Hi Doc,
I started propecia 5 months ago for a receding hairline. My hairline appears to still be a norwood 1, but it is closing in on the second one very quickly. I don’t think the propecia has helped at all. I don’t even think the recession is slowing down. Is there any way the propecia could help from here on in, even if it hasn’t even slowed down the hair loss in 5 months?
Propecia (finasteride) will not stop the appearance of a mature hairline, as that is what it sounds like you’re describing to me. You should send me photos and I will give you a more definitive answer. Mature hairlines are convex in shape, while juvenile hairlines are concave.
Paid advertisements (not an endorsement):
Doc,This person is saying that his hairline is going from a NW1 to a NW2, not necessarily that they will stop at a NW2. It could then progress from a NW2 to a NW3. What this person is asking is whether the propecia will halt the male pattern baldness that he has even though propecia has not halted it or slowed it down in five months. I understand that a NW2 is not male pattern baldness, but this person is currently at a NW1. That doesn’t mean that he won’t have a balding pattern eventually. He’s just started on propecia early. Knowing that, what is your response?
I wouldn’t expect Propecia to stop a hairline from maturing, which is what he’s been taking it for. Beyond that, it could be beneficial, but not everyone will react the same way to medication so I couldn’t say with any certainty whether he’ll stop at NW2 or progress further.