Expert: Hairman - 5/17/2005

Question
Thanks. But, regarding minoxidil, is it effective for this kind of baldness? http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/drlynx/Image205.jpg and http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y187/drlynx/Image206.jpg . Is this what they refer to as widow's peak?

And, regarding finasteride, what kind of dosage do you recommend for a 19 year old male who comes to you (with no other problems at all) with this much amount of hair loss? How about starting with halved fincar tablets (2.5 mg) once a day? What kind of side effects would come which would necessiate stopping of medication?

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Followup To
Question -
Hi,

I am Stanley Lyndon, 19, India. I started to feel my hairline rising up from like 3 years ago. I recently researched the internet and found that there are two medications which actually work for hair losses.

I found finasteride and minoxidil to be the two.

I found two variants of finasteride. 1 mg PROPECIA and 5 mg PROSCAR tablets. And, in minoxidil, I found 2% lotion and 5% lotion.

Now, I am confused about the dosage. For my age and sex (male), should I take finasteride 5 mg one tablet a day after supper? [But, somewhere I saw that Proscar is for shrinking the prostrate! So, would this 5mg become a overdose for me, and cause shrinking of my prostrate, or something like that?] If taking 1mg tablets, how many per day should I take for best effect with least side effects, and when all should I take them?

Also, about minoxidil, there won't be any problems taking 5% right? But, I read somewhere that minoxidil is only effective for top-most edge of the head and not effective for the hair just above forehead? Is that true? My hair is balding like 3 inches above the point between my 2 eyebrows, and about 4.5 inches above each temple. So, should I use the lotion? It's pretty expensive here too!

Please help me. I would be eagerly waiting for your reply. (I have no other medical complaints).
Answer -
Stanley,
 The Minoxidil is a topical treatment, not a medication, and helps increase the blood flow to the scalp. The dosage should be safe.
Propecia however, is a medication taken internally.  And as such, it shuold be monitored by a physician, as to appropriate dosage for you and the possible side effects.
In the state here, Propecia is only available by prescription.
Best of luck to you.
Stephe (Hairman)

Answer
Stanley,
 With all due respect, a can't even discuss medication dosages with you. This is something that you would want to discuss with a physician. As I mentioned before, in the State here, you need a prescription for these medications.
 As for the Minoxidil, you are an excellent candidate, since your thinning and receeding are in the first stages, so you should have excellent results.  Just remember that as a new hair is being formed, it takes about 6 seeks before it breaks through the surface of the skin. For this reason, you'll want to allow at least 3-4 months of use before expecting to see any new growth at all.
Best of luck to you.
Stephe (Hairman)