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 Dr. Alan J. Bauman is the Founder, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Bauman Medical Group, P.A. located in Wharfside at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida. His practice is dedicated exclusively to treating male and female pattern hair loss. Dr. Bauman uses state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques to help his patients maintain and/or restore their scalp hair.
Ron Smith
2006-04-28
Shedding with Propecia
Dr. Bauman,
I am approaching my 6th month on Propecia. I have noticed progressive shedding in the last 45-60 days. Is this normal? I have also heard that shedding indicates I am a good responder, that the old hair is soon going to be replaced with healthier and thicker hair.
What details can you share about shedding and Propecia, and is my condition common?
Daily shedding is normal and natural and will always occur, regardless of hair restoration medications or treatments. Remember, shedding is NOT hair loss in the vast majority of cases. Hair follicles go through natural cycling, turning on and off over time. It is normal to shed 100-200 hairs per day. Sometimes, when starting a hair restoration regimen (propecia, minoxidil, laser therapy, etc.) increased shedding is noticed. We (hair docs) believe this is likely due to the 'turning on' of hair follicles--the switch from resting phases to growing phases once the dht levels drop. This new hair growth pushes out the old hair shaft--and can make you nuts! But no worries, the data is clear--Propecia is the best treatment for male pattern hair loss, hands down. If you stay on the medication, you have a 90% of looking the same or better in 5 years. However, if you go off the medication, you have a 75% chance of looking MUCH WORSE... Stick with it!
Sincerely,
Dr. B.
doctorb@baumanmedical.com
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