New here, 27 and have a receding hairline, help for treatment?

[Corn]

Hello

 

I've been noticing a receding hairline for the last 2 years and it's come to the point I have people noticing it and giving comments on it.

 

I immediatly went and checked out the different possible solutions and it seems that it's possible to delay the inevitable and atleast strengthen or even maybe grow back as long as you don't wait too long.

 

It seems i have the typical M shape at the front but I don't really see much hairloss anywhere else(maybe at the top but not really?).

 

Here's a picture!

 

FRONT

 

TOP

 

BACK

 

I know the back and the top aren't severe and I still have a lot of hair but the front is really worrying me and it's not getting better.

 

I found the Belgravia Centre through google and asked them how to fix this. While waiting I read on these forums it's better to just buy your own products from a different supplier considering they're quite expensive and the products do the same(Right?).

 

This is the e-mail I got back:

 

Your Diagnosed Condition

 

Male Pattern Hair Loss

This condition is caused by the genetically influenced presence of 5-alpha reductase which converts testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicles on the top area of the head to shrink leading to thinner and shorter hair with each growth cycle. This condition can eventually lead to a receding hairline and, or complete baldness in areas affected.

 

Your treatment recommendation options

 

Finasteride 1mg tablets

Finasteride is one of only two medications licensed to treat Male Pattern Hair Loss. It prevents hair loss and promotes hair regrowth by blocking Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is the product produced by the body that destroys healthy hair follicles. Finasteride is a prescription medication so please ensure you read the leaflet contained with the product before taking the medication and do the same with every new supply you receive as the leaflet may have been updated. For more information on Finasteride, or details of possible Finasteride side effects please read the following page - Aindeem – Finasteride 1mg Treatment for Male Hair Loss

 

Minoxidil 10% + Azelaic Acid 5% cream

Minoxidil 10% + Azelaic Acid is Belgravia's unique extra-strength hair regrowth cream. Minoxidil is a medically proven treatment that works by increasing blood supply to the hair follicles. It is proven to prevent hair loss and regrow hair. As minoxidil is a dose dependent treatment, Belgravia's specialists have found that higher doses can dramatically increase results. Azelaic Acid is an anti-androgen, which means it helps to block DHT - the product in the body that causes genetic hair loss, ensuring the increased blood flow is 'hair-friendly'. It also has anti-inflammatory effects which are useful for other conditions such as Alopecia Areata and Traction Alopecia. Our cream is specially designed for stubborn areas of hair loss such as a receding hairline or balding crown. The texture of the cream means you can directly target these stubborn areas to ensure maximum levels of hair restoration. Minoxidil 10% + Azelaic Acid is a prescription medication so please ensure you read the leaflet provided with the product before starting to use it.

 

HairMax LaserComb

Belgravia are currently offering an FDA cleared HairMax Laser Comb free with most treatment course combinations when a 12 month course is paid in advance. The Laser Comb is the only device that has been cleared by the FDA for hair loss, meaning it has been proven to stabilise hair loss and regrow hair. Used alongside the other medically proven treatments this ensures the highest possible chances of hair loss stabilisation and regrowth.

During your treatment course you will be able to speak to your dedicated hair loss specialist any time during working hours should you have any questions or queries. This is something we feel is essential whilst you are using pharmaceutical prescription medications.

 

So I was wondering:

- Are these the first signs of Male Pattern Hair Loss?

- Can I treat it with these products that are suggested by the Belgravia Centre?

- Can I find the same products or even better ones cheaper somewhere else?

- Will it be possible to get back some hair from my receding hairline?

 

Thanks!

 

P.s. this is my first time posting, sorry if I did something wrong or anything, please let me know!

[JayLDD]

Had a good lol at "Are these the first signs of Male Pattern Hair Loss." Mate you are close to halfway gone, a thinning norwood 3 with a decimated forelock approaching norwood 4.

 

Avoid the Belgravia Centre products and go for generics. I wouldn't personally bother with minoxidil as it is a major hassle, but finasteride is your number 1 priority for maintaining your hair. Definitely don't opt for the comb, save the money you may have spent on that for a transplant down the track if you want more hair.

 

You're lucky your crown and midscalp are still quite strong, it is unlikely you will get a significant improvement on finasteride or minoxidil in the hairline area (but possible), but you should be able to maintain the rest on finasteride. Also worth using nizoral 2% shampoo 1-2 times a week as it is a mild anti-androgen with various studies showing efficacy for DHT related baldness.

[Corn]

Had a good lol at "Are these the first signs of Male Pattern Hair Loss." Mate you are close to halfway gone, a thinning norwood 3 with a decimated forelock approaching norwood 4.

 

Avoid the Belgravia Centre products and go for generics. I wouldn't personally bother with minoxidil as it is a major hassle, but finasteride is your number 1 priority for maintaining your hair. Definitely don't opt for the comb, save the money you may have spent on that for a transplant down the track if you want more hair.

 

You're lucky your crown and midscalp are still quite strong, it is unlikely you will get a significant improvement on finasteride or minoxidil in the hairline area (but possible), but you should be able to maintain the rest on finasteride. Also worth using nizoral 2% shampoo 1-2 times a week as it is a mild anti-androgen with various studies showing efficacy for DHT related baldness.

 

Yeah I guess, I'm still in denial. It just happened so fast, pfff... nobody in my family has this and I'm 27 I was like wtf....

 

Alright I'll check those products out! I did see a lot of negative experiences with the hair transplants which I would totally do if it gets even worse (which it most probably will ugh...).

Is it really that common to have a bad experience?

[MayiraP0chu]

I agree with JeanLugBergman. But, I won't put it that cut throat. I say get on Fin and Min NOW to push the inevitable for another 6-7 years. You will manage very well. Else, you will look down the barrel in 3 years tops. Start Fin and Min only if you are prepared to use it long term diligently. You have a solid mid scalp and donor. Looking at your characteristics, I think it is save to assume you l respond well to a transplant done by a good pair of hands, if you choose to in the future. The 'M' guys are always a good bet. I am one!

 

Il attach a couple of pictures of mine shortly to show what minoxidil alone can do.

[Corn]

I agree with JeanLugBergman. But, I won't put it that cut throat. I say get on Fin and Min NOW to push the inevitable for another 6-7 years. You will manage very well. Else, you will look down the barrel in 3 years tops. Start Fin and Min only if you are prepared to use it long term diligently. You have a solid mid scalp and donor. Looking at your characteristics, I think it is save to assume you l respond well to a transplant done by a good pair of hands, if you choose to in the future. The 'M' guys are always a good bet. I am one!

 

Il attach a couple of pictures of mine shortly to show what minoxidil alone can do.

 

Thanks for the response! Yeah I'm kinda in the dark considering I've just started reaching out for help(why didn't I realize it sooner ....)

 

The pictures would be awesome! You can be very sure I'll be VERY diligent with making sure my hair stays as I want it as long as possible! Where would I best buy these products? i'm from Belgium! So Amazon?

 

Excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by the 'M' guys?

[Corn]

Follow up: I just checked with my physician and he said Finasteride isn't recommended in Belgium as it has more side effects, primarily on potential babies (the possibility it will affect the growth of the baby as it could have tracea of finasteride in sperm. Is that something you guys have heard of or I should be concerned about?

 

I'm 27 and we're looking for a baby in the next 3 years so It's something I worry about

[MayiraP0chu]

Where would I best buy these products? i'm from Belgium! So Amazon?

 

Excuse my ignorance but what do you mean by the 'M' guys?

 

I have always bought my medicines from a local dermatologist. He has a drug store attached to his clinic. But, you should be able to source them from Amazon. At least the popular ones.

 

'M', HaHa! It is no hair transplant jargon. You in fact had mentioned it in your original post that you have an 'M' shape in the front. I have it too. And much like you, I have or rather had a strong mid scalp and donor.

 

As for the Fin affecting potential babies, not true. There are a lot of people in the forum who have been on Fin and went on to have healthy babies. Though there is a cautionary for pregnant women coming in contact with a broken pill. Read up on that.

 

I am still an amateur. So, don't listen to me blindly. I would suggest you to use the search facility of the website and you l find tons of information on this topic which will corroborate with what I said. I would also suggest you talk to members like Spex, who have had first hand experience on this subject.

 

And, here are the pictures I promised.

 

Hair Wars - May the follicles be with you! - Forum By and for Hair Loss Patients

[Corn]

I have always bought my medicines from a local dermatologist. He has a drug store attached to his clinic. But, you should be able to source them from Amazon. At least the popular ones.

 

'M', HaHa! It is no hair transplant jargon. You in fact had mentioned it in your original post that you have an 'M' shape in the front. I have it too. And much like you, I have or rather had a strong mid scalp and donor.

 

As for the Fin affecting potential babies, not true. There are a lot of people in the forum who have been on Fin and went on to have healthy babies. Though there is a cautionary for pregnant women coming in contact with a broken pill. Read up on that.

 

I am still an amateur. So, don't listen to me blindly. I would suggest you to use the search facility of the website and you l find tons of information on this topic which will corroborate with what I said. I would also suggest you talk to members like Spex, who have had first hand experience on this subject.

 

And, here are the pictures I promised.

 

Hair Wars - May the follicles be with you! - Forum By and for Hair Loss Patients

 

Oh wauw thanks so much for the amount of information!

Is there any way to notify Spex so I can hear his thoughts about it?

[Djlazerblue]

Deffo mpb heading Norwood 4a pattern lost, forget belgravia centre waste of time they will just sting you for money,

 

Now if I was you I'd get in fin to hold the top and see if it slows your progression, this pattern is normally one of the most aggressive and your still in your 20's don't be scared of the sides of propecia I've had 2 children whilst on it both healthy both normal no problems in that department. Remember not everyone gets sides.

 

You need to maintain what you have if you can stabilise for a year then maybe a transplant would be a good choice for you

 

All the best

[MayiraP0chu]

Oh wauw thanks so much for the amount of information!

Is there any way to notify Spex so I can hear his thoughts about it?

 

I take it you are new to public forums of any kind. You can private message members. You will have to wait a few days though to get the PM privileges. You can try reaching out to the moderators for the same.

 

Meanwhile, you ve got Djlazerblue here who can help you out. Do check his thread on why he wouldn't get a transplant. He has a kickass opening post which raises some interesting questions. And there are some equally well filed counters.

[Corn]

I take it you are new to public forums of any kind. You can private message members. You will have to wait a few days though to get the PM privileges. You can try reaching out to the moderators for the same.

 

Meanwhile, you ve got Djlazerblue here who can help you out. Do check his thread on why he wouldn't get a transplant. He has a kickass opening post which raises some interesting questions. And there are some equally well filed counters.

 

Thanks so much! I'll check out his opening post!

I'm getting a lot of opposition from my girlfriend, doctor and parents on the Fin.

I'll try and call him to see if I could just start taking it and see if there are any side effects or not, I can always stop taking them I suppose.

 

The more I read about this stuff the more I notice my hair, nobody ever warned me this could happen so fast, or atleast that it would happen in my 20's....

[Djlazerblue]

MPB can start at again age my friend

[pkipling]

For what it's worth, I found that the early stages of realizing you're losing your hair are the worst part. I remember that moment very well and it was nauseating. The following months got a little easier once I started accepting it and the reality set in. Then once you start taking action and looking for solutions, it gets easier and easier to handle - especially if you're able to find something that works for you. I was fortunate to be a good candidate for a HT and responded really well to it, and that's something you can consider at some point.

 

Finasteride is quite the controversial drug, and unfortunately it's also the surest thing out there in regards to helping stabilize your hair loss. There's definitely a balance one needs to find when researching it so that you don't find yourself completely overwhelmed with the fear of horrific side effects, and at the same time understanding that any medication does come with risks. I took the drug for a while, and have recently stopped as of a couple months ago. I haven't noticed a change in my hair (fingers crossed), and I decided would rather not take a medication unless absolutely necessary. (Although I'm also the type of person that doesn't even want to take an ibuprofen unless I'm desperate...) Ultimately, there's no universally correct answer on whether or not you should take the drug, so look at all the information that's out there, read various threads about positive and negative experiences, and then decide for yourself what you wanna do.