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!

Really sorry to resurrect an old thread but I'm getting a bit desperate with my hair loss. I am menopausal-started HRT age 43 and I'm now 48. I had covid 3 months ago and I think my hair loss has accelerated since this.
I got my bloods checked by my GP last week and my ferritin was 44 and haemoglobin was 139. I have an underactive thyroid which is medicated and my levels were normal at my blood check.
I've just ordered minoxidil 5% lotion and hoping this will work miracles! I take biotin but haven't noticed any improvement-I've been on this for about 1 year.
My hair is really thinning at the temples and on my middle parting. I'm constantly finding big balls of hair in the shower, on my hairbrush and in the carpet 😭
Can anyone else advise on what else I should do? Thanks

Get yourself to a dermatologist pronto.

You can get telegenic effluvium after an illness such as Covid but your hair loss pattern sounds more like female pattern hair loss. It’s actually possible that the post Covid general hair loss has uncovered the underlying female hair loss.

The good news is that it can get better. The post Covid TE will likely get better by itself with time and there are treatments for female latter hair loss. I’m taking oral minoxidil (after not responding to topical) and spironolactone which is an anti androgen. My hormone levels are normal but the issue is that for some people their hair is extra sensitive to normal levels of androgens. I’ve had hair grow back on my temples and my part is much better.

Good luck.

I had to come off the spironolactone as it was messing with my kidney function and I had kidney stones a few years ago - not an experience I want to repeat!

I've kind of given up on it all now and accepted my thinning fate!

@bluetongue thanks. I'm in Scotland and don't think there are any dermatologists I could see on a private basis for my hair loss. I've had a look online and can't really find much. I took photos tonight when I came out the shower and I'm really shocked at my hairline. It's really worrying me.

https://bhns.org.uk/index.php?/dr_susan_holmes.html/

Ds saw this Dr at Ross Hall if you are in Glasgow . Got it through a referral and my work private health insurance. The bill to the insurance company was £140 for a consultation 5 years ago, GP gave me a copy of his blood results to give them. She couldnt do much as he basically had premaature male pattern baldness, but it was good to know there wasnt anything sinister going on. She did get our gp to prescribe him minoxidil and a shampoo to try, but neither worked.

@WeAllHaveWings thanks so much for this. She looks great. I have private medical insurance but I've never claimed on it so not sure if it will push my monthly payments up. Don't care! I'll check it out and get a referral to see her. Thanks again