Minoxidil tablets for hair loss

[marshmallowface]

I have been struggling with hair loss for past few years, and now been prescribed minoxidil tablets. I wondered if anyone had any success with these?

I have been using topical foam and not seemed to make much of a difference though I know can work for some.

Really hoping for some success stories!

Oh gosh watching this thread! I've just bought some minoxidil online for my hair loss but have been too scared to use it. Who prescribed yours? I've used the foam in the past but it didn't help and made my face go puffy.

I also got online - was going to go to dermatologist but knew what I wanted and to wait for NHS would take up to a year and private consult would have cost £300. I started on half dose for 2 weeks and now on 2.5 mg - these doses are much lower than those used for blood pressure prescriptions.

How long have you been taking it for? Have you noticed any difference or side effects? My hair (or lack of it) is getting me so down.

Yes me too - I know there are more important things but I obsess about it. I have this weekend started full dose and think it can be months before you notice difference. I will give it a year and see.
A friend of friend was prescribed it and noticed difference after 8 weeks.

Mine has been going on for years and it feels like I’ve thrown everything at it. I’m now perimenopausal and it’s at its worst I think. It’s positive to hear your friend has had success with minoxidil. I’m really worried about having a dread shed which some people have after starting it. How long have you been taking it?

Two weeks half dose and now just started full dose so this will be my third week
.

Ok, please let me know how you get on. The tablets I have are 2.5mg too. I need to get some pill cutters as I will start on half dose too.

They are easy to cut with a knife - just line it up and press down. Yes good luck to you - will be interesting to see how we both get on. I have two weeks "head" start! X

😄Thanks that sounds doable. I guess I’ll bite the bullet and start them. Best of luck - don’t forget to let me know! I’ll do the same.

Hi - can we resurrect your thread to see how you're both getting on @Stumpedasatree @marshmallowface ?

I've just started the foam & have everything crossed but tempted by the tablets...

@WeeWigglet I've not started the tablets yet! I have them sat here staring at me, but been a bit anxious to actually start them. @marshmallowface may have some more helpful news to report!

I started tablets about 7 weeks ago and think I have already noticed a slight improvement - - this is sooner than suggested by all the literature so might be wishful thinking but I'm hoping it's a good sign. I'm definitely going to continue with them for now.

That's promising news! By improvement do you mean less shedding / fallout or noticeable new growth?

Sorry, I'm resurrecting this thread AGAIN.

Any further updates @marshmallowface?

After daily use since 5 Jan, I've been seeing some encouraging improvement from the topical foam - it definitely thickened at the temples, then went through a shedding phase which was scary, but now at 2.5 months appears to be growing back and better than before if my scalp pics are to be trusted.
I've also used the mens version which is half the price for the same 5% minoxidil - I just use it once a day as instructed for women, not twice.

I hope you're both having success too. Would love to hear how you're getting on?

@marshmallowface hope you are having some success still, can I ask where you purchased online? I can only see sites that prescribe to men.

Thanks for asking @WeeWigglet I have definitely seen some improvement - would say maybe 20 per cent, possibly a little more. I’m going to continue with it for now and am less self conscious than I was.

I think 20% is encouraging - especially as any hair will be quite short still, maybe we will see some improvement in thickness as time progresses?

I have also bought a derma roller as I've read it can also help the results but I've used it once so nothing to report.

I'm wary of doing too much altogether as then I don't know what's working & what's placebo.

@Stumpedasatree - did you go for it?

I've still not started my oral minoxidil I'm afraid, but have started HRT - and interestingly and massive touch wood, seem to be getting less hair loss than I was. I'll see how it goes before trying the minoxidil tablets.

But that is really promising news @marshmallowface! I'd take 20% improvement :)

Ooh I'm glad this thread was resurrected! I've been looking at the tablets. Encouraging to hear that the foam appears to be working though

@Runningoutofpatiencefucksandmoney - I went for foam as I read the tablets can have physical symptoms, rapid heart etc.
As a slightly fat runner, I really don't need any elevation of my heart rate 😂
I'd definitely say go for it, but be prepared to commit & trust the process - the shedding stage is scary after the initial improvements.

Great news @Stumpedasatree, I'm pleased you've seen improvement without minoxidil!
I suspect hormones are at the root of my problems too but I've a few years to go before they'll consider HRT.