Why Go Through the Extra Step of Seeing a Doctor?
Simple. To get better treatment, advice, and monitoring than you can do on your own. The 5% minoxidil concentration is more effective than 2% and, in Canada, is only available with a prescription. Finasteride, the most effective medication, is by prescription only.
Who Should I See?
Your family doctor or dermatologist can prescribe 5% Minoxidil or Finasteride. However, early treatment saves hair, and most physicians are not trained or experienced in recognizing early hair loss and may place a lower priority on early treatment, or on the treatment of any kind. Seeing a hair loss treatment specialist may be the best use of your time. They are also more experienced at avoiding or managing side effects. Dr. Elliott has treated more than 2000 patients with these medications since 1996. He uses both medications himself.
Do I Lose Anything by Waiting?
You lose hair. Imagine two men with equal hair loss potential at 30 years of age. One starts Finasteride now and the other waits until three years later. Both stop their loss. What’s the difference? The one who started at 30 will have more hair at 35 because he saved more early on. He never got as bald as the other man did before he stopped losing. This situation has been studied and is what actually happens.
How Can the Effects of Treatment Be Tracked and Monitored?
A hair loss treatment specialist will track the results of treatment with standardized clinical examination and photography. This is important in the decision making process for the long-term fight against hair loss. How else will you know if you are making progress?