Should I use finasteride if I'm a 20-year old male with diffuse thinning genetic baldness?

Question

I am 20-years old I want to use Finasteride but afraid of side effects. I'm suffering from hair loss for 2 years.I saw 3 dermatologists before they all suggested me Minoxil. I asked them about finasteride they said it is not safe and they only prescribe Minoxidil to their patients with genetic hair loss. I have been using Minox for 3 months and happy with the results so far. But I know Minox is not blocking DHT and hair loss will come back soon or later. What should I do about Finasteride? Side effects are really scaring me. I am waiting for your recommendations. Regards.

Emrah Cinik, MD · Answer

Hello Dear Patient,
If your doctor did not advise use of Finasteride, then you can continue with minoxidil twice a day.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

you would need biopsy and in person consultation. it maybe a mix of genetics or stress hair loss that needs a combination of treatments.
I suggest a formal consultation as there are a combination of treatments that can be done to improve har loss.  Oral finesteride has very little to no side effects in the majority of people; PRP/platelet-rich plasma + stem cells like A Cell help regrow hair and slow down the thinning process; rogaine and restorsea spray should be used daily; oral viviscal helps keep nutrients high in the follices as well.  Transplantation is a last resort but works early in the aging process as well.  A formal consultation and combination treatment is needed.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Guzide Bayrak, MD · Answer

Hello, keep taking the minoxidil that your doctor prescribed before and I don't recommend you to take finasteride since minoxidil is already working for you.If you stop taking the medication, you might experience hair loss again. You can also consider PRP Therapy, mesotherapy, or low laser therapy.

Mesut Tomo, MD · Answer

Why not considering Hair transplantation, its a permanent solution for you where you wont be worried about side effects.

Huseyin Kaya, MD · Answer

If your donor area is healthy than you can get a hair transplant. The result will be permanent with no side effects. In one operation of 8h you can get between 3000-4000implant, the healing time will be in maximum of 5 days and results between 6 months to one year.And as you said chemicals with time will leave more side effects than results so I really recommend you to stop using Minox and not considering finasteride as a solution. Instead you can use product reach in vitamins and Biotin Also you can consider getting PRP injection and theradome sessions to simulate you blood circulation and restructure the metabolism of your existing grafts to prevent them from falling

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

If your hair loss is responding to minoxidil, then I would not consider finasteride particularly with your stress on side effects

David E. Berman, MD (retired) · Answer

i am way older than you, i had great results from PRP. I prefer using it over medication, because of the side effects of medication. You should plan 3 sessions, each one month apart. some people will continue to use Minoxidil while they are getting the PRP. studies show that PRP can increase both the number of hair follicles and their density.david berman md

Should I use finasteride if I'm a 20-year old male with diffuse thinning genetic baldness?

Answers (7)

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Should I use finasteride if I'm a 20-year old male with diffuse thinning genetic baldness?

Answers (7)

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