Need help w/Propecia,Rogaine & Head/Shoulders - Hair Problems Message Board

Adidas0298 · 07-17-2006, 08:15 PM

Im a younger male (somewhere in my twenties) with typical male pattern baldness.Got a nice bald spot in the back - and in regards the front, above my forehead is getting pretty thin.

I started using Rogaine Extra Strength in January 2006 2x daily every since. I would say I maayyybbe grew back 10% of my hair, its more or less maintaining. Oh well

I started using Head & Shoulders after I read in Mens Health Magazine this month that many men reported regrowth (it cleans the scalp) and helps the Rogaine absorb better. I will say the head and shoulders definately helps with the irritation that comes with the stronger Rogaine and the shampoo/conditioner head & shoulders definately makes my hair appear thicker.

Then i begged my Dr for Propecia and just started taking that tonite. I understand the side effects, I generally dont think I'll have a problem with the sexual side effects as Im generally the only guy Ive ever known with such a super high sex drive. I can live with those side effects anyways, its not going to be the end of the world.

My concern is this: Should I be using Rogaine (minoxidil), Head & Shoulders (pythrione zinc), and Propecia (finasterdine) all at once? Isnt that going to put a lot of stress on my body?? i.e. my liver?

Also what are guys reporting as non-sexual side effects of Propecia, if any? Im more worried about mood swings from messing around with my bodys balance of horomones if anything.
Is 3 months generally the term to notice any regrowth of hair? Im sure I would be able to notice regrowth somewhat earlier, maybe 2 months, as my hair grows really really fast. Any input?

azerty123 · 07-22-2006, 08:54 AM

I take propecia and apply Rogaine 5%. No problems for me after 5 years. As for timing, it usually takes 6 months to see regrowth (your first priority should be stabilising the loss).

Adidas0298 · 07-26-2006, 06:40 PM

UPDATE:
Had to discontinue Rogaine 5%. My scalp got irritated, the rogaine was absorbed systematically. I didnt even realize this. I thought my ashtma was acting up all week (really short of breath and horrible crushing chest pains).
Turns out Rogaine system absorption can result in low blood pressure causing chest pains (oops!).
Stopped the rogaine and in 2 1/2 days my chest pains and shortness of breath were gone. Oh well

Good news: Been taking propecia since 7-17-06 and no side effects... no sexual side effects, no "man boobs", so far so good. Ive actually noticed that taking the Propecia results in a calmer state of mind (might be psychosomatic). Either way, I HOPE TO GOD the propecia works because I dont want to go back on the Rogaine. Still using head & shoulders though. Once that runs out, Im going to buy Nizoral.