Hair Loss Radio Show | The Bald Truth

Hair Loss at 25, Need To Find an Low Cost Treatment

Hello, my name is J.Freeman. I am 25 years old and have been noticing hair loss for approximately a year. I do not have insurance and cannot afford Propecia treatments. I am also concerned about the side affect that come along with it. I was hoping to get information on a inexpensive hair growth regimen.
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Dear J,

The truth is, if you are contending with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) your first line of attack should always be to take the hormonal route. Propecia is an extremely effective drug that stops or slows the progression of hair loss in the vast majority of men who use it. There is also a relatively large percetage of men who receive significant cosmetically appreciable regrowth. By not using this incredibly effective treatment, it is my opinion that you are doing yourself a great disservice. Just so you know, insurance does not cover Propecia, so even if you had good health coverage you would still be responsible for paying for it out of pocket.

With that said, in most parts of the country, Propecia will cost approximately $55 / month. If your hair loss concerns you to the point where you seeking treatment, it would be my suggestion to perhaps forgo a dinner out once a month so that you can afford this relatively inexpensive treatment.

If this is absolutely out of the question then you could aways give generic minoxidil a try. Generic minoxidil cost approximately $20 / month. Whatever you do, do not waste your hard earned money on any of the countless, questionable hair loss products you see being advertised on the internet, late night television infomercials, or on the radio.

As far as your concern for the side effects of Propecia, any reported side effects occurred in less than 2% of those patients taking the drug during clinical trials. If for some reason you were to experience any adverse side effects you could always stop taking the medication. It is also important to note that approximately 60% of those that did experience side effects only experienced them temporarily, and were able to continue taking the medication.

I wish there were more hair loss treatment options available, unfortunately the above mentioned are the only two FDA approved hair loss treatments. If you haven’t already consulted with a physician, it is imperative to receive a professional medical diagnosis before considering either of the two treatments I suggested.

Hope this helps.

Spencer Kobren
Host of The Bald Truth Radio Show
Founder, American Hair Loss Association
Founder and Director of Consumer/Patient Affairs, International Alliance of Hair Restoration Surgeons (IAHRS.ORG)