Androgenetic Alopeceia

Question
HI Michael,



I am a male in my mid 30's. Lately I have noticed my hair thinning on the

top of my head. My hair line is fine, it is just starting to go a little

thin. Only really noticeable when my hair is wet. Today I saw a Doctor about

it and I was diagnosed with Androgenetic Alpoceia.



I am pretty shocked and somewhat depressed really. I have been trying all

the natural remedies first;

Onion Juice in hair daily for 1/2 an hour

Vitamins with biotin, A, B's etc

Saw Palmetto

Along with Nizoral and natural shampoo and natural conditioner (with jojoba

and special oils)



Not sure if any of that is working. I would ultimately like to keep it natural.



The Doc has prescribed Proscar and Minoxidil. I really do not want to use

minoxidil (unless it is a shampoo) and I am rather scared of the Proscar. I

know Proscar is FDA approved, but what are the long term effects? What are

the side effects? What happens if I take the Proscar, get regrowth and then

stop taking the Proscar?

Can I take Proscar on it's own without minoxidil?



I have so many questions on this stuff as well as the actual condition

I have. There is so much stuff on the internet and I am totally confused. I

trust your advice and would really appreciate you giving me some information

to go on.



Thanks,

Steve  


Answer
Most patients with hair loss take both Minoxidil and Proscar.  There are no long term side effects of these medications that have been reported.  Proscar can cause sexual impotence in some men but if the medication is stopped then the side effect goes away.  The problem is that hair loss is a multibillion dollar industry.  99% of the claims that you read on the Internet are not true.  The only two medications that have been scientifically tested are Rogaine and Propecia all of the other medications you read about have no science behind them.