Hello. Thanks for writing to us at healthcaremagic
You seem to have androgenetic
alopecia in which hair loss and thinning is mainly from the front part of the
scalp and from the angles of the anterior hair line so that the anterior hair line becomes V shaped. There is gradual recession of the anterior hair line as well.
There is a positive family history.
Treatment is with topical
Minoxidil and Oral
Finasteride.
Treatment is long term; effects are usually evident in 3-6 months. Maximum improvement is by 1-2 years. Thereafter, minoxidil may be used as a maintenance treatment, once daily Or every alternate days.
Oral Finasteride is to be continued life long.
Topical Minoxidil is largely safe. It may occasionally cause headache if used in more than the recommended amount.
Oral Finasteride inhibits the enzyme 5 alpha reductase; this is the main enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to
Dihydrotestosterone (
DHT).
DHT is the main culprit behind hair thinning and hair loss in Androgenetic Alopecia.
It is US FDA approved. 1-2 % of patients on finasteride may report sexual side effects like decreased libido. However, this side effect is reversible on continued treatment.
Both of these are prescription products, therefore I suggest you to visit a
dermatologist for a confirmatory diagnosis as well as appropriate prescription.
Regards