Minoxidil causing hairloss?

[tredgokahn]

So I'm almost 47. Started thinning at 43. Sept 24 I gave minoxidil a try as I was about 30% bald. Quit minoxidil in mid Jan 25 as I saw no improvement. I noticed in March that I seemed to be losing lots of hair. Over the last 2 months I've progressed from 30% bald to 50%. I'm assuming the 4.5 months of minoxidil is somehow responsible.
Is it possible this is a delayed shed and perhaps it will regrow soon? I've considered jumping back on minoxidil but I'm hesitant as heck since it's probably what caused this...and it didn't work anyways.
Thoughts, suggestions, or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks

 

[losingbattle88]

So I'm almost 47. Started thinning at 43. Sept 24 I gave minoxidil a try as I was about 30% bald. Quit minoxidil in mid Jan 25 as I saw no improvement. I noticed in March that I seemed to be losing lots of hair. Over the last 2 months I've progressed from 30% bald to 50%. I'm assuming the 4.5 months of minoxidil is somehow responsible.
Is it possible this is a delayed shed and perhaps it will regrow soon? I've considered jumping back on minoxidil but I'm hesitant as heck since it's probably what caused this...and it didn't work anyways.
Thoughts, suggestions, or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks

Get on oral min this time. I will start it again.

 

[Moz5x]

So I'm almost 47. Started thinning at 43. Sept 24 I gave minoxidil a try as I was about 30% bald. Quit minoxidil in mid Jan 25 as I saw no improvement. I noticed in March that I seemed to be losing lots of hair. Over the last 2 months I've progressed from 30% bald to 50%. I'm assuming the 4.5 months of minoxidil is somehow responsible.
Is it possible this is a delayed shed and perhaps it will regrow soon? I've considered jumping back on minoxidil but I'm hesitant as heck since it's probably what caused this...and it didn't work anyways.
Thoughts, suggestions, or similar experiences appreciated. Thanks

What does 30% bald mean exactly? Diffuse thinning? What’s your Norwood pattern? What’s your family history for hair loss?

By the time you notice visible hair loss you are actually further along than you realize since early stages of miniaturization is nearly invisible to the naked eye. You most likely triggered a shed as minoxidil will always initially synchronize hair cycles. The most common mistake people make is stopping treatments too early or being inconsistent. Also keep in mind Minoxidil without finasteride only will buy you some time before hair loss resumes.

The fact you maintained most of your hair till early 40s is a good sign and you might be able to maintain your hair quality for a long time if you start treatment again and stay consistent.

Although it’s less common, it is still possible for some guys to go bald after 40. Be sure to do your due diligence and know the risks/side effect potential of treatments.

 

[tredgokahn]

Thanks for your reply.
I'm about a Norwood 3 or 3.5 with diffuse thinning on top. My mom's brothers and her grandpa on her mom's side are the only family members who didn't go bald. My dad and grandpa's basically all went mostly bald at 40. I'll be 47 next month.
I have a dermatologist appointment in a couple weeks. I'm tempted to try oral minoxidil, but concerned with side effects. I'm extremely discouraged to try finesteride or any hormonal regimen. What's the point in being more handsome if I have no libido and breasts? I got divorced a couple years ago, so I'm looking for someone. I think I'd stand a better chance as a balding but fully functional manly male.
I've considered a transplant but with gradual diffuse thinning it seems kinda pointless. I don't want the friar tuck look.

 

[Moz5x]

I can understand your rationale but some men tolerate finasteride well and others don’t. Each man has to decide for himself. Oral minoxidil is great for the convenience and seems like many are able to tolerate the side effects. I have benefited from both. I would not recommend a transplant for a diffuse thinner.

The dating market nowadays seems terrible for most guys in North America. I don’t know where you live but wish you the best of luck out there.

 

[Esquire Janey]

Oral min causes visibly noticeable lines under the eyes. It also causes rampant water retention and works on virile body hair also which is rarely a plus unless you are an FtM. It is supposed to be great a thickening one's beard and FtM's use it for this.

 

[losingbattle88]

Oral min causes visibly noticeable lines under the eyes. It also causes rampant water retention and works on virile body hair also which is rarely a plus unless you are an FtM. It is supposed to be great a thickening one's beard and FtM's use it for this.

Only the water retention is correct. I have alot of experience with oral min.

 

[Esquire Janey]

Well I haven't gotten an ultra-low hairline which was the major fear 6 years ago because of pics of some mad oral min user from Russia, I think. I have heard people say they quit min because of those circles. We are also all aging so that might be the real cause if I do notice them. I am at the point where the mad weight swings make it hard for me to monitor my "true weight". Theoretically, estrogen and dutasteride can maintain minoxidil growth even if oral min is discontinued but nobody knows. I have seen derma rolling pics where you see amazing results and three months later it's back to cueball again, so stability and maintenance are more important for men than the unlikely circumstance of cosmetically significant regrowth unless one starts very young.

 

[Esquire Janey]

Only the water retention is correct. I have alot of experience with oral min.

Do you think that Dr. Powers is wrong to tout this to FtM's? I thought I had heard of males using minoxidil for that. There might have even been a group on here back in the day.

 

[mark123]

What does 30% bald mean exactly? Diffuse thinning? What’s your Norwood pattern? What’s your family history for hair loss?

By the time you notice visible hair loss you are actually further along than you realize since early stages of miniaturization is nearly invisible to the naked eye. You most likely triggered a shed as minoxidil will always initially synchronize hair cycles. The most common mistake people make is stopping treatments too early or being inconsistent. Also keep in mind Minoxidil without finasteride only will buy you some time before hair loss resumes.

The fact you maintained most of your hair till early 40s is a good sign and you might be able to maintain your hair quality for a long time if you start treatment again and stay consistent.

Although it’s less common, it is still possible for some guys to go bald after 40. Be sure to do your due diligence and know the risks/side effect potential of treatments.

Nice

 

[mrbeaver]

I feel your frustration, man. I read that minoxidil can kick off a shedding phase when follicles cycle – usually early, but sometimes after you stop. I checked The247Rx (great resource on medicines, supplements, and even hairloss stuff) and saw delayed shed can flip to regrowth around 4–6 months. You might spot new hairs soon if it’s a rebound. If you’re hesitant to jump back on minoxidil, maybe chat with a derm about finasteride or low-level laser therapy. Also, gentle shampoo, scalp massage, and diet tweaks can help. I suggest taking photos to track the actual changes.