Minoxidil and hormones

[Liv_J]

Hi there. I'm planning on starting with oestrogen and anti-androgens soon. I have been using 5% minoxidil with the aim of minimising hair loss, but it's only intended for people who are physically male. I am unsure if it's safe or useful to continue using it, but am also not sure if it's a good idea to stop cold turkey in case some hairs fall out. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

[ChrissyRyan]

Hi there. I'm planning on starting with oestrogen and anti-androgens soon. I have been using 5% minoxidil with the aim of minimising hair loss, but it's only intended for people who are physically male. I am unsure if it's safe or useful to continue using it, but am also not sure if it's a good idea to stop cold turkey in case some hairs fall out. Any thoughts on this? Thanks.

It is good to ask.  Consult your physician for medical advice about this. 

A 3% minoxidil solution is available, if I remember correctly.  I use none of any strength. 

Better to be safe than sorry!

Best of life to you!

[nikkiannukts]

Liv,

I am on both an anti-androgen regime and estrogen.  My doctor is aware that I am using Rogaine 5% and seems unconcerned at this point.

I take Dutasetride and Spiro as AAs alongside an topical estrogen.   Doctor seems fine with it.

Nikki

[josie76]

Minoxidil works by encouraging blood vessels to allow more flow so the hairs keep growing. The risk that 5% lists for women is increased facial hair growth. Since most of us are doing laser or electrolysis I would guess that shouldn't be a problem.

I was trying it on my widows peaks. It did make the fine hairs seem to grow longer but I don't think any ever switched over to being terminal hairs. When I quit they seemed to fade away more.

[Dani]

Minoxidil is effective for women who have thinning hair and for men with male pattern baldness at the back and top of the head.  Women use 2% and men use 5% Minoxidil.

For women especially do not let any Minoxidil run down onto your face because with repeated exposure some hair may start to grow wherever the Minoxidil has been.

[Rachel]

I was on E and AA and 5% minoxidil for years and my doctor knew. I was also on finasteride for years which I discontinued because of one of the potential side effects which is a small potential increased of suicidal ideation. At the time I did not need any suicidal ideation help, I had plenty.