The shedding is taking too long with minoxidil? How long should I use it to see whether it works for me or I should stop?(photo)

Question

The treatment for androgenic alopecia was working good for me after 8 months of taking spironolactone 100 mg and dutasteride. When I went back to the derm. he prescribed me with minoxidil 5% 1 - 2 ml daily. Its been almost 2.5 months and I feel my ponytail is thinner compared to how it was prior to minoxidil. The shedding is taking too long? How long should I use minoxidil to see whether it works for me or I stop using it?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

If you are having issues with minoxidil and it is not working you should see a doctor for a recheck and find out other treatment options.  Doctors on the Internet cannot give you solutions.  They can give you general information.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You will want to see your dermatologist to review this in greater detail. The short answer is 3-4 months but there is really more to it. You need to consider whether any other condition is affectng the potential to shed at this point. Your blood test results need to be factored in.

Greg Williams, FRCS (Plast) · Answer

The length of time it takes to see a difference after starting minoxidil will partly depend on the length of your hair. With short hair you need 3-6 months to start to see improvement but it may take a year or longer to see the full effect. If you are hoping to see a difference in the bulk of your ponytail then you will need to wait until new hair growth reaches a length that you can judge the ponytail bulk. Remember hair grows in the average person at about 1cm per month.

Michael Meshkin, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

With any type of medical treatment option, you need to stay on it for at least three months to notice any result.  Even then the result May not be too significant.  During the first couple of months until it starts to take effect you will continue to shed hair but eventually  it usually slows down.

The shedding is taking too long with minoxidil? How long should I use it to see whether it works for me or I should stop?(photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hair loss treatment

Answer: Hair loss treatment

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The shedding is taking too long with minoxidil? How long should I use it to see whether it works for me or I should stop?(photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Hair loss treatment

Answer: Hair loss treatment

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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.