Age 21, is it too soon for me to use finasteride?

Question

At what age is okay to start finasteride? I have been using minoxidil 5% for the past year with ok results but i want to secure my hair. Is it too soon to use finasteride? i am 21 and i dont even know where to get it from i would prefer solution for mixing with minoxidil.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I don't typically suggest Finasteride to my patients. For hair regrowth, I suggest the following to my patients: 
Start Theradome now (see link) and in office PRP/acell, you can do early transplant if you want. You need a formal evaluation to see what type of hair loss you may have. when you have hair loss its best to do a full hormonal workup for internal optimization plus scalp biopsies or scrapings to rule out any stress related, inflammatory, autoimmune or infectious causes of hair loss. In general most people with early hair loss have telogen (stress related) and/or androgenetic (normal aging) and both can be treated with in office treatments like steroid injections, PRP/acell, Exosomes and at home treatments like oral medications, oral vitamins like Viviscal, topical exfoliating sprays like Restorsea, and weekly growth factors like anteagemd. See an expert for an evaluation. If hair loss is significant it may requires hair transplant (follicular unit translation) Best, Dr. Emer

Marco Barusco, MD · Answer

It may be best for you to schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss. My office offers these appointments in person or virtually. During this appointment, I will be glad to discuss options to assist you in delaying the progression of loss. Give our office a call at 877-877-5200 and we will be glad to get you started on a regimen that works.

Yazan Alghalith, MD · Answer

Not too soon at all! 
There are many treatments out there for androgenetic alopecia. Minoxidil is a solid starting option, as is finasteride, and certain procedures such as platelet rich plasma injections. Furthermore, these treatments can be combined for even better results. It's important to note that no matter which treatment regimen you choose, results can take 6 months to notice. Additionally, results can vary. 
See a board certified dermatologist to determine which treatments are right for you!

Epameinondas Bonaros, MD · Answer

Finasteride is a prescription drug that is used to treat hair loss. The medication is approved for male patients above 18 and is one of the most extensively studied medications for male pattern baldness. Topical formulations are available and appear to have fewer side effects, but they may be less effective.You may want to consult a hair loss expert in your area. He will examine your scalp and advise you on the best treatment options and how they might affect you.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Provided you understand the risks and benefits and all the alternatives and provided you have reviewed your hair loss issues in detail with a physician and had the scalp properly examined then 21 may not be too early. Finasteride is approved for males 18-39. I don’t have all your medical information in front of me and haven’t examined your scalp so I personally can’t tell you if you should take this medication or not. I also don’t know if you have any contraindications to finasteride. You and your doctor can work through these issues.  If you are not sure where to get topical finasteride it might be a reflection that you have not spoken with physicians who are knowledgeable about topical finasteride in your country. Topical finasteride appears to have a better safety profile than oral finasteride and may have good efficacy. Of course, good studies of topical finasteride compared to oral finasteride are still pretty rare. But the ones that have been done suggest similar side effects to placebo and reduced side effects compared to oral. It’s never too early to put a solid treatment plan in place for patients with androgenetic alopecia especially when you have staggered treatments like you have done and now have good evidence that the first treatment used was helpful. I would urge you to sit down with an expert and review all options and whether or not it is appropriate to start off label topical finasteride in your country.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. No it is not too soon to start finasteride especially if you are already showing signs of androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern baldness). There are multiple side effects of finasteride and different forms this medication can be used, so I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist to have your hair evaluated and to discuss appropriate treatment options. Take care and good luck.

Age 21, is it too soon for me to use finasteride?

Answers (6)

More Hair Loss Treatment Questions

Why do I sometimes still find hair on my pillow and drain when I'm on finasteride?

Microneedling for scalp and beard hair growth - are we just after the growth factors or also the collagen production?

Am I developing male pattern baldness? If so, what are my options? (photos)

Left Minoxidil on my heater for 3 hours - will the heat affect the medication?

Topical Finasteride with Minoxidil losing efficacy - what is my next course of action?

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS