Not sure what else to do to slow it down

[slowjo]

I started losing my hair along the hairline 5 years ago (I'm now 31). It's been going back slowly along the hairline, but in the past 6-8 months it's started to really fall out on the top and crown at an alarming rate. Even my hairdresser said wow it's really going fast last Saturday.

 

I've been using

 

Procerin XT pills and foam for two and a half months with limited results (Small growths on hairline)

 

The laser comb for 3 weeks

 

Rogain Foam for a week (in combination with Procerin foam because I'm afraid of losing even the limited growth obtained if I stop and just use Rogain)

 

Nioxin Shampoo and conditioner (every other day for a month)

DS Revita Hair Growh Stimulating Shampoo (every other day for a month)

 

 

My goal is to just keep what I have. Obviously I'd love my old hair to grow back, but just stopping it would at least give me hope and take me out of the despair I find myself in. May sound stupid, but if I'm ever lucky enough to get married I'd love to have some hair left in pictures.

 

As you can see I'm trying pretty much everything I can think of (other than prescription pills which I'm afraid of due to side effects).

 

I had hope for things to get better after using these products for 6 months...until today when I was shampooing my hair and saw about 20 hairs on my hand. I rinsed my hand and ran it through my hair again and had similar results. This hasn't happened before to such a large degree. Is it because of the products I'm using or just DHT whacking more of my hair? Can I do anything else to slow it down and keep it? Thank you for any and all help/advice you can give me!

[Bill - Seemiller]

Slowjo,

 

Welcome to our new enhanced forum and social community. It sounds like you've already tried a lot of treatments to stop your hair loss from progressing.

 

I know you mentioned that you're afraid of potential side effects however, Propecia is by far the most potent DHT inhibitor and proven to slow down, stop and even reverse hair loss in many men. You may want to reconsider adding it to your regime.

 

In my opinion, considering using the "Big 3", which includes Propecia, Rogaine and Nizoral. Combined, these non-surgical solutions will give you the best chance of saving your existing natural hair.

 

Best wishes,

 

Bill

[slowjo]

Thank you for the welcome and advice! I'm open to trying Propecia if it works that well. I've read the side effects are actually very limited. My question is do they continue after you stop taking them?

 

The other question I have for you is with the large number of hairs that fell out today (which hasn't ever happened before that I can remember) is that just normal shedding which can happen at the start of Rogain?

 

Oh, thanks for the Nizoral advice I'll be buying some tonight!

Edited May 14, 2010 by slowjo

[PanamaJimmy]

Slowjo,

 

Many users starting Rogaine (minoxidil) find that shedding can occur at a higher rate than normal for up to 3 months, but that by 6 months or so all those hairs have grown back and they have more density. So, it is important that you continue with the treatment once you start it. Unfortunately, some uninformed users simply give up before the treatment even has a chance to work.

 

I have been taking generic finasteride (much cheaper than Propecia) for almost 4 years now with no side effects. I personally believe the risk of side effects is exaggerated due to paranoia, although some of course do experience side effects. This is something that, once started, should not be stopped or hair loss could return to prior condition. However, if you do stop because of side effects, the side effects should go away, but there are reports on the Internet (not sure how valid) of some individuals with permanent issues.

 

Panama Jimmy

Edited May 14, 2010 by PanamaJimmy

[slowjo]

PanamaJimmy,

 

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions! I'll stay on it! It's hard to know which information you find on the net is valid and paranoia like you said. I plan on looking into finding a generic brand tomorrow. You know...It's a good thing I don't have any other vices to pour my money into!

 

Speaking of paranoia on the net, I started googling Rogaine shedding and well let's just say I hope they are as off base as they seem (esp the the hairline shedding won't come back).

 

Thanks again for your reply!