Hello guys, I’ve got a question about how to start out and would really appreciate some advice.
The derm confirmed that it was AGA and I managed to get a prescription for topical and oral finasteride. She was very reluctant though and said that she very rarely prescribes oral finasteride because she thinks that the side effects are very dangerous, just not worth it and even permanent (she didn’t seem sure about this but this still worries me now because all the other information that I’ve found speaks about the sides being as less dangerous than she did because they’re supposed to disappear once you stop).
Because of this I’m going to make an online appointment with another dermatologist so I can get a second opinion but now I’m not sure how I should start out because I’m ofc worried about the side effects. So in your opinion should I start with topical and see how it goes because studies show similar results to 1mg oral with less sides? Or should I start with oral and maybe only use it every other day/ 3 times a week to minimize the danger of sides?
And most importantly should I start with finasteride only for a while to see if it works or not and see if I’ll experience sides? And then later try to add maybe oral minoxidil or ask the derm for an oral minoxidil prescription now and start both at the same time? Topical minoxidil is unfortunately not an option because we’ve cats in the household and I already tried it previously and I’m pretty sure I’ve had an allergic reaction to it because my face started peeling, turned red, dry and very sensitive.
Thank you in advance!