I am 61. Thinning on top hairline mostly. Is it worth it for me to take Propecia? (photos)

Androgenic  alopecia leads to a miniaturization of the hairs and a thinning of hair in the scalp. In my opinion, Propecia is an excellent drug at stopping the process and possibly regrowing hair. We have found that combination therapy with PRP and minoxidil provides additional benefit in regrowth.  Propecia does have the potential for side effects and you should discuss this with your hair loss expert.

The reality is finasteride does not work all that well in a 61 year old with frontal hair loss - a least according to some really nice work from Duke University about 6 years ago.Lead by Dr Elise Olsen, the researchers studied men 18 to 60 years of age for a period of two years. Four key scalp regions areas were monitored : (1) vertex (crown), (2) the mid-scalp, (3) the frontal hair line and (4) the temples.
The research showed that men under 40 benefitted from taking finasteride - regardless of where there hair thinning occured. However, the same was not true of men over 40. Men in the older group benefitted most if their hair loss was in the crown and the mid-scalp. The reference is added below.In summary, finasteride is unlikely to help frontal hairline changes in a 61 year old if the diagnosis is androgenetic alopecia. If the frontal hair loss is new and was not present at age 50, be sure to get an accurate diagnosis.
Reference
Olsen EA et al. Global photographic assessment of men aged 18 to 60 with male pattern hair loss receiving finasteride 1 mg or placebo.  J Am Acad Dermatol 2012

Propecia is an excellent treatment for male pattern hair loss.  My chief concern at age 61 would be sexual side effects.  It might be safer to start with Rogaine foam.  PRP sessions would also be beneficial.  Find a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss. 

Hello.You can give it a try. Most non-surgical treatments won’t show effects until after 3-4 months of continuous use. If you are not feeling like continuing the medication there are alternatives such as laser therapy or PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) that will have the same effect on stopping hair loss and possibly making some hair grow again.

It is an easy decision to try this drug for a year and see if the hair loss problems are addressed. If not, a hair transplant is another easy solution