Let's talk baldness...

[BigWill]

I'm 46. I notice my hairline is creeping up ever so slightly.

Although I share most political beliefs with dirty, filthy hippies, I like the short-hair, clean shaven look, which makes it more easily noticed that my hair is thinning.

I was getting my annual "really white guy" checkup at the dermatologist yesterday and raised the subject.

He said that Propecia works pretty well, and works best when used with rogaine too. He said the drawbacks are price, and a minor side effect is the potential for masking prostate problems on a PSA test. He suggested that I contact my GP and discuss a PSA before beginning the Propecia regimen.

Anybody in the same boat? Anybody doing anything about it?

 

[Sangre Naranjada]

embrace the change. shave your head - it's quite liberating.

 

[bevo barry]

I am a long time Rogaine & Propecia user. I was pretty close to imitating a billiard ball when I started the stuff, so no miracles for me. However, I was able to arrest hair loss, preventing me from ending up looking like Capt. Jean Luc Picard, and over the first 6 to 12 months of use I grew a layer of very fine hair on my dome, more than peach fuzz but not nearly as dense or as thick as "regular" scalp hair. That quasi-fuzz has remained. The younger one is when he starts this stuff, the better the results. Again, I am still described as bald by friends and coworkers, but those same friends and coworkers all commented that they could tell a difference between pre- & post-Rogaine/Propecia.

Propecia does lower one's PSA. The key is to have annual PSAs and if there is eventually an increase while on the Propecia, see the urologist. Mine has stayed rock-botton low for years. Studies are out indicating Propeica use may lower prostate cancer risk as compared to non-users. The main side effect (that I have noticed) is decreased volume of ejuculate. No affect on my sex drive, according to Mrs. bevo-barry (much to her disappointment

).

For additional pro-hair-growing results, use Nizoral shampoo 3 times a week. The active ingredient is said to lower DHT at the scalp lelel. That's what Propecia does as well, lowering DHT.

Changes are slow to notice. Commit for at least a year...odds are the combo will work to at least some noticeable degree.

 

[Texanne]

Baldness isn't an issue for me. Like my daddy used to say, "God gave some men brains and charm. To the others, he gave hair."

My dad was bald, my brother is bald, and my best guy friend that isn't my husband is bald. And my husband is starting to lose his hair, and that's doesn't bother me, either.

 

[OldHippie]

Texanne. I heard a similar one, which I remember, being head hair challenged myself. "God created many beautiful heads. The rest he covered up with hair."

 

[bullzak]

Solar panel for a love machine.

Been without longer than I have been with. Some dont dig it, some do.

 

[KS1866]

I've lived with alopecia areata since I was 8. I can understand fighting the bald thing as a kid - I certainly did - but as an adult? Please....

 

[notreally]

shave it. you'll never, ever, regret it. unless you have a really messed up dome.

start with a 2 or 3 guard, then work you're way down to a 1. i wouldn't have hair again if i could. neither will you.

 

[texascoder]

+1 for shaving it... Invest in a good electric razor. No nicks that way

 

[atxbomber]

In reply to:

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[Texanne]

I'd tell ya, but I don't think you could handle it!

 

[ChazUTX]

Does that Nioxin stuff work? I'll have to check out propecia/rogaine combo. I too am losing my hair at only 30. Down to a 2 guard around the sides and 3 guard on top....still have the small bald spot going in back....ugghh getting old!