What's likely the cause of my puffy face?

[CitizenErased]

Hello guys this is my first post, but I've been browsing the forum for months and it's been very helpful, anyway I have a question for those who may have had similar experiences.

I started on minoxidil about 40 days ago (on the front of the scalp), and then followed up with finasteride only 10 days ago, now 5 days ago (5 days into finasteride) I noticed my face has become very puffy all around, at first I blamed finasteride but then I thought it's more likely minoxidil because I've been on finasteride for only 5 days and I don't think the effect would be visible this fast, so I decided to quit minoxidil for a couple of days to see if there's any difference (while still on finasteride), I'm now on my third day without minoxidil and my face is still the same.

So my question is does it take that long for your face to return to normal for those who had that side effect from minoxidil? and do you think it's likely that finasteride could have caused my face to swell in only 5 days? thank you.

 

[JZA70]

Facial bloating is common with minoxidil. Wait a few more weeks, should go away.

 

[zzzzz]

minoxidil increases blood flow to wherever it is applied blood may be rushing to your face puffing it up

 

[CursedMen]

Maybe you gained some weight?

 

[Da Crow]

Could be increased estrogen from the dht that is now being blocked, instead of just staying as testosterone. Exercise never hurts... unless your body is decrepit of course

 

[CitizenErased]

Thank you guys. @cursedmen no, I'm actually underweight, and I've been the same weight during the whole period. @da crow could all that happen in 5 days? I would imagine it takes time for the body to react, it is possible though.

 

[zzzzz]

Could be increased estrogen from the dht that is now being blocked, instead of just staying as testosterone. Exercise never hurts... unless your body is decrepit of course

no... almost certainly the minoxidil. Why would estrogen cause puffy face? Do you see all women walking around with puffy faces? They have a lot of estrogen. But they do not have puffy face.

Anyway to the OP I realized you may be taking oral minoxidil and you may want to consider using topical minoxidil instead, if it is trouble with your hair apply it once daily at night rather than twice

 

[CitizenErased]

Thank you guys for replying, CursedMen: I've been underweight during the whole period actually. zzzzz: I use topical minoxidil, 1ml twice a day as instructed, on the hairline though.

I'm thinking may be to continue with finasteride alone for a couple of months and see if it's helping. I've been off minoxidil for 5 days now and no changes though.