Why am I experiencing shedding after 6 months minoxidil use?

Question

Hi, I've been using Minoxidil since October 2016 and after January I started seeing the result. I got back almost everything that I had lost and it was going great. However for the last two weeks I'm losing hair rapidly. I see strands on my pillow, when I shower, or even when I style my hair. I never stopped using minoxidil and I use it twice regularly. I got a new product with finasteride in it yesterday since I couldn't find the product I always use. Can someone help me?

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

This requires an in-person evaluation. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone that work will with Minoxidil and Finasteride. Hair transplantation is an alternative. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Ilhan Serdaroglu, MD · Answer

Most probably you have a androgenetic type hair
loss. I dont advice to use finasteride because of
possible side effects and being under
the necessity of using that chemical for almost life long to stop hair
loss.You may start to use minoxidil %5 to thicken the crown area and stop hair loss.You
would better planning to have an
exam at hair loss expert for hair restoration surgery when you fell
uncomfortable about hair styling or total loss of hair..

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

There are a few reasons and you may wish to see a physician specializing in hair loss for guidance. Reasons include (1) another hair loss condition is now present as well (i.e. two conditions) (2) your minoxidil is not a reliable source (3) you have AGA and it is progressing (4) the hair grew back for another reason independent of the minoxidil and now it's simply active again

Why am I experiencing shedding after 6 months minoxidil use?

Answers (3)