Please Recommend the Most Effective Hair Loss Treatments to Stop My Hair from Shedding

I’ve been battling excessive hair shedding for over a year now. Once I started noticing shedding, I began taking Biotin and Saw Palmetto supplements for nearly the duration of the year with little (if any) results. For the past few weeks I’ve also been trying “Regenepure DR” shampoo. At the moment I don’t see this curbing my hair shedding either (although it’s likely too early to tell).

My hair loss seems usual to me as my back crown and hairline are relatively intact. The top of my head is what continues to shed, and has gotten to the point where it’s very noticeably patchy and quickly becoming unmanageable.

I considered giving Rogaine Foam a try but I’m worried about any side effects, and that the initial shed may leave me with little hair left. I’m also considering taking 1mg daily of Firide (finasteride from Thailand). Is this an effective treatment? Is there anything I should steer clear from? It would be great if anyone could give me suggestions to set me on a better path.

I suggest that the first thing you do is consult with a dermatologist or hair restoration physician. You’ll want to determine if you are experiencing the early stages of androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). If so, your physician may recommend starting both Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxidi). The two drugs are the only clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatments for male pattern baldness.

I would not hesitate to seek the advice of a physician. We can lose up to 50% of our hair before thinning becomes noticeable and these drugs are much better at retaining existing hair than regrowing hair that has already been lost.

Common side effects of topical minoxidil are generally mild and consist of scalp irritation and itching. More severe side effects are quite rare but may include chest pain, dizziness and increased facial hair growth among others. If you experience these side effects, simply discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Side effects of Propecia are said to affect <2% of users. They may include erectile dysfunction, watery semen, weaker erections, male breast development and loss of libido. Again, if you experience any side effects, discontinue and contact your prescribing physician.

Though it sounds pretty scary, you’ll find lots of members here that have been using these drugs successfully for years with little or no side effects.

Unfortunately, Biotin and saw palmetto are unlikely to have a noticeable impact on your thinning hair when used alone. However, there is no harm in using them as adjuncts to proven medical treatments.

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David (TakingThePlunge)
Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit the hair loss forum and social community.

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