Minoxidil (Rogaine / Regaine)

mommyof2

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Is there a difference between the brands of minoxidil?

I noticed that Walgreens has minoxidil on sale B1G1 Free this week. Is there a difference in Rogaine and the Walgreens brand?
 

mariejoe

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Rogaine and store brands use the same active ingredient, minoxidil. Many people on this site use the store brands to save $$$.
Good luck on your regrowth efforts. :rockon:
 

mariejoe

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Hi, guys!

Just wanted to tell you, Walgreen's have Minoxidil on sale for $19.99 this week!! :)
 

Rogaine-Confused

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Confused about Rogaine and continuing treatment

Hi. I'm new to this board and have read through all the posts hoping to shed some light on whether I should continue using Rogaine. The only conclusion I came to was that there is no crystal ball that is going to tell me what to do.

I've been using Rogaine since July. I did not expect immediate results and was pretty patient. I have always had thin hair. The reason I started rogaine was because I was seeing patchy baldness in the hairline.

I first noticed the increasing bald scalp and more thinness in Feb/March. I did some research and then saw an Internist in April. He ordered a thyroid test along w/the usual assortment of bloodwork. My thyoid is on the lower side of normal.. but still in the normal range. A month later I went to a dermatologist. He didn't really offer up much advice.. basically told me to start using Rogaine and was ok to use the generic brands as more expensive ones are just marketing. Also, he said I could take biotin. For the most part, I felt like I was getting the brush off.

I bought the generic CVS Rogaine to start and was so freaked out by the warnings that I didn't start to use it until July. The warning that bothered me the most was the one about increased hair loss. I don't have any extra to loose!

The first couple of months of using Rogaine, I didn't notice any changes.. but I made an effort not to look for any. The box said 4-6 months.. so I'll not obsess and wait. That is, until now. I got in the habit of not looking directly in the mirror and opting to use the low light in the bathroom when I could. Recently, I've noticed much larger spots of scalp showing in front. Then looked closer... and clearly have lost a ton of hair since July. In fact, I wish I could go back to the hair I had in July. Back then, I didn't think it could get worse ... I was wrong.

Two days ago I stopped using Rogaine altogether. Tonight I've spent alot of time online looking for other options. I read about Tricomin and Toppik (which just seems weird). Part of me just wanted to vent, the other part was curious if anyone knows of anyone that encountered alot of hair loss after starting Rogaine and it got better over time.

I'm considering the following options.

  • Throw away Rogaine and hope I stop losing what hair is left.
  • Continue with Rogaine thinking (as some have suggested) that this loss will stop and growth will start
  • Increase Rogaine to 5% .. which is a really scary thought
  • Invest hair recovery money into a psychotherapist (maybe under hypnosis s/he can make me not care about my hair any more.

Thoughts? HELP! Fearing complete baldness before Christmas.
 

SadMom

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I haven't used Rogaine. Not because I couldn't use some! But after all my personal research, I just decided not to go with it. Honestly, stories like yours helped me make that decision. They make it sound like it works for everyone on the ads....

Anyways, I'd pay good money for a therapist (or a pill, anything) that could make me not care about my hair anymore! I struggle with that at least as much as the loss itself.
 

RP9

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Rogaine-confused.

Boy - do I know what sinking boat you're in!

Up until a couple of years ago I had managed to convince myself it's not so bad... well, it's finally reached the point where IT IS THAT BAD and I'm absolutely beside myself. I look in the mirror in the mornings and my breath catches at the sight of me.

A couple of days a go, I resorted to trying couvre (you're right - the Toppik sounds just too wierd). But fingerpainting my head in the morning on my way to work is exactly normal either! I don't want to live life like this.

I think you're better off with the minoxidil than the shrink. At least the minoxidil offers some hope. I often wonder if I'd stuck with it so many years ago, if I would be better off now. My hair is REALLY thin... and I've just started using it again so I appreciate how nervous you are about losing what's left. However, I think that if left alone... it will just get worse anyway - I've proven that theory! Believe me... I'm a master of denial. At least with the monox. there's an opportunity for some of what's lost to grow back in - at least theoretically. When I went to the derm a couple of years ago I made a comment about minoxidil being a 'snake oil' and he was pretty quick to argue that and showed me some photos of his patients -- and it was a notable difference. Not thick - but at least it wasn't frier tuck (sp?) either (which is where I'm getting too... I can just barely cover the top of my scalp - it's REALLY scarey!)

I think you'll just be kidding yourself trying not to 'care about your hair'. Our society puts so much emphasis on it - you can't not care. Men at least have managed to make a fashion statement out of hairloss... just grow a goatee and you're looking pretty shiek... but women don't have that advantage.

The only one who doesn't 'care' about my hair... is my cat! She couldn't give a rats *** about my hair... and I don't have to pay her $200.00/hr to listen to me wallow in my self pity. And her advise is more insightful than I'd get from any therapist - that's for sure! (basically play - sleep - and eat more tuna!) Of course... she's got a beautiful thick coat herelf - THE COW!
 

scorpiodiamond

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Hello, fellow women with hair loss :D ; I found this site by accident-and was very happy to see all it has to offer. I was looking for a way to track the latest research into this condition. My GP did bloodwork about a year ago to look for reasons this was occurring, but she said all was normal. She sent me to a specialist-an internist, I think. I had done some research online, and a stylist recommended Nioxin. So, I tried Minoxidil (Meijer brand) 5% for a couple months, but nothing happened. I also tried Toppik, and was very pleased with the results. I couldn't believe the difference it made-no shiny baldness showing through ultra-fine hair (from forehead back to mid back of head). Noone could tell I'd "powdered" my hair! It was rather disconcerting, cuz I thought I leave clouds of 'microfibers' as I walked around, but I didn't. :wink:
So, I'm going to go get another set of bloodwork-with step 2 in hand-and diagnose my type and treatment.
Scorpio
 
G

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Hi Scorpiodiamond!

Glad to hear you like Toppik, many men and women have had good results with it.

As for the Rogaine, results are normally not seen until 6 months to 1 year have passed. Many people get deterred by the fact that after a couple of months there is no progress, and quit.

Anyway, thanks for the post! We welcome you to the board, and hope you will come back and let us know about your bloodwork and results!

Laura
 

kerrydiane

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considering rogaine, should I do it?

I am considering starting Rogaine and I was hoping to get some opinions. I have been experiencing repeated bouts of Telogen Effluvium since last January. I was given estrogen supplements to my BCP's 2 different times, 3 months apart and then I switched BCP's to Yasmin. I started shedding after the first round of extra estrogen and it hasn't stopped since. Some times have been worse than others. Now I am completely off all BCP's at the advise of my derm who told me I had just given myself repetative bouts of Telogen Effluvium and that it should work itself out with time. She did not think I needed to start Rogaine. I have been off for 3 and 1/2 months now and the shedding has slowed down to around 100/day which I know is supposed to be normal, but it's not for me. I also have a lot of new growth, but I don't think it will ever be enough to get me back to what I once had. My main question is, should I start Rogaine if I already have a lot of new growth without it? I am afraid these repetative bouts of Telogen Effluvium will (or maybe already have) triggered Androgenetic Alopecia in me because my mom and dad both have very thin hair! I am only 26 and I really don't want to start the Rogaine if it will get better on it's own right now. What do you think?l
 

mayalopecia

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Telogen Effluvium, BCP, rogaine

Hi Kerrydiane,

Unfortunately, you are in a difficult position. While it is possible that you may have Telogen Effluvium that will resolve itself, I am a little skeptical. I will tell you my story, and perhaps you can go from there. Here's my story:

In July of 2002, I began shedding significant amounts of hair everyday--200-300 a day. I went to the derm, who proclaimed it Telogen Effluvium and told me it would resolve itself and grow back in 6 months or so. Unsatisfied with this answer, I went to see my GP, who tested my thyroid--everything was fine.

Around September, the shedding stopped, returning to a "normal" 75-100 hairs/day. This was the level it stayed at for about 3 months. In December/January, I experienced another, shorter but equally intense shed.

The entire time I was shedding my hair away, I could see evidence of regrowth, so I figured my system was just readjusting for some reason.

By mid-February, I realized that my hair was not improving. Not only was I losing more hair again, but the texture of my existing hair was different--kinky and dry, or fine and wispy--to a much larger degree than ever before.

I called my doctor practically in hysterics. I had just gotten my hair cut, and the degree of my thinning had become even more apparent to me, since I have curly hair, and had it flat-ironed at the salon. She called an endo and ran all the appropriate tests. They came back demonstrating elevated androgens--testosterone and DHEA-(s) in particular. However, the endo seemed unconcerned, because it was all in the "range of normal". At this point I switched my birth control pill from Ortho tri-cyclen to Yasmin, because I'd heard it might help my hair.

I finally found a dermatologist knowledgeable in female hair loss in March. She looked at my scalp, took my history (lots of baldness in my family--both sides), and gave me the bad news: Androgenetic Alopecia. She prescribed spironolactone, florisene (for my low ferritin), minoxidil 5%, and omega-3 essential fatty acids.

For the most part, I've been faithful to this regimen for 9 months. I have half the hair I had when I began treatment. Overall, I'd say I've lost about 60% of my hair. I had a lot to begin with, but that's little consolation.

In retrospect, I wish I'd started the minoxidil in August, when the first derm I saw mentioned it off-handedly to me. Perhaps I would still be able to style my hair.

I truly hope that you do in fact have Telogen Effluvium and not Androgenetic Alopecia, but I think it might be better to take the approach of treating the hair loss with rogaine rather than waiting, in case things continue to worsen.

I hope this helps you make your decision.

Cheers,
-maya
 

Anita

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Maya-

Your post was extremely helpful to me. I've been diagnosed with Telogen Effluvium and my shedding actually seemed to have stopped in the last month or so, so I am hopeful. But then I read your post that your shedding stopped and began AGAIN. That is very scary! But what caught my eye was that you said the texture of your hair changed. Something similar happened to me: overall, the texture of my hair is the same and seems quite healthy. But for some reason, a few months ago my existing hair was growing in in a very kinky, dry pattern. It's like this ring right at the top my head, near the roots. Well, it stopped because now the roots are smooth and the kinky ring has moved lower. Since I use a mild relaxer in my hair every 4-5 months, I figured maybe it did something weird, although my normal hair is not at all kinky, it's just a bit wavy in the underlayers. I thought nothing of it, except that the hair thing is also going on. And how I read your post. I have no idea what to make of this bizarre growth that occurred...
 

ReneeL

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Rogaine and Tricomin Questions

I'm using both 2% Rogaine and Tricomin twice daily. Currently, this is how I'm applying:
After washing my hair I usually use Rogaine first, wait 10-20 minutes (depending on how hurried I am), then apply Tricomin. Wait again for a few minutes for it to dry (maybe 10 or so) then I wet my hair and style. At night, I reapply the products (without washing) though the wait time between products is sometimes less.
Here are my questions:
Should I apply Rogaine first or Tricomin?
How long should I wait before applying the second product or does it depend on which product I use first?
How long should I wait after applying the second product before I can wet my hair to blowdry and style?
I'm also a little concerned about rubbing/massaging in one product (wouldn't that mix them?) on top of another and how this might alter their compounds.
Thanks in advance!
Renee
 

mayalopecia

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minoxidil then copper peptide

Hi Renee,

According to http://www.hairlosstalk.com/productreviews/men/folligen/ (review from HairLossTalk.com), you need to apply minoxidil, let sit for just a minute, then apply the tricomin. Since Loren Pickart was the original developer of tricomin, I would expect that the rules are the same as they are for folligen.

I think that you should wait at least a 1/2 hour before wetting your hair to blow dry it. This will allow a large portion of the minoxidil and tricomin to absorb into the scalp so you can't rinse and blow dry it away.

I wouldn't worry about mixing the two compounds together. I know of several people who actually create a minoxidil/folligen/emu oil solution and then apply simultaneously.

I have a few questions for you:
How long have you been using these? Have you ever used them separately? Can you say whether the tricomin has helped? I have a bottle of tricomin and one of folligen, but I have been reluctant to work them into my routine...but I need some help at the temples.

Thanks,
-maya
 

ReneeL

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Re: minoxidil then copper peptide

mayalopecia said:
I have a few questions for you:
How long have you been using these? Have you ever used them separately? Can you say whether the tricomin has helped? I have a bottle of tricomin and one of folligen, but I have been reluctant to work them into my routine...but I need some help at the temples.
Hi Maya,
Thanks so much for your reply and helpful information. Regarding your questions... I've been using Rogaine since Dec. 2nd and Tricomin since Dec. 11th so it's probably too soon for results. I thought I was noticing less shedding (I don't shed too badly though) but jumped the gun on that. I'm still shedding about the same as usual. It just seemed like it was less for a few days in a row. My hair does feel thicker with both products on it though so that's an advantage. I use both products on my temples as well. I was wondering what happens if Tricomin gets on skin. I'm hoping it's not like minoxidil but I figured I would have read something by now if it was. Tricomin does have a tendency to run right down my face.

I'm thinking of adding Revivogen to my regimen. Would that be too many products? My irrational fear is a combination of too many products will cause complete baldness.

I should probably take a picture of my "before" hair so that when it all grows in - I can prove my regimen works...right? :D

Good luck on your routine, Maya and thanks again!
Renee
 

Anita

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Hi Maya-

From the male board, I gathered that Folligen was a superior product to Tricomin (but I don't know this from experience). I used Folligen for about 2 weeks without the minoxidil, when I was still deciding if I wanted to use the minoxidil. Then I started with 5% minoxidil, followed by the Folligen (maybe 15 mins in between). I've only used the minoxidil once per day because I was traveling and busy. But as of today, am doing it 2x day, and the Folligen once a day. I don't know if it was a result of the Folligen, but I have experienced NO irritation, peeling, etc from the minoxidil. I plan to continue with both products!
 

Anita

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Maya and Renee-

Another thing. I blow dry my hair and THEN apply the products. I find it easier to see where I applied the products if my hair is dry and I can see it getting wet from the minoxidil/folligen.
 

ReneeL

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Hi Anita,
For me, it seems that I use less minoxidil when my hair is wet. When it's dry, I use twice as much. I use twice as much anyway because my hair is shoulder length and seems to soak up a lot. But it is harder to see when wet if I've covered all the necessary areas. Somedays, I just feel like opening the bottle and pouring it on. :eek:
Renee

Anita said:
Maya and Renee-

Another thing. I blow dry my hair and THEN apply the products. I find it easier to see where I applied the products if my hair is dry and I can see it getting wet from the minoxidil/folligen.
 

Maxine

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Hi Marjorie. Everything I've read about Propecia says it will not grow hair for women. It is specifically for men who have Androgenetic Alopecia.
Have you thought about Spironolactone? It works better for women and is pretty safe.
Maxine
 

sparkle

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Possibly anemic?

Hello, I am new this forum and I'm thrilled to have found it.

I am 28 years old. I started noticing thinning at the top/front of my head years ago but didn't do anything about it. I guess I was in denial. Now, everytime I go to the mirror, it seems worse and worse.

I went to the doctor (a new one because I recently moved) and my blood tests show that I am quite low in iron and have some abnormalities in my red blood cells (smaller than 'normal'). Right now, I'm waiting for the results of my additional blood tests. I asked if I should be starting iron supplements and my doctor suggested that I wait for more results before proceeding with anything.

In the meantime, I've read a little bit about low iron levels and it's possible contributions to hair loss. Does anyone have more information about this? My dermatologist (different doctor) recommended rogaine to me without evening knowing the results of my blood tests so I'm hesitant to start any type of treatment.

Also, I've been reading about other 'natural' products like Shen Min. Has anyone had success with those products?

please post your response or e-mail me at sparkle_toronto@hotmail.com
 
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