Daltex

I'm on my second week of fin. After just 5 days I started experiencing an overwhelming exhaustion. I spoke with my doc about this and all she had to say was that she hadn't had reports of that side effect previously. I hope something is on the horizon. As of now, it's looking like a razor for me. I'm not sure I would get a HT at this point without adequate assurances that I could slow/halt the progression of the loss. For what it's worth, I'm using minoxidil daily with no side effects.

David - I just started fin. I've been on it for a bit over a week and I've been suffering from some pretty overwhelming exhaustion. Poking around the Internet, it looks like there are a few folks who have had this. I'm wondering in your time of monitoring this forum, whether you've seen people have initial reactions to the drug and then the reactions resolve themselves? While I realize you aren't a doctor, if you were me, how long would you give it before discontinuing use? Also...this is somewhat instructive on the HT issue - If I can't handle the meds then I'm probably not a good HT candidate given that you need to get on meds for retention purposes. Ugh...not feeling great about this. Also, I've seen some of these side effects threads devolve into accusations, etc. I can promise you that this exhaustion is not in my head....posting this from bed.

Thank you, David. That is very helpful information. I'm still waffling on the HT, though the truth is that my situation has crippled my life for years. I suspect I will end up moving forward. But even if all of my hair falls out and I look like hell and I just have to accept that - my first step into this world has given me a bit better feeling about humanity. From SMG's patient educator, to your thoughtful responses and recent patients chatting with me...wow, what a beautiful show of support for a complete stranger.

Thanks David - I went to my doctor today and got a finasteride prescription. Now I'm reading that dutasteride may be more effective. I'm sure it has been discussed on here before. Do folks in this community have any comparative experiences? Also (given that you are a moderator you probably see people's stories all the time) - Have you seen any people actually regrow any hair by getting on finasteride (or dutasteride)?

I feel so ridiculous even joining a group....writing this down, etc. And that is not meant to be a shot at those of you who have done so before me, it's just that I just arrived at this point and all of the feelings are fresh and new. Since college, I have "styled" my hair so as to cover an irregular shaped hairline (it has an upward dip in the center, and my "side head" is big). I have always had extremely fine hair as well. Two not ideal situations. I am 34 now and my hairline has creeped backward at the temples and now my "hair style" is just an obvious complicated comb-over that is a distraction on a daily basis. I will stop there because I'm sure you guys have heard all of this before...but I cannot overstate how this has ruled my life, my mood, my willingness to engage, etc. I have approached the moment where I need to decide to shave my head or get a procedure. I have enough hair to cover whatever procedure I get, for the moment. Money is not an issue. I'm willing to try anything. Currently using rogaine and Nizoral. Have an appt with my doc to get finasteride. I have a few questions - 1) I am finding 20-35 hairs a day in my shower. My stylist says I will find more hairs in the shower because I use a lot of product, which holds the falling hairs in place until I wash my hair, and instead of shedding throughout the day, mine comes out all at once. Can you all let me know your thoughts on that amount of hair in the shower? 2) I have researched products for years and the options and conflicting opinions appear to be endless. Aside from Rogaine, finasteride and Nizoral, is there anything else I should be taking? 3) The big one. For those of you who had a procedure at my age....would you suggest going bald gracefully or taking the plunge? If I were to take the plunge, I have selected Shapiro Medical Group. I've already consulted with Matt Z. I sincerely apologize for the length of this post and the likely redundant nature of the questions. Any help from those on the other side would be so much appreciated.