Minoxidil for frontal hair loss for 2 weeks. Hair loss got better, then got worse overnight and serpentine patterns.

Question

Been treating frontal hair loss since 9-22-15 with Rogaine as advised by doctor. I am aware increased hair loss in the first 2 weeks of treatment is normal. After 2 weeks of improvements, baldness suddenly got worse overnight. Was back to where I started and hair loss progressed towards serpentine patterns across rest of the head. I confess, the night before I did foolishly experiment with larger amounts. Should I continue treatment with normal dose or should I stop and use finasteride?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Minoxidil does not work in 2 weeks so your history is confounding.  It is best to see a doctor for an examination.

Greg Williams, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

There are many causes for hair loss. Significant hair loss overnight is very unusual. I suggest you see a doctor who specialises in hair loss and who can examine your scalp. It is unclear what you mean by 'serpentine' patterns and although photographs would be helpful they won't be as good as having an experienced doctor examine your scalp and areas of hair loss.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

It's important to stick to standard doses as higher doses can cause an array of problems. At this point, check in with your doctor. There can sometimes be a few blips in the first 8 weeks of minoxidil use (not 2) and long term probably won't be a problem provided a user stick to proper dosing.The decision to use finasteride is separate and should be decided upon with careful discussion, review of side effects.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

You did not state your
sex, something that has great value when answering this type of question. I
always start off with the drug finasteride for one year in men. Many men under 30, will stop or reverse the thinning that
occurs with genetic balding with the drug finasteride. I also always perform
bulk measurements with an instrument called HAIR CHECK which is a good way to
determine just how much thinning you have that you can not see. Once this test
is done and you have gone a year, I often repeat the test as it gives an
excellent measurement on what happened to your hair over the year. If it got
better and some of the thinning reversed, maybe you won't need a transplant and
that is the goal that you should look to do. Of course, a good doctor is
critical to this course.If you are a woman, the approach is much different and absolutely requires a doctor's visit to make the diagnosis

Gregory Pistone, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

I know when you are trying to regrow your hair, the shedding we sometimes see with minoxidil is discouraging.  However if you stick to it I believe everything will settle out. Using more minoxidil probably did not cause any harm but the most we recommend application is twice daily.  Many of patients use it only at bedtime and do quite well.  One other thing you may want to discuss with your doctor is microneedling with minoxidil.  This simple procedure increases the penetration of minoxidil in the scalp and even used alone is shown to stimuate growth factors.  While no definitive studies have been done, we have found that it is helpful in many cases.  Other conservative treatment you may want to continue include finasteride, laser therapy and PRP.

Minoxidil for frontal hair loss for 2 weeks. Hair loss got better, then got worse overnight and serpentine patterns.

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