Hi guys. So I'm 19 and I've been on testosterone for a little over 7 months. The last few months or so I've noticed significant thinning of my hair and a receding hair line. I'm really scared because I'm only 19 and I know that baldness runs pretty badly in my family. I called my doctor and she told me that typically finasteride is only prescribed if you're on T for at least a year, since finasteride can decrease the rate of masculinization from T, but she'll still let me go on it. The only issue is that my parents will not let me be on finasteride because they don't want me on another medication and don't want to pay for it (I'm a college student so I'm still financially dependent), and they think I should stop T entirely because they think that will completely stop the balding.
Do you guys have any opinions on what I should do? I really don't want to stop T because it's only been 7 months and I have a long way to go and I don't even pass that much yet, but I'm terrified of losing my hair. I've always had long, thick, curly hair, and just sitting around doing nothing about it every day is really doing a number on me.
It really depends on what you want but you can't fight genetics. I say embrace the hair while you have it. You're not going to have clumps of hair falling out it will just thin out and your hair line will recede. Just last week I gave up on my mop and just shaved my head. I feel it makes me look much more masculine plus the facial hair really helps too (not much but some). Don't give up on T just because of hair.
You can always buy hats.. that's what I do :p
Rogaine?
Yes sadly it sounds like you have a genetic predisposition to androgenic alopecia. Beyond finasteride or similar meds, rogaine or similar products, and eventually hair transplants, (even after transplants, you may still be required to use rogaine and or finasteride) there isnt a whole lot one can do. I wouldnt give up hope yet though, hair tends to be strange. It'll thin to a point and stabilize entirely, or completely bald over time. You can also be tested to determine the causes of your hair loss, it may not even be related to your T.
loren,
Welcome to the site.
Is it possible to see your college's health clinic. They or a local planned parenthood might be able to provide the medication. Worth looking into.
As far as T effects, I will quickly bow out of this discussion(trying to get rid of my own, thanks ;) )
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Thanks for all the replies guys, and I'll be sure to check out more on this site. I did purchase rogaine and I used it last night and this morning, and called my doctor so I'll be speaking to her tomorrow about my options again. I am considering seeing a physician on campus who would be able to tell me if I'm actually balding or not?
My only concern is that with rogaine, I have to take it for the rest of my life or that hair will fall out, so like I guess I'd rather be on finasteride as a more long term solution. Does anyone know much it affects your progress on T? Would I eventually still get more facial hair and what not regardless? I do grow some facial hair now, but since I'm only on T for 7 months, it's not as much as I would want in the future. Has anyone been on finasteride this early on and experienced anything negative?
Finasteride is an exceptionally weak anti androgen. If that ends up being the route you take you shouldnt miss a beat. Hopefully that comes as some comfort.
That really does help a lot thank you. Hopefully I can convince my parents to help pay for it without taking away my T
I'm not sure of the price of finasteride exactly but its around $100 a month, is it possible that you take on the cost of the med? If your parents are covering your other expenses a monthly cost of $50-100 wouldn't be too awful with say a part time job salary. What is your hair worth to you, right?