It ruled my life from the age of seventeen right through my twenties and my thirties. Confidence was shot. There's always that underlying feeling of guilt that you're obsessing about something that is never going to kill you and there are millions of people far worse off - but hairloss is still devastating in it's own cruel way.

Without a doubt, transplants have been the biggest single factor. Judging from my family hairloss history, I would be very high on the Norwood scale by now had I done nothing.Finasteride has certainly slowed the loss in the crown.

Definitely. It is essential to be realistic with expectations though. I now have reasonable coverage as opposed to being not far from 'cueball' so I'm very happy.

Finasteride - and get it on prescription from your GP - you'll save a fortune.

Increase in confidence without a doubt. I'm pushing forty (as I write at least!), so I'm not concerned about having hair like a teenager again. It's the ultimate irony that my reason for my transplants has always been to take attention completely away from my hair!

Read the forums. There is a ton of great advice on this forum and no excuse for making the wrong decision as long as you take the time to research.