Regaine/Minoxidil users support thread

[MargotMoon]

I've just started my second month's supply of Regaine 2% and I'm trying to hold my nerve because the shedding over the last couple of weeks has been a bit alarming, although I was expecting it.

I'm using the liquid and applying once a day at bedtime but using double dose, as can't apply morning and evening as it makes my hair so greasy. Have ordered the foam to try next month to see what that's like, but that's a once a day formula anyway.

Please tell me it will get better!

[MargotMoon]

Totally agree about the hairdressers' mirror - all that bright light beaming down from above!

[poshme]

I have awful bald patchesat the front- saw the doc who did blood test & said I have male pattern baldness (I'm female)
She prescribed regaine- pharmacy took ages to get it, kept looking at me funny when I asked about it.
It was regaine for men- with masssive 'DO NOT USE IF FEMALE' all over it.

I was stressed enough as it was- so I didn't like to ask why they'd given me that.

So I never used it. Still bald at the front & I HATE windy days. I used to have lovely hair.
Now I'm going balder than DH.

[MargotMoon]

I use the men's Regaine but just half the amount (once a day instead of twice).

[MargotMoon]

6 months in and I think it's getting worse. I've spoken to a private clinic who specialise in hair loss and they have recommended using minoxidil 5% twice a day and taking supplements.

Unfortunately I've just ordered another batch of minoxidil (this time with a dropper as the foam is a nightmare) so I've found the supplements online and will see how that goes, and increase the dose when it's easier to apply. I hate putting the foam on as it goes all crispy and looks terrible so hope the liquid is more discreet.

[MargotMoon]

Update: no improvement whatsoever 🙄

[MargotMoon]

I've officially given up! I have no idea if anyone is remotely interested in this thread but it may help someone googling female pattern hair loss in the future (fuck knows why though, it's not a great story - woman spends loads of money for no good reason ).

The minoxidil has made zero difference and I've now got seborrheoic (sp?) dermatitis so I can't put the liquid on my scalp any more anyway. I have 6 weeks supply left so will pack it in now and not waste any more time on it.

I am still taking the vitamins recommended by the hair loss centre (sourced cheaper online) so will see how that goes but so far the shedding remains the same.

[NonsensicalHair]

Hi OP, I'm so sorry the minoxidil didn't work for you and it's appreciated that you took the time to update on your progress. It must have been disappointing not seeing any improvement in you hair. I came across this thread as I'm currently shedding hair and have been since August and have just been prescribed minoxidil.

How is your hair at the moment - did the vitamins work?

[Shihtzu]

I’m just reading this thread as have some loss around my parting. If the minoxidil has made no difference and the shedding is continuing, could this be something else? Stress causes shedding and all these treatments sound stressful. Telogen Effluvium can go on for years if it’s chronic.

[MargotMoon]

@NonsensicalHair I've only just seen your post, thanks for the reply. Unfortunately it seems to be getting worse. The vitamins don't seem to have made a blind bit of difference!

@Shihtzu I've had shingles in the past couple of months which is also stress-related so perhaps it is that. I'm considering a visit to a proper trichologist now that lockdown is easing. Perhaps googling stuff myself isn't the best idea! 🤔😏

[Shihtzu]

A dermatologist would be the best person to see I would have thought rather than a trichologist? I’m seeing mine this week to try to determine if mine is tellogen effluvium or post menopausal thinning.

[MargotMoon]

My GP has been less than interested whenever I've approached them about it. I'm guessing I'd need a referral from
them for a dermatologist?

[Shihtzu]

No you wouldn’t need a referral for a private appointment. I’ve not had any referral, I just went online and found a specialist nearby. If you check local Bupa/Nuffield or BMI medical you should find one. Good luck.

[WeAllHaveWings]

Just seen this thread again, I continued the minoxidil for a year after this thread and absolutely no difference so stopped too.

No difference for ds either, but his hair is looking better with regular short and tidy cuts every 3 weeks at a good barber, he has accepted a slightly longer style isn't for him and it doesn't bother him so much. He is also 6ft2in now so not many people look down on his head 🤣

Maybe I should get a short crew cut too!

[MargotMoon]

I've got an appt at the hairdresser for the end of the month - can't wait! I'm sure a cut and colour will help, although I'm not sure how well received my brief will be - "can you make me look less bald, tired and old please? In that order!"

[Shihtzu]

I had to give up colouring mine but a shorter cut will, with a skilled hairdresser, give the illusion of fuller hair. I also think that focussing on the thinning makes it worse.

[VanGoghsDog]

Thank you did this thread. I've had thinning hair for a couple of years and over the last year it's been really bad.

I've had blood tests for a different reason and they didn't show anything up. I have raised ferritin but I don't think that's a cause, or symptom.

I bought Regaine but I've never dared use it due to the initial shedding, plus I've not had a diagnosis of hereditary baldness, though my mum has hardly any hair (but she is 80).

I think mine being worse is stress. It's been a horrible year all round.

Biotin and collagen may have helped a bit.....maybe. the shedding does seem to have slowed down a bit and I've been taking them six months or so. Iron made no difference.

[MargotMoon]

I did start marine collagen and cysteine tablets about 6 weeks ago, so will see whether they make any difference. Also bought some dry shampoo for dark hair which I'm hoping will disguise it at the crown a bit.

[Shihtzu]

So I’ve seen the dermatologist today and have telogen effluvium. Although should somewhat correct itself he has also suggested HRT.
Anyone else taken HRT for thinning?

[MargotMoon]

@Shihtzu Interesting! Have you had any signs of menopause? And will you get HRT prescribed by him or do you need to go back to your GP for that?

[Shihtzu]

Hi, I’m almost 59yrs old so post menopausal. I’m waiting for a prescription from the dermatologist, however I’ve read online there are only a few hair friendly makes of HRT. I will probably call the secretary to find out what happens next.

[MargotMoon]

Good luck! Hope it helps

[Shihtzu]

Thank you, you too!
I do advise going to a dermatologist rather than a trichologist. Apart from that there seems to be no easy solution.

[bluetongue]

I hate my hair at the moment

I’m trying regaine but it doesn’t seem to have made any difference so far. Had one lot of blood tests (normal) and now waiting in result of further tests for iron levels and hormones. Managed to get a dermatologist appointment on mid May so I hope they can help.

My loss is general loss of thickness and also at the temples. One temple is nearly normal but the other is definitely thinning.

It’s such a confidence knock. I hate it.

[Shihtzu]

Yes it knocks confidence and is scary. I personally would not use Regaine. I could not cope with it and my scalp is utterly sensitive since I had a Basel cell carcinoma removed. I’ve had dermatitis and so won’t be putting drops of god knows what on it. Just my personal view. To me this is coming from the inside and needs dealing with both mentally and physically.

[bluetongue]

@Shihtzu

Yes it knocks confidence and is scary. I personally would not use Regaine. I could not cope with it and my scalp is utterly sensitive since I had a Basel cell carcinoma removed. I’ve had dermatitis and so won’t be putting drops of god knows what on it. Just my personal view. To me this is coming from the inside and needs dealing with both mentally and physically.

I’ll be waiting to see what the derm says before deciding whether to continue with the Regaine or not. It’s a bit of a hassle so if it’s not going to work for my issue I’ll stop. For now it helps me feel like I’m doing something while I wait.