February 11 2008, 3:31 pm PT | Posted in: Age + Drugs + Hair Transplantation
Hi Dr. Rassman i recently wrote you about the 19 year old who thought he was a good canidate for a hair transplant. It’s not that I am going to plunge into it i was just wanting more advice. Furthermore i know you have probably had to answer this a million times and your sick of it but like do you think by 2010 that there will be atleast a better medication for regrowth? I honestly can’t go through my life being bald its affecting me so much man. all my confidence is gone. if you could , could you just respond to me in email ? im honestly so bummed out about this ordeal ive went from being so happy to depressed.
I don’t know what advice I can give. I don’t see the average 19 year old as a hair transplant candidate. If the hair loss has advanced to a place where it is stable and further loss isn’t likely to occur, a hair transplant may be a viable option, but without an exam I couldn’t begin to make that determination. Please note that very few 19 year olds would fall into this category.
There is a medication that is in FDA trials for treating hair loss, dutasteride (Avodart), and it has been shown to work better than Propecia (finasteride) in some cases at high doses, but with that comes much greater risk of sexual side effects and possible permanent sterility. It is still in the testing phase, however. You can learn more about dutasteride here — Update on Dutasteride. Note that there is no cure for hair loss.
I understand your confidence issues, and suggest that you may want to seek some help for any depression you may be experiencing.
hey man,
i just wanted to say, that i was/ am in your boat! i got the curse, as bad as it comes. my entire top is thinned like crazy, it all took place in less than two years. i believe i only have a good 6 months left, then i guess i will have to shave, even though i look too young.
I have good news though!
the shock of the hair loss at first is unbearable, and for me, did cause depression. its all i thought about. however, i promise that over time you will accept it, and see hair loss in a whole new light. it will not affect your life at all. its like the buddhists say, its not the event that causes us destress, its how we interpet the event. At some point you will have to just start living your life and regain your confidence, and know that if you truly dont like it, it a few years you WILL be a hair transplant candidate, furthermore, maybe by the time you’re 30 you can have have a full head of hair due to the future advancements in the industry, my guess is stem cells! hairloss is not a serious diagnosis, i have a friend who would do anyhting to change his recent diagnosis, of paralisis, for my silly alopecia. regain true perspective and remember everyones got something they feel holds them back, maybe weight, or something else, dont let this one hold you back!