nordicman Posted August 23, 2006 Report Share Posted August 23, 2006 Well here's my experience: I've been taking finasteride for 9 years and definitely got some hair to grow back in the back but not in the front where I needed it most. I tried minoxidil for a short time, but all I got for my efforts was an irritated scalp. Anyway, if you are trying to replace hair in the front go with a hair transplant. As far as side effects: Libido same same, but with less juice. Also, if you have a problem prostate it may lessen your peepee in the pm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
short-time Posted August 24, 2006 Report Share Posted August 24, 2006 I agree it is very difficult to cut up 5mg tablets into five equal doses. The only practical solution is to grind them into a fine powder, then add a measured amount of something like calcium carbonate, mix thoroughly and stuff into capsules. This may sound a little complicated, but in fact after doing it a few times the process becomes very simple. If this sounds like too much work I wouldnâ??t be overly concerned about just cutting the tabs up into five equal pieces as best you can. As this is a daily long-term treatment a little extra one day and a little less the next wonâ??t amount to shit and it will all average out. If you should choose to go this route I wouldnâ??t even bother going for five equal cuts. Much easier to divide into four equal pieces and take 1.25 mg a day. The extra .25 mg is just not a big deal. By the way, Procarâ??s patent ran out a couple months ago and now finasteride is available as a generic in 5 mg doses â?? much, much cheaper. ST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aladdin_Sane Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Propecia / finasteride will block the hormone production that is causing the hair loss, but if you want the best results you need to stimulate the blood circulation to the scalp. That is where the Minoxidil comes into the equation. You can get Minoxidil in oral form in LOS if you don't like applying it to your scalp, but it does have the disadvantage of making all body hair grow stronger. There is a generic form manufactured locally in LOS called Noxidil and it is dirt cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kojis Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Thanks guys for the interesting info! Can we expect some hair to grow back adding minoxidil to the equation then?? I wouldn't mind my upper forehead getting back to thicker days... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aladdin_Sane Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 No guarantees, but you will see an all round improvement. The existing hair will appear healthier and grow longer. Once the hair loss stabilizes you could always have the upper forehead filled with a hair transplant. There's some fantastic results available from hair transplants these days, and one of the world's best surgeons is right here in Bangkok. One thing I forgot to mention is that if you're taking Minoxidil in tablet form, you might initially experience some headaches but this will soon pass as the body gets used to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
short-time Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Sorry fellas, but there is some misinformation here that needs to be addressed - especially the taking of minoxidil orally. This could potentially be dangerous if combined with ED drugs such as Viagra which will also lower your blood pressure. Oral minoxidil has never been approved for hair re-growth. Minoxidil was originally used in pill form to treat HIGH blood pressure; I have no idea where you got your information that it increases blood circulation in the scalp. Fact is its mechanism for stimulating hair growth remains unknown. With men, the topical application has been shown to be somewhat effective in increasing hair growth for bald spots located on the back of the head. For women, it can increase hair growth in the forehead areas. Unfortunately, for us men this means it is NOT an effective treatment for the common frontal receding hairline. ST Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aladdin_Sane Posted August 25, 2006 Report Share Posted August 25, 2006 Ah, now I remember why I don't post much on this site. People are a bit too serious over here. To answer the points raised by Short-time:- - A quick search of the Wikipedia shows that Minoxidil was originally used orally (see below). It's the same active ingredient whether it's used internally or externally. - It's true that Minoxidil was originally used to treat high blood pressure, but in the same way, Proscar was originally used to treat Prostate problems. The hair benefit in both cases was only noticed as a side effect. - It is well known that Minoxidil dilates the blood vessels (see below). Dilated blood vessels = lower blood pressure = improved circulation. Any improved blood circulation to the scalp is beneficial to the hair roots. - I'm not promoting the use of minoxidil orally. I pointed out that it is available as an alternative to applying it externally (which tends to make your hair greasy). I was introduced to it by the surgeon (mentioned above) who also uses it without any problems. It's true that you should consult with a doctor before using the tablets as it lowers the blood pressure. For most people that won't be a significant effect. I use it, have seen the benefits and don't have any problems whatsoever. If you're not comfortable with that, then use it externally (or not at all). - It is effective when used in conjunction with Propecia. Even if it doesn't get a result on the hairline, it will stem further hair loss (very important if you're thinking of having a hair transplant) and the improved circulation will make the existing hair more dense. - Finally, I have no axe to grind. These are things I have found out from experience and hopefully might benefit some people here. ........................................................... Minoxidil is a vasodilator and originally was exclusively used as an oral drug (Loniten®) to treat high blood pressure. It was, however, discovered to have the interesting side effect of hair growth and reversing baldness, and in the 1980s, Upjohn Corporation produced a topical solution that contained 2% minoxidil to be used to treat baldness and hair loss, under the brand name Rogaine in the United States, and Regaine outside the United States. A 5% concentration solution sold as Rogaine Extra Strength for Men is also sold. It is unknown how the drug stimulates hair growth. Minoxidil is a "potassium channel agonist." Minoxidil is a derivative of the physiological blood vessel dialator nitric oxide and this may also explain Minoxidil's ability to stimulate hair growth and treat hair loss.[1] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sporty Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 What stopped me from using it, was it can cause birth defects. My doctor, told me it could be trouble for a woman, to touch them, or from semen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aladdin_Sane Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 You're talking about Propecia there Sporty and your Doctor is correct. Stop taking Propecia a few months prior to conception and use a condom for the duration of the pregnancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sporty Posted August 26, 2006 Report Share Posted August 26, 2006 Yes, Propecia. Some Risidual effect as well, as I understand it. Basically, not knowing where my next BBBJ, may come from, I stopped. As the doctor and I discussed, probably not being responsibe, if your gonna be doing woman of child bearing age, to use it. Condoms break, as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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