Rogaine

I'm 55 years old and have sustained gradual hair loss for about the past 15 years.  My hairline is receeding and there's some general thinning on the top.  Do you feel that it's posible that I would get any benefit from rogaine since for the most part the thinning doesn't involve the vertex of my scalp?  Also, would propecia work any better and are the side effects serious?

Thanks

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

You're right that Rogaine (minoxidil) works best on the crown or vertex  Propecia works better at holding on to what you've got and perhaps even growing some hair.  Side-effects are minimal in most cases.  Cost is an issue, since insurance does not cover this drug.  You might want to talk this over with a dermatologist in person.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff