help: hair wanted

bradmage · Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 33

Guys, I need some advice on which to take for my hair. I've recently noticed that the amount of hair strands accumulating on the bathroom floor have somewhat increased. And I've also seen more hair strands on my shirts so I'm guessing I've reached the age of increased hair loss. A friend told me that there are available meds to treat hair loss. Can you tell me your stories about Propecia and Rogaine? Which do you recommend?

mark · Joined: 16 Jan 2006 Posts: 188

Hello Bradmage!

Propecia works by inhibiting the production of a hormone called DHT. This horomone is known to be a catalyst in causing hair loss. Studies have shown that almost 80% of men using Propecia stopped or even reversed their hair loss to some degree, however there was also some reports of patients having side effects. For example, males that took propecia (finasteride) 1mg each day ended up with serious erectile dysfunction, impotence, low libido, gynecomestica and breast tenderness after using Propecia. However, side effects were reversible in the men who discontinued taking Propecia and within some weeks they had disappeared. It is important to know that propecia is available by prescription only, and one more important thing, which is (besides consulting your doctor) very important for the patient- male pattern hair loss: propecia is considered to be effective in treating mild to moderate male pattern hair loss on the top of head and middle front of head. There is not any evidence that propecia treats receding hairlines at the temples.

On the other hand rogaine is actually brand name for minoxidil, which is also believed to treat male pattern baldness, but rogaine works a bit differently. First of all, it is not a pill, but a liquid which is applied to scalp. Actually year or two ago rogaine in foam was presented (before that rogaine was available only in liquid form), which enabled better and easier application with less side effects, which were in most cases itchy scalp and in some cases an increase in hair loss, which was probably due to 'too direct or invasive' contact with minoxidil. There have been some other cases of allergic reactions to minoxidil, such as acne on the area where it is being used, sunburns on treated places, even headaches, very low blood pressure...
Unlike propecia, rogaine is available over the counter and comes in 2 types of solution> 2% and 5%. The first can be used by women too, while the strong one can be used by man only (as this is the case in propecia too/ there is special warning that propecia in pregnant women for exmaple can cause mutation of genitals in male baby).

Whatever you decide for, I suggest you consult with several doctors or other specialists. Both, propecia and rogaine have pluses and minuses. And each has different (side) effects and of course treats hair loss differently.

Personally, I haven't tried propecia or rogaine, so I guess I am not the best person to give advice. I just want to say: be careful and consult with doctor whatever treatment you decide for.

Good luck!

ripe · Joined: 17 Sep 2007 Posts: 1

If you are from UK, I just found a good informative website and I think they also have a shop for hair extensions and hair loss.

Hope it helps

bradmage · Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 33

Thanks guys

Well, I'm leaning towards Propecia now because of the probable side effects or Rogaine.
Aside from these 2, would you know other treatments for hair loss (non-surgical if possible)? I'm noticing thinning around the temples as well, and a slight balding at the crown.

petescholes · Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Posts: 5

I've used Rogaine for over 6 months, but the side effects are really bad. I've stopped using it already and I'm now trying some herbal remedies. I've never tried Propecia before. Please post the results if you observe any.

caileymag · Joined: 20 Sep 2007 Posts: 21

Fortunately for us women, we now have a spray for hair loss problems. I don't know if this same spray though can actually be taken by males but I guess you can ask your doctors before you try it out first.

bradmage · Joined: 06 Sep 2007 Posts: 33

You have any idea how much this spray costs? I'd like to try it out. Thanks!

sarahpent · Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 13

Hey caileymag,

How was the spray? Did it take a long time to see the results? I'm not yet worried about getting bald but the hair I keep seeing in my brush still makes me consider what could happen if I don't address this hair issue soon.