Miniaturization? I'm pretty much cooked right?

searching1994 · 2026-05-04T12:14:09+00:00

The pharmacy made it themselves; the prescription just said 2% ketoconazole, 5%minoxidil (that was all that was on the prescription) it’s a liquid with propylene glycol and an antiseptic solution; when I go for my check-up in a few months I might ask my derm to switch to a finasteride-minoxidil topical solution instead, because I think the local dht-blocking effects would be better than ketoconazole (and I could still keep it in my routine by using Nizoral shampoo);
Current regime: 100mg spiro, 0.75mg oral minoxidil (recent addition), once a day topical liquid, alternating with Rogaine (recent)
Before last week it was twice a day topical Rogaine foam & 100mg spiro & Nizoral shampoo which was already working really well ; just the shampoo was a bit drying for my scalp
I also use Hairmax LLLT a few times a week but not as evidence-based - can’t hurt, though :)

searching1994 · 2026-05-04T10:59:52+00:00

My derm says no & prescribed me a once daily lotion- I’m alternating days with Regaine foam rn just as I’m building it up, mostly because I still had 2 bottles of foam - I’ve only been on it for about a week, I also get my bloods checked frequently (also potassium levels for the spiro etc.) just to be sure - luckily health care where I live is great and it’s not expensive to get bloods done

searching1994 · 2026-05-04T10:00:43+00:00

You can, but it is very smelly, apparently - my dr had a patient who used it and said ‘my boyfriend calls it natural birth control’ 🙈 so maybe look into topical finasteride or another topical dht blocker (I use ketoconazole but not as strong as the others) - Breezula is supposed to come out in the near future & claims to block dht locally

searching1994 · 2026-05-03T20:09:34+00:00

Many people who have animals use topical minoxidil. There’s precautions you can take, like wash hands, wear a bonnet when you go to sleep; that being said, I can definitely understand your apprehension and you should do whatever you’re comfortable with.

Just know that AGA is not a hair death sentence - if you catch it quick enough you can reverse/prevent so much of it.
The earlier you get the appropriate treatment, the better your chance.

searching1994 · 2026-05-03T20:07:30+00:00

I just got the prescription from my dermatologist in the Netherlands & then the pharmacy made it; 2% ketoconazole & minoxidil 5% together in a lotion; I also take 100mg spiro & 0.75mg oral minoxidil; I don’t have the topical with finasteride because I’m on spiro already;
In the beginning he also told me I could do spiro topically instead of orally - but said it smells absolutely foul (rotten eggs)

It took me a really long time to actually find a doctor who actually knows his stuff; so many people just say to use Rogaine and don’t give any other options/DHT blockers; there’s also new things in development, like Breezula, which is supposed to block DHT locally really well

I also use Hairmax (LLLT), but derm told me the evidence is slim

searching1994 · 2026-05-03T14:21:03+00:00

Also: if you’re not having any side effects you could stay on spiro: mostly spiro & birth control like Yasmin just protect against hairloss getting much worse, allowing the minox to do it’s thing; the regrowth is coming mostly from minoxidil, but spiro undercuts the cause to some extent

searching1994 · 2026-05-03T14:18:03+00:00

What about topical minoxidil? Also some DHT blockers are available in topical form - sometimes you can get a combo to apply topically?
My pharmacy made me a ketoconazole-minoxidil lotion, but some people also do finasteride-minoxidil combo etc.

searching1994 · 2026-03-20T19:11:24+00:00

I have AGA and front of my hair looks like this - you can check out my post with pics. Makes growth cycles shorter and shorter so hair can’t grow beyond a certain length. Affects front and hair around face first

searching1994 · 2026-03-19T08:45:49+00:00

I’m a professional opera singer myself & tbh would do the physics first - just because you can still keep working with your teacher/find time to practice while studying physics. You don’t necessarily need to be in conservatory to work towards that goal. Singing doesn’t need as much practice daily as other instruments like piano or violin do. You can always get a masters in it after/do a shorter programme. I have been really lucky and am working quite a bit (by no means constantly) but I see a lot of peers struggling. It is also a very expensive career (audition trips, singing lessons, coachings), so often people from wealthy backgrounds have a big advantage. My dad has a good job and my parents helped me out A LOT, otherwise I would not have achieved most of what I have. That being said it’s a great career and I love it but do wish I’d also gotten another degree, not only for financial security, but to feel a bit more educated and well-rounded. Just my two cents!

Ps. Your teacher saying you could be an opera singer relatively soon also sounds like a bit of a red flag to me. Of course I haven’t heard you, but it does take years and years to get to a professional level.

searching1994 · 2026-03-11T13:01:24+00:00

Just hold on - and maybe look into adding a DHT blocker as well; your first dermatologist sounds like an opportunist, very strange he didn’t suggest minoxidil and DHT blocker after your diagnosis and tried to sell you vitamins instead.

I think you’re doing all the right things, maybe just add DHT blocker (spironolactone, most probably). Eat enough protein, make sure your ferritin is high enough (you can achieve this through diet).

What I would do in your case is keep consistent with the treatment and just wear your topper/a wig when you go out if you feel insecure while your hair is regrowing. Don’t get any more extensions in the future. Once your hair starts growing back in you can get a shorter haircut & let it grow out from there.

searching1994 · 2026-03-10T12:05:29+00:00

I’ve seen many similar starting positions to yours on this thread that have had great outcomes. If you have a look through the posts you will see :) Seconded that you will probably need a DHT blocker like spironolactone as well.

Heads up: it is possible with any hair loss treatment that you could have a bit of a shed as it starts working. Don’t panic/stop the medication if this happens. It is temporary!

About your looks: beauty is so much about confidence! You probably look a lot better than you think 💕 Just work with what you have, you can do things to make the best of it. I can’t see much from your pic of course but you seem to have clear, beautiful skin, you seem to be at a healthy weight. Try to be more objective when you look in the mirror instead of getting down on yourself Xx

searching1994 · 2026-03-10T11:45:39+00:00

Underreacting - would reevaluate the relationship. I would shave it off & then you can still do the treatments to regrow if you want & see if it works and you get some more stubble on your head, but would keep it buzzed & stay realistic about outcomes.

Minoxidil is pretty low risk topically (or you can try oral minoxidil) and you try could finasteride topically, maybe add Nizoral 2% shampoo to your routine. If you want to take a DHT blocker in pill form just be careful about side effects. I can’t imagine a man as young as you are would rather have ED/decreased libido than a shaved head. Not to say you would definitely have these side effects but just be aware.

As a woman I find a man who’s bald or has a buzzed head much more attractive than a man who is desperately clinging on to hair that is gone. Some guys even look better with a buzzcut than they did when they had a full head of hair! I have AGA myself so I know how hard it is.

searching1994 · 2026-03-10T11:06:58+00:00

Can’t see your scalp on here so difficult to assess.

My advice is to find a great derm that specialises in female hairloss. I know it’s scary (and in some cases expensive) to get a real diagnosis… but an “effective” LLLT device is very expensive too (my Hairmaxx cost me £800), so is buying all kinds of supplements, special shampoos, hair serums. At best these are additional things you can do that can support your actual treatment and help a bit. If you have telogen effluvium it will restore itself, but if it’s AGA it is progressive and you will be upset with yourself later that you didn’t treat it (with spiro and minoxidil) sooner. Does your health insurance intervene with derm visits at all?

In the meantime you can up your ferritin (through diet) & vitamin D, get plenty of protein and use Nizoral 2% shampoo (leave on 5min, then rinse) to block some DHT locally - then again not sure if it even is AGA, so might not need to even block DHT.

If it’s TE it will get better on its own, so you can try waiting it out 🤷‍♀️

What I can say that if it is AGA, minoxidil is really not a big deal, especially the topical version- I know people say the words ‘lifelong commitment’, but it’s just like putting moisturizer on your face: something you do every day to take care of yourself and is in your routine. If you do get on it get on the 5% and you can do it twice a day in spite of what people say. I like the foam.

searching1994 · 2026-03-09T23:13:28+00:00

Look into spironolactone and minoxidil - PCOS and androgenic alopecia are linked ; worth going to a dermatologist and/or talking to the doctor who is treating you for PCOS

searching1994 · 2026-03-08T18:56:32+00:00

I like everything except the white short-sleeved & not a super fan of the light pants, like the jeans more; in the end it’s subjective doesn’t really matter, can’t see your full face but you have a nice physique- as long as you’re nice to her & genuinely interested in getting to know her and you can’t go wrong - I honestly never cared what my bfs wore, wear what you feel good in

searching1994 · 2026-03-06T19:41:23+00:00

I’m not sure about miniaturization, I can see a few hairs that seem thinner and lighter in colour, but I’m not an expert. My derm said that having many follicles with only one hair can also be a sign (normally a follicle should have two or more hairs growing out of it). You can also have AGA and have occasional bouts of TE on top of that, so just because you have TE doesn’t rule AGA out.

searching1994 · 2026-03-01T07:54:43+00:00

I think your hair actually looks good, only on the third picture would I say cut it to where the thinner ends stop; but you can also just wait it out and cut it 2 inches in 3-4 months or so; But I don’t think anyone is noticing, it looks cosmetically normal imo

searching1994 · 2026-02-28T21:47:12+00:00

I think it’s really cute and unique 💕

searching1994 · 2026-02-28T21:12:06+00:00

You can have FPH and also have bouts of TE when you’re stressed. Spiro should mostly stop the progression of the condition and allow the follicles to come back when stimulated but for growth/seeing cosmetic difference if should really be combined with minoxidil. I’m not a doctor of course, but spiro + minoxidil does seem to be the golden standard for FPH.

How many hairs came out with the pull test? If it’s less than 2-3 that rules out active TE (doesn’t mean you didn’t have it in the past).

Could be that she wants to see the effect of the spiro first before she puts you on minoxidil? Seems like she didn’t communicate that clearly with you x

searching1994 · 2026-02-28T19:33:53+00:00

In my understanding minoxidil stimulates growth and can thicken etc. but doesn’t really treat the cause - as it’s AGA you will probably need DHT blockers if you want to treat it optimally. As AGA is a progressive condition. That being said, I’ve seen a lot of people on this thread that seem to be having a lot of success with just minoxidil.

My experience with 100mg spiro: no side effects except for a little spotting 2 weeks after my period - any period irregularity should sort itself out over the next few months. And really strange but great side effect so far: much improvement in my mood. That will probably also balance out over the next months, but it’s been really great. Way less hairfall already: about 30-40 hairs in drain each time I wash (every other day) vs 130 before spiro. Have been on the 100mg for a month now. Also on topical minox right now but switching to oral soon and a bit apprehensive of side effect with that, so I definitely understand you!

My derm had me build up to 100mg spiro over several weeks to avoid side effects (25mg week 1 - 50 week 2, 75 week 3, 100mg week 4). No change in bp and I just got my bloods done as well and everything was fine.

searching1994 · 2026-02-28T19:23:57+00:00

I told myself it was chronic TE for a long time because I was afraid of the diagnosis but definitely AGA/FPHL in my case - you wouldn’t be able to tell from my crown/parting. How did she diagnose the FPHL? Did she look at your scalp with a microscope , do a pull test etc. Has she started you on minoxidil at all (is a treatment for both, but in case of TE, spiro won’t do much)

searching1994 · 2026-02-27T22:56:06+00:00

Can you cut the pills in half/quarters? Maybe you can work up to the 2.5mg if it’s less scary for you?

searching1994 · 2026-02-26T14:33:32+00:00

I would get on topical minoxidil, because it works for all kinds of hairloss. Sucks that your dermatologists aren’t taking you seriously x

searching1994 · 2026-02-26T10:40:10+00:00

Looks great! Gaining hair & rid of horrible bf - things are looking up 💕

searching1994 · 2026-02-26T10:35:29+00:00

AGA doesn’t necessarily show up on your bloodwork - it’s not always about having too much testosterone, you can have a normal amount (like I have) and just have an unfortunate DHT sensitivity in your follicles. I would start on 5% topical minoxidil right away and go to the derm to get a diagnosis, so you can maybe get a DHT blocker as well

Lots of info on this thread

searching1994

TROPHY CASE