension on my scalp in particularly where hair loss is likely to happen in the future. It's really strange.

What I will do now is continue to take the meds and do my research, visit several hair loss clinics and compare and contrast their opinions, prices etc. I don't want to rush into this, I want to get it right. I really want my hair line back so I am prepared to wait and get it right.

Things I need to establish:

Reputable clinics and surgeons

How many grafts do I need right now

Hair loss pattern in the future

Will meds ware off

How many HT will I need

I'm not sure if some of these questions can be answered with any degree of certainly which makes this whole procedure so risky.