Been on propecia for a month now and hair has got worse. What can I do?

Question

20 years of age with hair loss, for one month now my doctor has put me on propecia my hair has got worse,thinner,my right side was always balding before the left now my right side has receded really far?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Propecia (finesteride) takes 3-6 months to start to work.  you may have some telogen hair loss (stress induced) and I suggest you see a cosmetic physician who specializes in hair loss to do a formal evaluation and suggest other treatments to do in combination.  Best, Dr. Emer.

Jack Fisher, MD · Answer

It usually takes several months for a hair loss product to start working. Initially some patients will experience increased shedding but usually will get better in a few months.  It's always a good idea to consult with the doctor who prescribed it.

Alba Reyes, MD · Answer

it is not normal to see more hair loss after initiating treatment with Propecia. it is wise to schedule a consltation with your doctor that prescribed it.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Without seeing your hair myself and knowing everything about your medical history and hair loss history, I can't comment why you are seeing accelerated loss.In general, increased shedding and increased hair loss is fairly common for the first 8-10 weeks after starting a variety of hair growth treatments for male balding includingminoxidil (Rogaine)finasteride (Propecia)low level laserplatelet rich plasmaIf you are worried, speak to your doctor

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear sero123,

Thank you for your clinical
post.  Starting on oral products such as
Propecia, which is designed to block androgen production and thereby decrease
local levels of the harmful breakdown product of testosterone locally in the
scalp can take several months to take effect. 
During this period of time there may be some increased shedding.  This is likely just temporary telogen
effluvium or may be permanent hair loss. 
Use of synergistic techniques such as low-level light therapy, topical
Minoxidil and injectable PRP can minimize shock loss or ongoing telogen effluvium
while the Propecia has time to take effect.

I would visit with your prescribing
physician and hair restoration centre to see if there’s any adjunctive
treatments that can minimize the telogen effluvium effect.

I hope this information is of some assistance
and best of luck. To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

it takes a few months for any hair loss product to start working. Initially you may experience increased shedding for the first couple of months in some individuals but then it will stabilize and shedding should stop.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

For the first couple of months, there are reports that some people increase the amount of shedding. The good news is that this stops after 2-3 months and everything gets better as time goes forward after the shedding period is done.

Omeed Memar, MD, PhD (license suspended) · Answer

It is not normal to have hairloss after propecia. However,  any medication can potentially cause telogen effluvium and subsequent thinning.  I recommend you returning to your physician with your complaint.  Once the drug is stopped,  the hair lost from telogen effluvium usually will regrow.

Been on propecia for a month now and hair has got worse. What can I do?

Answers (8)

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