mixing medications

[Tanjong]

I started loosing my hair a year ago. Six months ago the hair loss increased and my hairline started to receed. I started using Nioxin shampoo and conditioner as well as the spray for wet hair, the follicle booster and the vitamin. It has started to help and I am seeing the loss slow. The problem is that Nioxin doesn't regrow....it justs slows down the loss and tries to hold on to what you have. My dermatologist suggested Rogaine 2% and I just started using that 1 month ago.

Here is my problem. The person that recommended the Nioxin says that Nioxin and Rogain are opposing treatments and won't work well together. The dermatologist says otherwise.

Can anyone help with this? I will welcome any opinions

 

[jms519]

I'm fairly new to the forums but I saw your post about Nioxin and Rogaine. I have used the shampoo and conditioner with minoxidil for some time with good results. The follicle booster isn't recommended for use with minoxidil, which may be because the combination would be harsh on the scalp. Have you been able to tolerate using the two together or do you have a time lapse between the application of each of them?

 

[Tanjong]

My dermatologist suggested Minoxidil 2% also. Here is my problem. My hair loss is probably from a hormone imbalance and/or also use of a medication long term (that I have just been able to stop taking). Because of this, IF I am using minoxidil and my hair starts growing back....I will not know if it is because of the minoxidil or that I have finally got my hormones in balance. My friend that suggested the Nioxin swears that the Nioxin will work against the minoxidil since what Nioxin does is it gets rid of chemicals/toxins in the scalp. Since I have first posted, the Nioxin has been working. I have seen the loss slow although I have spurts where the hair fall returns. Baby hairs have begun to show and I am very grateful. Nioxin doesn't regrow like Minoxidil but it does make your scalp healthier and lets the hair that will grow...actuallly grow. Also, with Minoxidil I was afraid of the time that I wanted to stop using it and the eventual loss of the hair that was gained on the product. All in all, I have come to be comfortable with the slow but steady pace of the Nioxin and I use items like powders to cover up the thinner areas.

 

[jms519]

I'd say if you are getting good results with Nioxin alone, then stick with that. Minoxidil is a systemic drug, and if you can get by without it, I believe it is wise to do so. I cut back to once-a-day minoxidil instead of twice several months ago with no resulting hair loss. I also use it once my hair has dried after washing with Nioxin. So the minoxidil has all day to work. Most shampoos will wash away the product if used too soon after application. Good luck to you with your hair regrowth. I have dealt with thinning hair for 10 years and have largely been able to maintain once I started a regimen, but I joined the forums recently because my 14-year-old daughter has been experiencing hair loss for the past six months and I've been looking for information.

 

[Tanjong]

Is your hair loss hereditary? I ask because your daughter seems very young for such a problem.

 

[jms519]

When the doctor told me at age 41 that I had androgenic alopecia (hormone-caused), he said it was hereditary. I replied no one in my family had androgenic alopecia, and he said it didn't matter. It's still hereditary, which means even if I'm the first in the family, I now can pass it on. I just never thought it would happen when my daughter was 14. (I have a 16-year-old daughter, also). I don't know for sure that my daughter has androgenic alopecia, but her medical provider has done tests to rule out thyroid, iron levels, certain hormone levels, etc. She has no symptoms other than hair loss. There is a rare pituitary disorder she hasn't been tested for, but we are waiting on that. My daughter is just hoping it will go away but it hasn't happened after six months.

 

[Tanjong]

I wish you and your daughter all the beat. I hope that they can track the reason and find a solution. It is hard enough being a teenager these days