I am a 17 year old male and I have been suffering from Male Pattern Baldness. Am I taking the wrong medicine? (photo)

Question

I'm diagnosed by my dermatologist 2.5 months ago. I have been taking Propecia and Minoxidil 2% solution since 2.5 months ; Propecia once at night, and minoxidil (1ml) twice a day. I went through a shedding phase in the first few weeks but the regrowth was very low, I have lost more hair than I already had after taking this medicine. I don't know what to do. Have I been taking the wrong medicine ? If not why have I lost more hair than I have gained ? What should I do ? Here are some pictures of my head

Jon E. Mendelsohn, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question.
I think what you are doing is fine, however, if you add lasers (Luce) to this, you will get even better results with 0 side effects.
The Luce laser increases more blood flow to the follicle which in turn will make the thinning hair stronger and larger. 
I have a great before and after picture on Real Self of Luce.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

I'm glad you've seen a dermatologist for accurate diagnosis and to get on track with an appropriate treatment plan. Minoxidil may cause shedding for the first 1-2 months and then that shedding stops. Minoxidil doesn't help all men, but does help a proportion of men.5 % minoxidil is clinically proven to be slightly more effective than 2 % so you may consider reviewing again with your dermatologist if 5 % might be an option in the future. 2 % minoxidil does help men, but 5 % is just a bit better.You might consider LLLT (low level laser therapy). It may offer some benefit, albeit clinical trials to date show not to the same extent as finasteride and minoxidil.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

What you are taking is the correct medication and the shedding phase which occasionally shows up should be over by now.  Be patient and stick to the plan.William Rassman, M.D.

Sara Wasserbauer, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Finasteride 1mg once a day and minoxidil 5% twice a day would be the recommended protocol. This must be done every single day to see optimal results.

I am a 17 year old male and I have been suffering from Male Pattern Baldness. Am I taking the wrong medicine? (photo)

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Answer: Hairloss

Answer: Hairloss

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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I am a 17 year old male and I have been suffering from Male Pattern Baldness. Am I taking the wrong medicine? (photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hairloss

Answer: Hairloss

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.