Is it possible that I could start Finasteride too early?

Question

My father is bald and my brother is 21 and has begun to shed a lot. I am 18 and I am very concerned about this going into college. The last thing I want to worry about in college is hair loss. Is it a frequent occurrence that people would get prescribed finasteride before any hair loss? Because I am 18, am I more likely to have side effects than someone who is older? Does taking a half dose daily decrease chances of side effects? Would you recommend propecia to someone in my situation?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

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

Sean Behnam, MD · Answer

Something to keep in mind is that the large majority of patients who take Finasteride don't report any side effects, and of those that do, virtually all of those side effects go away when they stop taking it. In general I'd recommend against starting it unless you are beginning to see your hair thin, but being observant and checking your hair means you would be able to start taking it as soon as your hair loss starts. Taking a half dose does decrease the severity/likelihood of side effects, but it also would decrease it's effect of stopping hair loss.

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

I don't recommend you to use finasteride . it is very early for you and ıf you have AGA , you have to use for life time to keep your hair on scalp!You may have Post-finasteride syndrome, occurs in men who’ve taken finasteride to treat hair loss by a chance of %4-5. That may causes some symptoms include: loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, suicidal ideation, anxiety, panic attacks, Peyronie’s disease, penile shrinkage, gynecomastia, muscle atrophy, cognitive impairment, insomnia, severely dry skin and tinnitus. The condition often has a life-altering impact on victims and their families, such as job loss and the breakup of marriages and romantic relationships..

Sahar Nadimi, MD · Answer

In the majority of people, Finasteride can help stabilize or prevent further hair loss. In a lesser percentage of people, Finasteride can potentially help reverse miniaturization. Please note that everyone has a different response/success rate with this medication. Given your strong family history, I think it would be reasonable to start Finasteride or start it early on in the miniaturization process. I recommend meeting with a hair specialist for a proper scalp exam.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

The earlier that you start the drug finasteride the quicker you will see a response. Hair that is lost while you are not on the drug may not come back.

Is it possible that I could start Finasteride too early?

Answers (5)

Answer: Propecia/finasteride for hair loss

Answer: Propecia/finasteride for hair loss

Answer: Finasteride

Answer: Finasteride

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.

Is it possible that I could start Finasteride too early?

Answers (5)

Answer: Propecia/finasteride for hair loss

Answer: Propecia/finasteride for hair loss

Answer: Finasteride

Answer: Finasteride

Browse related questions

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.