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How Long Can Minoxidil 1% Be Used For Hair Loss?
Question: Hello Doctor
Minoxidil 1% Solution. I have been using it since December 1, 2015. This is the second time I am showing the progress. I think it works. I am attaching the Pictures from 3rd XXXXXXX 2016 and for 27th Feb 2016. Please have a look and let me know the next course of action.
Last time you told me it requires 4-6 months of treatment to get appreciable results. I am happy with the progress so far. Do you see thinning has stopped. I can just see some covered area in the middle where the baldness pattern starts.
Minoxidil 1% Solution. I have been using it since December 1, 2015. This is the second time I am showing the progress. I think it works. I am attaching the Pictures from 3rd XXXXXXX 2016 and for 27th Feb 2016. Please have a look and let me know the next course of action.
Last time you told me it requires 4-6 months of treatment to get appreciable results. I am happy with the progress so far. Do you see thinning has stopped. I can just see some covered area in the middle where the baldness pattern starts.
Brief Answer:
Continue with minoxidil; Add finasteride and Use a Ketoconazole shampoo
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images.
You definitely have androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil 5% solution and Oral finasteride 1mg are approved medications for hair loss and thinning in androgenetic alopecia.
It is too early to comment on the results though patients may notice decreased shedding quite early into treatment and as well as early regrowth. So it is a good thing. You can expect further improvement in results after weeks (12-16 weeks) of regular treatment and applications needs to be continued for at least an year for full/maximum effect.
In addition to minoxidil I would also suggest you to take a tablet of finasteride 1mg (Finax), once daily.
Finasteride is an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase. This enzyme present in scalp converts serum testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main culprit responsible for hair loss and thinning in androgenetic alopecia and therefore inhibiting this enzyme (5 alpha redactase) helps to prevent or slows down further progression of androgenetic alopecia.
Therefore, I suggest you to also add tablet finasteride and continue with minoxidil solution for at least 1 year to have full effect.
You may also use a ketoconazole shampoo for scalp wash e.g Nizral shampoo.
Regards
Continue with minoxidil; Add finasteride and Use a Ketoconazole shampoo
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thank you for writing to us
I have gone through your query and I have also reviewed the Images.
You definitely have androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil 5% solution and Oral finasteride 1mg are approved medications for hair loss and thinning in androgenetic alopecia.
It is too early to comment on the results though patients may notice decreased shedding quite early into treatment and as well as early regrowth. So it is a good thing. You can expect further improvement in results after weeks (12-16 weeks) of regular treatment and applications needs to be continued for at least an year for full/maximum effect.
In addition to minoxidil I would also suggest you to take a tablet of finasteride 1mg (Finax), once daily.
Finasteride is an inhibitor of 5 alpha reductase. This enzyme present in scalp converts serum testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the main culprit responsible for hair loss and thinning in androgenetic alopecia and therefore inhibiting this enzyme (5 alpha redactase) helps to prevent or slows down further progression of androgenetic alopecia.
Therefore, I suggest you to also add tablet finasteride and continue with minoxidil solution for at least 1 year to have full effect.
You may also use a ketoconazole shampoo for scalp wash e.g Nizral shampoo.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Doctor, I have been taking Homeopathic Medication since 17TH MARCH 2014 which I stopped at 17th Feb 2016 (Duration of 23 months). I was advised Homeopathic Doctor to start Minoxidil 1% Lotion from Sep'15. I did not start that moment but started from 1st Dec after taking advice from Dr. XXXXXXX XXXXXXX I am applying twice daily on dry hair and scalp and rubbing slightly. I am using Mild shampoo everyday to clear the scalp of any dirt. I have images available since beginning of the treatment. I have no plans to start Allopathic Medication for consuming as it might have side effects, which might interfere with hormone secretion process.
ketoconazole is not a mild shampoo, I had applied in 2012 and 2013 but it led to hair loss.
If you need I can share the entire stretch of pictures since beginning to you for evaluation. I am not sure on Dr. XXXXXXX Kumar's availability now.
ketoconazole is not a mild shampoo, I had applied in 2012 and 2013 but it led to hair loss.
If you need I can share the entire stretch of pictures since beginning to you for evaluation. I am not sure on Dr. XXXXXXX Kumar's availability now.
Brief Answer:
Continue with minoxidil
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you.
I have reviewed all your previous images and your discussion with Dr XXXXXXX
Finasteride has no side effects. It is US FDA approved medication for androgenetic alopecia.
Also,Ketoconazole shampoo has an additional beneficial effect on hair loss because it exerts a local antiandrogen action on scalp.
These medications are approved for use based on scientific data and using them together would produce much better result as compared to minoxidil alone.
However, it is fine if you don't want to take finasteride. You may just continue with Minoxidil solution (it is 5% and not 1%). This solution has to be continued for at least 6-12 months for a full effect.
You may continue with your mild shampoo. That is absolutely fine.
Regards
Continue with minoxidil
Detailed Answer:
Hi. Thank you.
I have reviewed all your previous images and your discussion with Dr XXXXXXX
Finasteride has no side effects. It is US FDA approved medication for androgenetic alopecia.
Also,Ketoconazole shampoo has an additional beneficial effect on hair loss because it exerts a local antiandrogen action on scalp.
These medications are approved for use based on scientific data and using them together would produce much better result as compared to minoxidil alone.
However, it is fine if you don't want to take finasteride. You may just continue with Minoxidil solution (it is 5% and not 1%). This solution has to be continued for at least 6-12 months for a full effect.
You may continue with your mild shampoo. That is absolutely fine.
Regards
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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