Stopping Rogaine (Minoxidil) After 3-4 Months Because of Shedding?

This question comes from a member of our hair loss social community and discussion forums:

Several months ago, I started using Rogaine (minoxidil) for my hair loss, but it’s causing me to actually lose, not regrow hair. Is this normal? Should I stop minoxidil after only 3-4 months because of increased shedding?

Although minoxidil (Rogaine) is a proven preventive hair loss medication, the drug has one interesting mechanism that is unknown to many hair loss sufferers: an initial shedding phase.

Minoxidil causes an accelerated hair shed during the first few (up to 4) months of usage. After this period, shed hairs usually grow back thicker and in greater numbers. Because of this, it is usually suggested that patients use minoxidil for 6-12 months before evaluating the results and potentially stopping the medication.

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Blake Bloxham – formerly “Future_HT_Doc”

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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