Is 19 too young to take Finasteride?

Question

I am a 19 year old male and I have started to mildly bald at the temples and thin out. I want to act before it gets worse. Am I too young to start finasteride? I am not worried as much about the sexual side effects but rather will diminishing 70% of DHT in my body not let me develop properly. Will I still have the same facial bone growth as I would if I wasn't on finasteride (jaw growth, cheekbone growth)? I currently have minimal facial hair or chest hair.

Konstantinos Anastassakis, MD, PhD · Answer

I always start my younger patients with MInoxidil first.
Then wait for 6 months to see results. if results are not enough, I might add Finasteride but usually young patients respond well on Minoxidil.
concerning hair on your body, these will decrease. Concerning facial bone growth, there are no data in the literature to answer your question. Before taking finasteride, i will always advice for a sperm count and PSA blood test.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This needs an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

19 is NOT too young to start finasteride. There are no reports of adverse development using finasteride. The problem with finasteride is that it can raise estrogen levels. This can lead to gynecomastia, weight gain and  rarely sexual side effects. It is an excellent drug for long-term use in males with androgenic alopecia.Jeff Rapaport MDCore Aesthetic Realself

Joyce Davis, MD · Answer

No.Once androgenic hair loss has begun and thinning of the susceptible areas is noticeable you should begin treatment.  Of course, you need to consult with a board certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss.   The earlier you start finasteride the better the chances for regrowth.

Robert Jones, MD, FISHRS · Answer

You are fine to take Finasteride at 19 years of age. My one concern would be that you in fact have male pattern baldness. Visit a hair loss specialist to confirm the diagnosis. If there is any doubt about the diagnosis, I usually take photos and follow up in a year to see if there is any change (sooner if the hair loss progresses more quickly)Dr. Robert Jones

Karl Hekimian, MD · Answer

9 should be old enough to use finasteride.  Be sure your prescribing physician knows your medical history and medications, and have a frank discussion about the potential side effects, and also discuss adding minoxidil (Rogaine), laser and platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Jon Ver Halen, MD, FACS (license suspended) · Answer

Dear Pm2613,Hello and thank you for your excellent question. No, you are not too young to start finasteride for hair loss. I suggest that you continue Finasteride and Minoxidil as they are the only two medications for hair loss approved by the FDA. Both medications have different mechanism of action, and I usually recommend the combination treatment to my patients. Other adjuncts include low-level laser light therapy, PRP, stem cell, or other regenerative medical treatment. Also, you will want to ensure that you are not taking any medications that could be contributing to your hair loss. The main objectives with the combination treatment are to stabilize your hair loss, increase your existing hair fiber diameter, and possibly some regrowth. It is best to answer your question during a face-to-face evaluation, when you can discuss your goals and expectations for the procedure, and you can have a physical examination to evaluate for that procedure. I recommend that you find a board-certified, or board-eligible plastic surgeon with whom you are comfortable. Be sure to have all of your questions answered during a face-to-face meeting with your surgeon, and review before and after pictures of similar patients whom have had this procedure. If you have any questions, call our office for assistance. Good luck!
  
Best,
  
Jon Ver Halen, MD FACS
  
Harvard educated plastic surgeon
  
Texas “Top Doc” 2017, 2018
  
RealSelf100
  
America’s Top Plastic Surgeons, Consumer’s Research Council, 2010 - 2018

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I have started young men as young as 17 in finasteride without worry. First get a HAIRCHECK to make sure you know what you are treating

Is 19 too young to take Finasteride?

Answers (8)

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