5% men's strength Minoxidil for hair loss in 25 year old female, possibly caused by androgenic alopecia or Telogen Effluvium?

Question

I used to have really thick hair. I started losing it slowly a couple years ago. The last couple months it's been shedding excessively. It looks dramatically different now. (Family members can tell that it's a lot thinner) I went to the doctor and was told it was likely to be androgenic alopecia or Telogen Effluvium. They told me the only way to know is through a biopsy. I'm currently taking 75 mg spironolactone and Nutrafol women multi. I was advised to use 5% Minoxidil. Should I use it?

Amelia Damse, DO · Answer

Sprionolactone, Nutrafol, and Rogaine behave differently and therefore can all be used together. Rogaine will keep your hair in the growth phase, so it will help if used long term. One thing to keep in mind though is that if you have a component of telogen effluvium, the hair that has already died will continue to shed until those hair follicles are gone, and will be replaced with new hair follicles. Hair loss is a stressful process and requires a lot of patience, as hair growth is slow. Hang in there, it will get better!

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

Hair loss in women is usually multifactorial. The diagnosis of Telogen Effluvium  often can be made with a hair pull test.  A full hair consultation including history, blood work, Microscopic examination, pull test and possibly biopsy is suggested.  Minoxidil is an excellent treatment for TE as well as female pattern hair loss.  There is no downside to beginning treatment. Minoxidil shifts hairs from the Telogen phase to the Anagen phase and therefore one  has a 17% chance of a shed in 2 to 8 weeks.  This eliminates the the resting Telogen hairs and is beneficial. If you decide to use Minoxidil you have to plan on using it for a full year. Early termination is a common mistake when using Minoxidil.  Find a hair expert.

Reuel Aspacio, MD, FAAD - Account Suspended · Answer

Thank you for your question. A biopsy for hair loss allows a more definitive diagnosis of what type of hair loss is occurring, but in some cases, those results may not change the treatment plan. Topical minoxidil works well for certain types of hair loss, but no matter what type of therapy is chosen, results take at least 8-10 months to achieve. I highly recommend you consult with a board certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist regarding your questions and concerns. Take care and good luck.

5% men's strength Minoxidil for hair loss in 25 year old female, possibly caused by androgenic alopecia or Telogen Effluvium?

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