Hair Shedding After 2 Years of Minoxidil Use?

Question

I'm a 27 year old female diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia and have been regularly using 5% minoxidil for the last 2 years. My hair fall had completely stopped for a while but over the last 1 month I see a lot of it in the drain, brush etc Has minoxidil stopped working in my case or is this a temporary shed? Does minoxidil stop hair loss or does it only slow it down? Thank you.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Hair shedding only occurs during the first 1-2 months of using minoxidil. Hair shedding occuring 2 years into minoxidil use is due to another cause. There are dozens and dozens of reasons for hair loss so you will want to make an appointment with a physician who is knowledgable about all the types of hair loss in order to give you an accurate diagnosis. The most common reason for hair shedding in a female 20-30 years of age is telogen effluvium which may be due to low iron levels, stress, illness, thyroid problems, crash diets and medications.

Ashley R. Curtis, MD · Answer

Minoxidil can effectively slow the balding process, especially when started at the first signs of hair loss. However, it’s important to continue regular application to see optimal results. There are other hair loss treatments options that may help prevent future hair loss including compound prescriptions, red light therapy, and LaserCap. To accurately determine the cause of your recent shedding, consult with a board certified dermatologist who specializes in hair loss and restoration.

Hair Shedding After 2 Years of Minoxidil Use?

Answers (2)