new thread
Hi everyone,
Lately I've become a bit more concerned about MPB, as I'm 53. My hair is not as thick as it used to be. Also, when looking at the back of my head, it seems a little thinner close to the crown (I can see the scalp close to the crown), and it is not as thick at the temples. However, it is not hugely different from a few months back as far as I can tell. Although I would not classify it as "severe" at this point, I am naturally concerned about oncoming MPB. In the last couple of months, I have included a daily tablet of Saw Palmetto in my routine (as well as vitamins), as I understand it has some similar effects to Propecia. I was wondering if I really should be considering Propecia at this point, and if it is effective for older guys. (I have heard that it can prevent MPB for younger guys) I really don't want to go bald before 60 and any tips would be appreciated. Thanks.
David
I wouldn't worry about it. From everything I've read, hair naturally thins just a little as we age. If you were going to lose your hair to mpb, you would have known by 30.
Of course, everyone is different, your results may vary, but at 53, I should think you'll pretty much keep what you've got, even if it's not as luxuriently thick as it was when we were pups. :)
Hi David.
If you have looked at some of my other posts then you already know that MPB is a favorite topic of mine and one that is extremely important for any man that is interested in keeping his hair, whether long, or short. If you are serious about stopping, or preventing MPB then saw palmetto is not a serious option. Propecia is the only FDA approved drug for MPB. Propecia is much stronger than saw palmetto. Saw palmetto is a herbal remedy, therefore, you are not really sure of what you are getting since herbal remedys are not regulated by the FDA. If MPB is to be prevented, slowed, or stopped then the conversion of testosterone to DHT must greatly reduced. Propecia is a very effective inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase, which is the enzyme that metabolizes testosterone into DHT. Avodart may be better than propecia, however, the FDA has not yet given avodart its seal of approval regarding hairloss, nevertheless, avodart blocks both type 1 and type 2, 5-alpha reductase and does so more effectively than propecia and that is why I take avodart. Avodart will reduce DHT by well over 90% which in theory should stop hairloss in its tracks. I have had great success with avodart. I should mention that avodart is a tad bit expensive at a little over $100.00 for 30 capsules. Avodard is available by prescription only. The sooner you start propecia, or avodart the sooner you will prevent future hairloss and yes it will help men of any age, it is just that very young men seem to respond somewhat better since they have not been exposed to DHT for a long period of time. Furthermore, propecia and avodart will begin to greatly reduce DHT from day one. And keep in mine that Rogaine can be used with either one of these drugs in order to stimulate the hair follicles, however, propecia, or avodart should be your primary weapon against MPB. MPB is tough enemy to fight, so, don't go into battle with a squirt gun, use the big guns. I hope this is of some help to you.
Thanks Jeffrey, for the advice. I'm not sure of the availability of these drugs in Canada. I'm still not 100% sure if I actually have MPB but naturally I am concerned. Perhaps I should see a dermatologist but I don't know what the waiting period would be to see one. Obviously, it sounds as though I should act sooner rather than later.
David
A Dermatologist is a wise choice and money well spent, since he, or she can tell you if you actually are experiencing MPB and that might save you a lot of money. I should point out that you need to seek a Dermatologist that is truly interested in your situation regarding hairloss, as some Doctors regard hairloss as a rather insignificant matter. Also, check out baldingblog.com for information from one of the worlds leading transplant surgeons. You can get some really good info there on hairloss.
Hey David, I agree with Chris. At our age (I'm 51) I figure I've made it this far and am not bald yet so I'm ahead of the game. In fact I am looking GREAT compared to most men my age and most of my old schoolmates; many of whom ARE bald/balding and in various stages of middle age'ness!!! I can see some thinning at the crown too, especially when my hair is wet but when it dries and I brush it and it is still pretty thick. I think the advice you got re: hairloss products was excellent and it made me wonder about trying it out myself but (again) at our age I think you take what you can get (in my case gray w/ some "expected" thinning) and look at that glass as half full! P.S. I saw David Crosby on T.V. recently and his hair is looking pretty wild but he still has most of it and didn't he sing that oldie, "Almost, cut my hair....happened just the other day." C.S.N.Y. He's my idol. And speaking of Canada, Neil Young rocks too aye! Peace man - Bruce'ster P.S.S. Hey Oren, can you make this my avatar pic?
I am not 100% on this, but I have read that if your going to be bald, as in slick on top, you would have known it by now at your age. That is, if you are now 53 and have the hair you do, you are probably pretty much OK for the rest of the way in. If anything, I would guess that you would have a little more recession at the temples, and that is about all.
If you were going to develop a bald spot or anything "severe," that would have began to show up around 1983. That is my $0.02.
As well the saw palmetto will benefit your prostate, and I have heard that the chemicals that cause balding are related to the ones that cause prostate problems. So you get two birds with one stone.
I think you're OK. Me, on the other hand...
See you later, Bragi
David & Other Friends,
Jeffrey has has spelled out the basic science.
There is no known downside to Propecia except it's cost, and the way around this is to get Finesteride 5 MG which is the standard treatment for prostate enlargement. These tabs can be broken into 5 chips, which on average equal Propecia 1 MG. It does not matter if there is a slight variation in the individual doze. All medications have a half life, and few are less than 24 hours, so without checking this one specifically, a +/- 1 mg chip should yield you are more or less steady state in your blood level.
There is only once hitch. Some physicians will not Rx the 5mg dosage because big brother requires that she document the medication Rx to the Dx and you may not qualify for the Dx.
This is an interesting situation in itself. Our government proposes free trade, but it turns out that this is free trade for business but nor for you ordinary citizens.
Nevertheless, I am sure you can find the finasteride 5 mg somewhere, and it will be a great savings.
I have used it for as long as it has been available with no negative response.
I cannot, however use Rogaine. It causes my scalp to flake and itch.
We are all different. Genetics is on my side, but I have no hesitance to resort to chemistry to optimize my desires: isn't this what DuPoint is about? I do not know about Avodart, but would like to know more, perhaps get the franchice for my block.
Caledonian
Thanks for the comments everyone. I'm really going to have to think about this. I checked the balding.com website as suggested by Jeffrey and it appears Propecia only effects crown loss and has no effect on temple loss, it is also much more effective for younger guys, particularly those who experience early hair loss in teens, 20's, and 30's. Also, taking Propecia is a commitment for life and I was rather scared at some of the stories of guys who stopped taking it after starting it--almost a backlash effect (One guy in his 40's who had mild hair loss took it for a time, when he stopped his hair loss accelerated exponentially). Some of your feedback as well as my impressions of the stories on balding.com give me the impression that since I'm already 53, hopefully any hair loss will remain mild. I am still thinking of talking to a dermatologist, however, and will keep your responses in mind.
David
Hi David,
I'm in the same boat as you. I have the thinning at the crown, but my younger brother has it even worse. I know it's genetic since my father had it and I think his father. I accecpt it and just hope it stays minimal.
Bruce