Softening of the muscles is not a documented side effect of Propecia (finasteride) but some men do claim to have experienced a noticeable softening of the muscles while taking it.

Unfortunately, Propecia must be taken for life in order to maintain its effects. Stopping finasteride will eventually result in catch-up hair loss. In other words, your hair will rapidly take on the balding pattern you would have developed had you never started using the drug in the first place.

David

It’s normal to begin shedding in the first few weeks after starting Propecia. Typically, miniaturized hairs that were on the verge of dying will shed and then regrow thicker and fuller than they were before. In some cases, very weak hairs may not regrow at all.

It’s also important to note that finasteride is not known for growing or retaining hair in the hairline as well as it does in the crown. Unfortunately, there may be little you can do to retain your juvenile hairline. However, with such aggressive hair loss, you should fare much better with the drug than without it. I suggest using it for a minimum of 6 months and up to one year before assessing your results. If you experience side effects or have other concerns, discuss them immediately with your prescribing doctor.

David

Given your family history, you are wise to begin treating your hair loss now while it is in the early stages. Today’s medical hair loss treatments are much better at retaining existing hair than regrowing hair that has already succumbed to the effects of androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). However, the treatments that you have chosen are unlikely to regrow hair or slow the progression of your balding.

The only two clinically proven and FDA approved non-surgical hair loss treatments for men with thinning hair are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These drugs, when used in combination, offer the best treatment available today for combating male pattern hair loss.

I recommend discussing with treatment option with your physician or a dermatologist specializing in hair loss. Rogaine is available over the counter but you will need a prescription if you choose to add Propecia to your regimen.

David

Also, after taking Propecia for a certain time period, does there come a time where when you stop taking the Propecia, the hair you have regrow will stay? (or atleast fall out at a normal slow pace)

Thanks

I assume this is shedding, but I have not really noticed an excess of hair falling out (I only notice the difference in the mirror).
Is it normal for the left and right recession to be so different?
And is shedding so soon after beginning Fin normal?
Thank you for your response!

I’ve read all posts from above and want to thank you for all the information. You seem to be VERY knowledgeable about hair loss and such. Anyway I’ll get to the point.

I’m a 24 year old male who is starting to experience some hairloss at the vertex and the sides of the frontal area. It’s not too bad but last year it was not even noticeable. My hairline is still largely intact but it’s shaped a bit more like a ‘U’ pattern because of the hairloss on the sides. I’m afraid that in another year it will start to become very obvious to anyone that I’m losing my hair. All generations of men my family have experienced male pattern baldness in their 20s and eventually became bald. I, of course, want to put a stop to this.

I recently ordered a product on amazon that blocks DHT. It contains saw palmetto and pygeum and a host of other vitamans and nutrients. It’s called hair omega 3 in 1… I must take the pill three times a day after each meal.

For a few days now I’ve been alternating between onion juice and olive oil on my scalp and massaging it in. (I plan on doing this for at least a few months to see how it goes) Along with using this DHT blocker supplement everyday. I’m well aware of the side effects of blocking DHT but I’m ready to accept them.

My question is what do you think of my plan of attack? Do you have any suggestions? I’ve been like a sponge the past few days just soaking up as much info as I can about preventing hair loss!

Will

I hope your answer helps many other younger folks who are in the same boat as me.

In my opinion, it would be much more effective to add Rogaine (minoxidil) to your hair loss regimen for maximizing your results. Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two clinically proven and FDA approved, non-surgical treatments for male pattern balding.

Viviscal is a natural supplement containing; Vitamin C,, Magnesium Stearate, “AminoMar C Marine Complex polysaccharides” and a variety of other fish ingredients. There is certainly no harm in combining Viviscal with Propecia (finasteride).
However, I’m not convinced that natural hair loss treatments like
Viviscal offer a significant improvement in hair growth or density.

In my opinion, it would be much more effective to add Rogaine (minoxidil) to your hair loss regimen for maximizing your results. Finasteride and
minoxidil are the only two clinically proven and FDA approved, non-surgical treatments
for male pattern balding.

David