I have been on propeica for 2 years now, My hair loss is stable now although crown is still visibly bald and frontal hair line is gone, rest of the area seems stable. Recently I started to add other stuff: Saw Palmetto, MSM, Biotin, Hair vitalics (multiple vitamins), Vitamin D, Kelp, Prebiotics, Iron natural liquid, Propecia. That's it. I am concerned about the number of supplements, My hair has started to get thicker but I feel this could be harmful. Any advice on what to cut down> thank you
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It's difficult to recommend a supplement schedule without knowing a little more about the timing. Do you have photos from before? Otherwise, you don't know which ones are more effective than the others. I suggest you have professional photographs taken by a qualified hair loss specialist moving forward.
Dr. John E. Frank, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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Taking "lots of tablets" for hair loss may not be in your best interest. See a doctor for a proper exam and explore treatment options based on your diagnosis with realistic expectations and goals.
Dr. Jae Pak, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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If you have any side effects such as a loss of libido, you might want to cut back on actual pharmaceuticals such as Propecia. I would not worry about the supplements as long as you do not exceed the recommended dossage.
Dr. John Peter Cole, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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The most common cause of hair loss is Androgentic Alopecia ( Genetic pattern) for which the treatment guidelines are very clear ( Finesteride & Minoxidil). However, this is not the only cause of hair fall in men, they can be low Iron levels in blood, thyroid problems, Vit. D levels or stress. The cause should be investigated first by the physician to rule out the above mentioned problems and then start you off on these medicines ( whichever required) for a period of three months or so. But this should be under medical supervison and not on your own.
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In terms of scientific proof, number of studies and quality and rigour of the studies, the order is as followsGOOD EVIDENCE, GOOD QUALITY STUDIES (10 or more)finasteride (Propecia)Minoxidil (Rogaine)hair transplantationSOME EVIDENCE IN 5-10 STUDIES. HAS A ROLE. low level laserplatelet rich plasmaSTILL QUESTIONABLE BUT COULD HELP A BIT. STILL DEBATABLE. pumpkin seed oil (Korean study)saw palmettoKetoconazole shampoozinc pyrithione shampooNOT REALLY MUCH PROOF SO FAR BASED ON HIGH QUALITY STUDIES. (anecdotal reports, heresay, not clear)most other thingsI hope this list helps guide those with similar questions about male pattern balding. Check with your physician about side effects and long term safety. We have 30 years of knowledge about minoxidil (Rogaine, etc) and 17 years with finasteride. This will help guide the discussions you can have with your physician and pharmacist about all potential risks. In general, cutting down things with little or no proof is something you could discuss with your health care providers.
