Balding Blog

Hi!

I am 25 and have been using rogaine since i was 20…the foam worked great having used it twice a day however it seemed to be ” lacking” recently and with instructions from Dr.Bernstein in NYC switched to the liquid only at night time. Few questions:

1. Can i use foam in the AM and liquid at night?

2. Does PG help with hair growth? I just went through a new shedding stage and am assuming that was weak hair falling out.

3. Any vitamins to help with hair loss? I take the standard multi but wonder if there is anything more or shampoos to block DHT? Ketoconazole?

Thank you

Yes, you can use the foam and liquid on the same day.

As for “PG”, I assume you mean propylene glycol. It is included in minoxidil to help the medication penetrate the scalp (see here).

Some people use ketoconazole with hopes of treatment help in the battle against hair loss, but I’ve got mixed feelings about it (see here).

I have been experiencing some thinning of my hair in the top. My dermatologist suggested that I use Rogaine. I relax my hair and wanted to know if it is safe to use the rogaine while continuing to have my hair relaxed.

Yes, relaxing your hair and using Rogaine (minoxidil) is fine.

Hi Dr. Rassman,
You are true credit to the Medical Community, and your blog, and expertise are greatly appreciated by many.

Two quick questions…If after using Propecia for 2 years, and going off of it at that point (the point of diminshing returns) would continued use of Minoxidil support the hair that was produced by the Propecia?? I’m 53, have been using Minoxidil for 8 years, and Propecia for 4 months, and the Propecia is already working well on my thinning crown area. I thought after the propecia loses its effectiveness, I would just stay with the Minoxidil, & let the Minoxidil take over. Please advise

Also, are FOX grafts more expensive, than the more established FUT grafts, since this procedure is more difficult for the Surgeon?

If you are getting a benefit from Propecia and then maximize it, whatever benefit you received will be lost when you stop taking it and minoxidil will not save that benefit for you. I assume that you are trying to save money. That would make your investment to date valueless as you go backward.

FOX/FUE grafts are more expensive than standard FUT harvested through the strip method. In my opinion, they are not better, just different.

Hello doc,

I’m 26, almost 27 years old and have chronic telogen effluvium for almost 18 months. I’m losing a lot of hair everyday on top, front and in the back; all-over. My question is.. Is it possible that CTE can recede a hairline a little? Less volume.. and little receding.. Is it possible to use minoxidil for CTE? What side-effects does minoxidil have with collagen, acne and wrinkles?

I do not believe there is a medication that really works (or proven to work) for treating telogen effluvium. If you have a diagnosis of chronic telogen effluvium, I would unfortunately think that your response to a drug would be even less. I don’t think it would help to a point that you’ll be able to notice worthwhile gains, but I suppose it doesn’t hurt to try.

Take note that some people who try Rogaine (minoxidil) report increased shedding in the first several weeks. I don’t know of any studies that show minoxidil causes wrinkles or aging in humans, though there was a mouse study about minoxidil on collagen synthesis from from years ago. Lots of anecdotal stories are on the Internet though, so take that as you will.

If you apply the minoxidil all over your head, be aware of the complications and/or side effects listed in the literature given in the package insert.

Hello.. My question is regarding Propecia, the cost, and comparison.. I came across a website while I searched for Propecia prices [link removed] and I was wondering if this would be a site I can trust?

Also, there is a Generic- Finasteride for a more affordable price.. What is the difference between the two and do they provide the SAME amount of benefits…

Thanks alot!! Please provide any additional information….

I think that’s yet another site based in Canada that sells prescription drugs to US residents without a doctor’s prescription required. That is against the law. As such, I can’t vouch for any site that sells medication online illegally. There are many sites that do this, and I don’t even know how this stuff gets through US Customs without more scrutiny.

So can you trust a site that sells these drugs illegally and without any way to tell if it’s even the real deal? I guess that’s up to you. If you get ripped off (fake medication, incomplete order, etc), who are you going to complain to if the company doesn’t offer you any restitution? These are things I’d consider, but ultimately it’s your choice to make.

Generic finasteride in 5mg size is available at any pharmacy in the US, but the 1mg generic isn’t sold here yet due to patent protection. I believe the patent is set to expire in late 2013, at which time I’d have to assume the generic Propecia will be available in the US. Until then, you just need to cut the generic 5mg pill into pieces. The costs are incredibly cheap that way… and legal.