Used minoxidil 5.0 for 6 weeks only. Still experiencing hair loss after 3 months, is that normal?

Question

I used minoxidil 5.0 for 6 weeks total. After a few weeks into using it, I started to shed but never stopped. My thyroid/iron levels checked normal so dr suggested I quit minox as I was only taking it for small spots on my crown (no prior hair loss). Over 3 months later I lose close to 80 hairs when I wash/brush my hair and I’ve lost some hair volume. I assume this loss is due to quitting but when could I expect it to end? And when it does quit shedding so excessively, will it grow back? Thanks

John Peter Cole, MD · Answer

Minoxidil promotes anagen.  This means that hair in the resting phase will be shed as a new hair grows in to replace the old resting hair.  It is normal to shed up to 100 hair a day.  Over time, your hair should grow back to the original volume.  There really was no reason to stop the minoxidil.  Hair shedding was a sign you were benefiting from the minoxidil.  Maintaining your hair long term means keeping the hair in the growing phase as long as possible.  The resting phase is a phase where inflammation attacks the hair follicles and eventually this inflammation destroys the stem cells.  
You might consider Wnt-act.  This product helps to promote the Wnt pathway.  It is the Wnt pathway that promotes hair growth at the gene level.  This product is available over the counter.

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

Yes, this can be typical. It can take up to 6 months to see results with Minoxidil and you'll need to keep using it to maintain results. I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone which can help with hair regrowth and/or hair transplantation. See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

William Woessner, MD · Answer

Normal hair loss is 50-100 hairs per day: it is difficult to answer your questions without more information. The best thing for you is to have photos taken by you doctor so that a comparison can be made in a few months. Normal hair loss will continue to happen, but so will regrowth if all else is well. Your doctor will be able to help you over time.

Robert Nettles, MD · Answer

While minoxidil works for some, the 
problem with the medicine is that it does not stop hair loss, and the 
DHT will continue is binding to the hair shaft which will eventually 
overtake any additional growth caused by the Minoxidil and die, perhaps 
just slightly later than it would have without the medicine.

Also, the alcohol base required to support the active ingredients also cause irritation of
 the scalp and severe reactions for many people, such as the increased shedding you are describing. The fact is that it does not work for everyone.
The best thing to do would be to  see a doctor who specializes in 
hair regrowth and the rebalancing of body biochemistry who can diagnose 
the cause of your hair loss. Any medicine that actually can make changes inside your body, are required under the FDA to be 
available by prescription only. This therefore means that it is not possible for anything that does not 
require
 a prescription to cure or prevent hair loss or regrow thinning hair. 
Thus, a personalized medicine will be the best choice because instead of
 a "one size fits all" approach, you will be taking something which is 
truly catered to your body's needs.
The treatment is out there. Good luck on your search.

Ben Talei, MD · Answer

It takes a minimum of 3 months to see any results from using hair supplements or any form of medication related to hair. The reason being is that the cycle of hair growth goes in 3 months period.I recommend consulting with a specialist too so there can be a proper assessment done.I hope this helps.

Used minoxidil 5.0 for 6 weeks only. Still experiencing hair loss after 3 months, is that normal?

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Answer: The Problem with Minoxidil

Answer: The Problem with Minoxidil

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Used minoxidil 5.0 for 6 weeks only. Still experiencing hair loss after 3 months, is that normal?

Answers (6)

Answer: The Problem with Minoxidil

Answer: The Problem with Minoxidil

Answer: Yes it it normal

Answer: Yes it it normal

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.