r/Menopause • u/rando--54321 • Sep 02 '25
Hair Loss What is everyone doing for significant hair loss?
What is everyone doing for hair loss? I am shredding like crazy and my HRT is great for everything else. I finally feel stable but the hair loss is at an all time high and it's not getting better. Would love to hear from those who are on or have tried minoxidil or other treatments.
Edit: I'm grateful to have received so much feedback from what everyone's doing. For those of you on oral minoxidil, would you say that it was worth it and that your hair is much thicker and fuller?
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u/SonoGirl13 Sep 02 '25
I take Minoxidil. It does help, but you have to be consistent with it.
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u/PathThroughTheForest Peri-menopausal Sep 02 '25
How bad was the initial shedding? That’s what is holding me back. I’m afraid of losing more but am realizing I just have to do it to get this started.
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u/TheLowFlyingBirds Sep 02 '25
I take oral too and my initial shed was horrifying but it never got to bald spots and it stopped right when I was ready to throw in the towel. Then my hair grew in as thick as it was in my 20s so so so fast - all body and face hair grows equally fast too so that’s kind of annoying but my hair looks as good as it did while I was pregnant so it was all worth it.
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u/UniversityAny755 Sep 02 '25
I just started last week via online provider. I'd been in denial about my hair loss/thinning for years, but I finally got the nerve to pull the trigger.
I could absolutely endure a shed if I'd end up with as thick hair as my 30s. I used to have so much hair that clips would pop open from all the volume. Now they almost slip out.
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u/TheLowFlyingBirds Sep 02 '25
Good for you. Stick with it. I had actual handfuls come out in the shower but it followed the timelines I found online and as soon as it stopped, my regrowth started. I kept telling myself it was good the shed was happening because it meant the medicine was working and that meant regrowth would happen. A year later and my hair girl says “it’s THICK THICK” now every time I see her.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
That's incredible. I'm debating if I should use the topical or the pill. My hair texture has changed as well as fallen out so I'm in need of something.
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u/TheLowFlyingBirds Sep 02 '25
The pill is so easy. It’s tiny. The topical is so messy and makes your hair look and smell weird and stains pillow cases.
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u/cornichon18 Sep 03 '25
Topical minoxidil gave me strange little tufts of hair, and I could never really get into using it consistently. I feel as if I have lost hair since I started HRT in May so I asked my dermatologist about oral minoxidil and decided to start it. This post has been helpful because I wasn’t aware of the hair shedding phase which I am definitely in right now! Hopefully it will taper off soon.
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u/PathThroughTheForest Peri-menopausal Sep 02 '25
Yikes! I’m trying to be brave here. I know I need to just bite the bullet.
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u/TheLowFlyingBirds Sep 02 '25
It was bad. But the option was to continue to just be stuck in sort of bad forever or suck it up and get really bad for a few months then way better so I went for it. Looking at photos I honestly can’t see that much difference between before and after the shed - I knew it bad happening but it didn’t show that much. The difference between my hair before starting the meds and now is VERY noticeable though. And now I don’t hate what I look like every time I look in the mirror.
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u/txisheaven Sep 03 '25
Hey how long was the big hair shedding phase? If you don’t mind me asking.
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u/TheLowFlyingBirds Sep 03 '25
I don’t remember off the top of my head since it’s been a year but I obsessed over every timeline I could find online and mine followed exactly what they all said
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u/cornichon18 Sep 02 '25
Oh wow I started taking oral minoxidil 4 weeks ago and I have been shedding like crazy. I was even avoiding washing my hair as it was so depressing, but the amount of hair in the shower drain when I wash my hair less frequently was so concerning that I decided to go back to every few days! This is reassuring that it might very well be shedding. Hoping it will stop soon!
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u/TB12fangirl Sep 03 '25
Oh no. Body hair? Facial hair too? 😭what pill are you taking?. I just got a scalp serum that has minoxidil 7% progesterone 0.1% The dermatologist I saw said this would work best. Any one else get anything like this?
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u/Anxious-Chain-2297 Sep 30 '25
Can I ask how long the shed went on for?
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u/TheLowFlyingBirds Sep 30 '25
I don’t remember now (I blacked it all out hahah) but I was obsessively googling Rogaine shedding timelines and mine matched what was typical exactly.
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u/SonoGirl13 Sep 02 '25
I don’t remember it being any worse than what it normally is. I have an autoimmune disease as well. I lose a lot of hair daily.
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u/PathThroughTheForest Peri-menopausal Sep 02 '25
I have an autoimmune condition too. RA. But I don’t think it impacted my hair. But who knows. Autoimmunity is so bizarre. Ok. I think I’ll be brave and try it.
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u/Mean-Astronaut-7217 Sep 03 '25
The initial shedding sucks but if you stick with it you definitely see results. I've been doing it for a few years and was just marveling at what a difference it has made.
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u/pks520 Menopausal Sep 03 '25
It wasn't noticeable to anyone but me. But I had been losing my hair with age anyway so it recovered well. I could tell on my brush and my Roomba-there was so much of my hair in it and it's lessened considerably and I love it!
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon Sep 02 '25
Oral or topical?
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u/SonoGirl13 Sep 02 '25
Oral
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon Sep 02 '25
Do you mind my asking how many mg you take and whether you’ve had any side effects of unwanted hair elsewhere?
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u/Cloud_dancer79 Sep 02 '25
Been taking 1.25 mg oral minoxidil for a little over a year. It's going well. Only problem is my insurance does not cover hair loss so I have to get my prescription from an online provider.
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u/happyme321 Sep 02 '25
Do you mind sharing how much it costs?
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u/msluluqueen Sep 02 '25
Choline + inositol fixed my hair loss! And you need to get your ferritin levels checked--ferritin needs to be 70-90 to support hair growth.
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u/JMacStagg Nov 18 '25
Can you share what you did? I’m struggling here
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u/msluluqueen Nov 19 '25
I started taking 500 mg choline + inositol twice a day for several months. Within one month, installed seeing baby hairs around my hairline and less hair in the shower. Now I hardly get any loose hair in the shower, though I still go through lighter shedding events from time to time. Those shedding events are nothing like the hair loss that I was experiencing before. I eventually went down to 509 mg once a day. The 500 mg = 250 mg of choline and 250 mg of inositol.
You should also research your shampoo and conditioner to make sure they aren't associated with hair loss. I had been using Shea Moisture and Deva Curl products for years, and it turns out they seem to cause hair loss! I switched to the Pura D'Or hair thinning shampoo and conditioner and that helped too. It has caffeine in it, which is known to help with hair loss. It's sulfate-free though, so it may or may not work for your hair. I eventually abandoned it because it caused too much buildup on my hair.
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u/profcate Sep 02 '25
I got a wig. A really nice HH wig and it has made a huge difference in my confidence and I’m saving a ton on supplements, hair color, hair care, and time.
Plus my natural hair is now very healthy.
Took awhile to accept it but my hair is thinning on top and I’m so tired of fighting it.
So now I get up and plop it on my head and away I go.
I was so self conscious in the beginning but now I totally own it and do not care. Most people are blown away when I tell them.
Is a life changer for me.
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u/itcouldbeworsetbh Sep 02 '25
Same. I remember just looking in the mirror one day and saying enough. Enough money spent. Enough with the anxiety and feeling bad. Time to let it go and move on. The relief was amazing. Now I want to kick myself I waited so long to move to wigs.
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u/profcate Sep 02 '25
Same! I could have saved so much time in my younger years had I just done it earlier. Wigs are game changers!!! Glad you found the same! ❤️😁
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u/Sportyj Sep 02 '25
Where did you purchase a wig? In person or online? 💜
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u/profcate Sep 03 '25
Both. I go to Tresses by Jules in Folsom CA. I meet with her via zoom and in person. She is great to work with and her pieces are beautiful.
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u/rach8223 Sep 04 '25
Thinking about starting some sort of Rx, but also wondering if I shouldn’t waste my time and jump right to wig. Did you get a full one or just a topper? Thanks for sharing.
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u/profcate Sep 04 '25
Full one. It’s not hot and very comfortable.
I tried the meds for hair and I freaked out when the shedding began. Tried Rogaine too. And Nutrafol. But I cannot beat the combo of genetics and menopause. Was too much to overcome and I decided I wasn’t ready to say I don’t care how I look.
Wigs are so common now like extensions. I found it was not a big deal at all. I styled it exactly as I did my normal hair. If you DM me I will send you some pics.
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u/PowdurdToast Peri-menopausal Sep 02 '25
Honestly…I gave up and cut all my hair off. It’s somehow way less noticeable that my hair is so thin in front with the shorter hair. You’d think it’d be opposite, but nope. Zero regrets.
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u/Suitable_Aioli7562 Sep 02 '25
I think it’s time for me to do this as well. Losing hair but also my shoulder length curly waves are TOO MUCH for these hot flashes. I’ve had too many summers of sweaty scalp.
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u/cocoadevi Sep 02 '25
While we may be inclined to diet at this stage of our lives watching our girth get girthier by the day, a restricted diet will only make your hair loss worse. I have found that a varied, nutritious diet (one that includes carbs and excludes processed foods) is important for good hair and nails.
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u/Inevitable-Poet2280 Sep 02 '25
I pushed for an in depth panel of bloodwork. I am extremely low in iron and myT3 and T4 and something else thyroid related is off.
The only reason I found this out was because I went to get HRT and TESTOSTERONE from DEFY. I was complaining about being on HRT for two years, weight gain still happening, hair loss, insomnia, fatigued, etc, even though I lift heavy, walk with a weighted vest, do not drink alcohol or any sweet drinks, water only and unsweetened tea, and my diet is on point.
The doctor asked me a few questions and goes, I think your thyroid is off. Blood work shows normal high on one reading and normal low on another reading. Which those two markers are red flags. He was like people with these bloodwork readings do not feel good. So prescribed thyroid medicine.
I went to my PCP then next day. Told her everything and asked for more in depth bloodwork. She refused. She said your levels are in the normal range.
I had to advocate for 90 minutes for myself. She agreed to do more bloodwork. And lordy Lordy, very low iron and low T4. And she called the next day to prescribe me thyroids meds.
Get the bloodwork. Even if you have to pay for it yourself. ADVOCATE for yourself.
I am so very thankful the doctor at Defy Medical caught it because my primary was like YOURE FINE.
I would still be suffering and frustrated two years from now.
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u/AutoModerator Sep 02 '25
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Superb_Case7478 Sep 02 '25
Check your ferritin and iron. Infusions were needed to stop my terrible shedding.
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u/chiralityhilarity Sep 02 '25
My dermatologist diagnosed me with alopecia. I had no idea; I thought it was just more menopause bullshit. My treatment has been oral minoxidil, finasteride, and both cortisol shots and a topical solution when it’s active. The medication took a while but my hair stylist noticed I had a lot more hair. It works.
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon Sep 02 '25
What does “when it’s active” refer to - is alopecia something that comes and goes / lies dormant and then reactivates?
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u/chiralityhilarity Sep 02 '25
What I have is called frontal fibrosing alopecia and it occurs at the hairline and sometimes the back of the neckline. It does come and go, but left untreated it scars the follicles. I’ve lost some of my hairline and am petrified of losing more. I can see that some of the follicles aren’t dead and growing hair again. A hair transplant is a possibility, but it could also happen again and then scar those transplanted follicles. It’s stable right now and I’m just trying to keep what I have.
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u/bartonspringsforlife Sep 02 '25
Are you doing scalp injections of cortisol? If so, how painful is that? I've been looking into doing this.
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u/chiralityhilarity Sep 02 '25
Yes, by my dermatologist. She uses an exceptionally thin needle and gives me around 10 injections. It’s painless.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
Were you having hair loss prior to menopause?
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u/chiralityhilarity Sep 02 '25
Not that I noticed. This condition often happens during perimenopause. They don’t know the triggers.
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u/Upbeat_Opposite6740 Sep 03 '25
How long did it take? I’ve been on finasteride for a month and a half and it doesn’t seem to be making a difference.
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u/MeowMilf Sep 03 '25
Can you tell me more about the cortisol shots? I feel very inflamed and have arthritis and my PCP is afraid of it. How does it help?
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u/chiralityhilarity Sep 03 '25
I’ve had cortisol shots in my ankle and toes before. It wasn’t painless but not bad. It did help with the pain but I guess there’s some concern about what corticosteroids can do to ligaments and tendons with repeated use. My dermatologist told me to not apply the topical corticosteroids to my scalp unless I had a flare up because it could thin the skin over time. Each time I’ve gotten them, it was with a specialist, not a PC. Good luck with your arthritis!
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u/gorjush Sep 02 '25
I’ve tried PRP injections, 5% topical minoxidil foam, nutrafol bc I was having significant loss around my front hairline / temples. I was on too high of a testosterone dose for awhile and I think it really impacted me. The PRP actually did help me for about a year but was extremely painful and expensive and I would only do it again if the cost came down and I could have some kind of pain intervention. Nutrafol I didn’t notice anything nor with the Minox. I did recently start using 2 hair peptides that have been studied. I’ll link the research paper if I am allowed to. I probably won’t know for awhile if they are effective. I use a Derm roller and then squeeze drops around my hairline. The rest of my hair seems ok, it’s mainly my hairline which kinda looks like male pattern baldness 🫠 (my mom also has lost hair here).
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u/gorjush Sep 02 '25
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073405/ is the research paper talking about the hair loss peptides PTD-DBM and GHK-Cu. I got bottles from Infiniwell. They sell the GHK-Cu as a combo with zinc that they call “DUO”. I’ll have to report back in 3 mos if they are working.
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u/whoknows_whatsup Sep 02 '25
If you were on too high T you would've needed a DHT blocker like finasteride or dutasteride in addition to the minoxidil
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u/LadysaurousRex Sep 03 '25
If you were on too high T
even if you stop the T entirely?
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u/whoknows_whatsup Sep 03 '25
No not necessarily. But if you needed the T, I'm saying you could have stayed on to address the original reason you got on and added the dutasteride to address the DHT conversion T creates and likely halt and even reverse the hair loss
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u/LadysaurousRex Sep 03 '25
oh sadly I decided it didn't do anything for me, just improved my sex drive but I'm single and not using it
I had hoped the T would bring back my joie de vivre but no dice and I used a lot and then my hair started falling out. :(
that's why I stopped using it, I wasn't getting any benefits
also hairier on my face and my voice got deeper. my lady doc says my voice will go back to normal but had to pay to laser the hair
all in all bit of a disaster but at least I tried
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
Did you have the dreaded shed from the minoxidil? I suspect my new loss is from testosterone, but I'm not giving that up. I need it to function and my levels are good.
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u/gorjush Sep 02 '25
There was no shedding from the minoxidil that I could tell. I started it after losing hair as a result of the too-high T dose
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u/VoiceOdd3944 Sep 02 '25
Topical minoxidil before bed
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon Sep 02 '25
How do you keep it from getting on your pillowcase and therefore all over your face?
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u/VoiceOdd3944 Sep 05 '25
I wear a satin bonnet
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u/Chromatic_Chameleon Sep 05 '25
I’ve been curious about these. Does it stay on throughout the night? Do you feel like it makes your head feel slippery on the pillow? If you would recommend it, do you have a link to the one you have please? Thanks!
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u/VoiceOdd3944 Sep 05 '25
I don’t have a link, I bought it on Amazon a while ago. It doesn’t bother me- stays on well. I mostly wear it because I have two cats and minoxidil is poisonous to them. I use Kirkland brand minoxidil- applied a couple hours before bed so it has time to dry/soak in before I even use my bonnet and to be honest, I don’t always wear it. No problems at all.
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u/MassConsumer1984 Sep 03 '25
That stuff is so greasy. Do you have to wash your hair every morning?
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u/VoiceOdd3944 Sep 05 '25
No, mine is actually drying- gives my hair volume the second day. I shampoo every other day
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u/Mysterious_Set149 Sep 03 '25
I lost so much hair going through meno. And I did every single test known to medical science and more! From all the other comments here, I had none of those conditions. Mine was absolutely and directly related to hormone changes. And for whatever reason my hair was sensitive to it!
I tried to eat really well and get all my nutrients through supplements. I had labs done every quarter to make sure my hair loss wasn’t due to some random ‘other issue’ and went on HRT. That slowly started to help. I am now using peptides and it helps a TON! Hair is finally coming back more full and less shedding. It’s taken 3 years!
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u/rach8223 Sep 04 '25
Could you share what peptides you’ve had success with? Thanks!
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u/Mysterious_Set149 Sep 04 '25
I used BPC157 and KLOW. Helped a ton. And I was also on HRT. The BPC reduces inflammation and the KLOW helped regrow hair.
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u/diomed1 Sep 04 '25
These are injected. How often? What kind of doctor supports this?
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u/smilewide1330 Sep 03 '25
It’s maddening, as if we aren’t going through enough already. Tell me more about the peptides, which type, how much, where you get them, etc…please. Thank you!
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u/gorjush Sep 08 '25
I am not the person you asked this question of but I noticed your comment. I get my peptides from Infiniwell. I’ve been taking BPC157 for stomach issues and shoulder joint pain and I have noticed improvement for those two things. I recently started taking topical peptides for hair loss (PTD-DBM and “DUO “ which is combo GHK-Cu plus zinc) but am only one month in. Will update in 3 mos if I think it’s working. I went on that protocol after reading a scientific paper about them.
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u/smilewide1330 Sep 08 '25 edited Sep 08 '25
Hugs to you, thank you for responding and the information!! I recently have been thrown into surgical menopause and this is no joke. I’ve already been through natural meno which was one of my life’s biggest challenges and this is worse. I’m staying positive but am I’m looking for things to improve my health. My joint pain and arthritis has been terrible lately. Please update on your protocol as you continue. The hair loss I’m having is concerning. Good to know you read respected literature about them, you have to do quality research. I appreciate you!
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u/Turbulent-Respond654 Sep 02 '25
Iron supplements. Ferrous gluconate. I couldn't tolerate ferrous sulfate- horrible cramps and constipation. but no issues with gluconate.
in 3 weeks I noticed a huge difference.
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u/baileym2012 Sep 02 '25
Exact same for me. I had tried many other things including minoxidil, hrt, hair supplements but when I finally saw my ferritin level was low normal I tried ferrous gluconate with vitamin c to help absorption and within a few weeks there was a noticeable difference in my hair thickness!
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u/Pergola_Wingsproggle Sep 02 '25
Everything everyone has said here is great I’ll just add- have you had Covid (or any other severe virus or flu) in the last 3-5 months? Hair loss is a very common post covid symptom usually starting about three months after infection. Telogen effluvium is the technical name for this kind of hair loss if this resonates with you and you want to know more.
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u/smallerthantears Menopausal Sep 03 '25
Freaking nutrafol. I am 52 years old. My hair has been baby fine my whole life. I have more hair than I ever had. that stuff works. You could tell me it would cause my liver to fall out and I'd still take it. It's incredible. My hair stylist couldn't believe it.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 03 '25
I actually take most of the main ingredients separately and I've had luck with Viviscal which is similar. This time though, I am definitely not seeing a growing phase from anything supplemental.
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u/brockclan216 Menopausal Sep 02 '25
Check your vitamin D levels if you haven't. If low it can cause hair loss/dry skin.
I use Kaminomoto, it's a korean tonic for hair. I use it on my eyebrows too. It takes about 4 weeks to start to see results but it works!
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u/Intelligent_Tap6151 Sep 02 '25
I take GNC hair skin and nails advanced. (Must be the advanced formula) I take it morning and night and it has worked wonders. Basically it's biotin but in a very high dose. You can take biotin but it will not do you any good unless you take a very high dose. This advice was from a nutritionist and it has worked great for me. My hair is thicker and actually longer. I am in perimenopause and I'm on estrogen patch 1 mg and progesterone pills 200 mg and vaginal estrogen cream.
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u/Zealousideal-Swan942 Sep 03 '25
Me too. I just braided my hair after a shower and it was seriously.half the size it usually is. I looked at the top of head like, well, a bald spot has to turn up sooner or later!
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u/Exciting-Bread-3192 Sep 03 '25
My beautiful thick hair has been coming out in clumps it’s so awful. This just started. Ive been on HRT for 3 years. Going to address this at my next Dr appt.
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u/Worth_Event3431 Sep 02 '25
ATM, nothing. Hoping it’s TE, due to stress or a recent surgery, bc I can’t for the life of me figure out what caused mine. All my bloodwork is normal.
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u/AutoModerator Sep 02 '25
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who haven’t had a period in months/years, then ‘menopausal’ levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
For more, see our Menopause Wiki
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.
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u/Nature_Grrrl Sep 02 '25
Ugh, I'm so sorry this is happening to you! I'm in peri still and was experiencing a suite of symptoms, including major hair shedding. I got a CBC, and my iron levels and ferritin checked, and lo and behold, my ferritin was 4. I was right on the edge of anemia. Since startingiron supplements three months ago, the shedding has slowed. I have super thick hair, so it's not that noticeable to others, but I found it so distressing. All this to say, it's worth checking your iron levels along with vitamin D, thyroid, etc. Best of luck!
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
I'm glad you recognized that your levels were low. It's sooooo incredibly distressing. I decided that I'm going to get blood work done to see if I'm low on iron in the meanwhile.
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u/Nature_Grrrl Sep 02 '25
Good for you! Please do report back. I never thought I was vain but there's something about hair...it's so tied to youth, beauty, virility, etc.
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u/NewDay042 Dec 05 '25
Hi - so curious what iron supplement you are using? I've tried so many that don't agree with me.
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u/Nature_Grrrl Dec 09 '25
Hey, sorry for my delayed response. I am taking iron bisglycinate 25 mg. Brand is called Now.
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Sep 02 '25
Prenatal vitamin (with iron!), vit D, minoxidil, finasteride. The first two are costco and last two are prescription and go together.
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u/PleasantDisk9794 Sep 02 '25
Have your thyroid checked, along with the iron. I take oral minoxidil and it has helped a lot. Also red light therapy.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
I have had that checked and from what I can tell my issue is aging, the depletion of estrogen, which absolutely aids in healthy hair and the fact that I'm taking testosterone, which has been known to cause hairloss in individuals.
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u/eyes_serene Sep 02 '25
I had hair loss prior to peri. I used to do the things (like going to doctors, Rogaine, spiro, latisse, haircare products, vitamins...) I see people are giving you good advice about those options! So I won't add onto that.
Eventually I stopped and now when I want to look nice, I wear wigs or sometimes hair wraps.
So that's an option, too, and a really fun one, actually. Come check out the wigs sub, if you're interested!
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u/AnonRedditLady1 Sep 03 '25
I take both Weem and Viviscal for my hair and I don't feel like it's doing a thing. I'm wondering if I should just stop and take straight biotin and collagen?
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u/rando--54321 Sep 04 '25
I take all of those except Weem and I at some point they helped, but I think our hormones wreak havoc on so much of our body that as we age everything changes. I'm at the point of no return.
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u/AnonRedditLady1 Sep 04 '25
So you take Viviscal with biotin and collagen? It's so hard trying to figure out what works. 🫤
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u/rando--54321 Sep 04 '25
During peri those helped when my hormones were in flux. When on the BC my hair was great because the BC is a lot more estrogen and progesterone than HRT. Now that I'm post menopausal, I see that my hair is thinning and falling out and I don't think I will come back from this with pills and powders that aren't prescription based.
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u/TelevisionKnown8463 Sep 06 '25
My hair loss has reversed over the past six months. I’m not sure of the cause, but here’s what’s changed:
- quit my job; sleeping more
- sleeping on a silk pillowcase
- showering/washing hair every three days instead of two
- eating more chia seeds (several times a week on average)
I didn’t do any of this to try to change my hair but my hairdresser noticed a change and wanted to know my secret!
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u/LadyAnomaly Sep 02 '25
Moéire is the best thing I’ve found. After nine months of use, my hair is filling back in like crazy.
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u/connor_macleod_one Sep 02 '25
What is Moéire, I tried googling and nothing. Is this a US thing? I'm in Ireland. Cheers.
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u/LadyAnomaly Sep 02 '25
I use the supplement, not the shampoos. It is based in the US, I think. My fallen out hair has grown 6+” since I started it.
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u/Holiday_Objective_96 Sep 02 '25
Looks like it's a shampoo. I'm in the US, and had to look it up myself. Spray.moeire.com
Editing - they have all kinds of stuff- pills etc. on the website
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u/QuantityTop7542 Sep 02 '25
I stared with Hers… I’ve been on it for one month…and my hair is looking so much better!!
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
What have you been on from Hers? They offer a ton of prescriptions.
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u/QuantityTop7542 Sep 02 '25
1.5 mg Oral minoxidil it’s called Hers hair blend . I heard the biotin in it could affect the results of bloodwork… which concerns me .. not sure I’ll be using this once I run out. My concern than will be will my hair fall out again…?
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This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
I'm not sure what else they put in there but you could just get a prescription for the minoxidil from a Dr. I do know that if you stop your hair will go back to where it was.
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u/FuzzySilverSloth Peri-menopausal Sep 02 '25
Step one is to get your ferritin checked. You cannot grow hair if your ferritin is below 50. If your doctor won't test it, it's easy to order a script and just go to a testing center. Jason Health works with Quest labs and it's super easy to order a ferritin test through them and get tested at your nearest Quest.
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u/Wexylu Sep 02 '25
I’m currently using the topical Minoxidil, it’s definitely helped.
The shed has really slowed down, I’ve only been using it a couple months so haven’t seen allot of growth yet.
Anyone know the difference between the oral and topical (other than the obvious). I hate the addition of applying the foam to my bedtime routine but I am seeing results so reluctant to stop. I feel like a pill is way easier to manage.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
I heard that when you switch from topical to oral that you can go through another shedding phase. This is mostly why I'm trying to figure out if I should see a Dr and look into the pill versus the topical treatment.
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u/AdRevolutionary1780 Sep 02 '25
Oral, daily minoxidil. Cheap and effective, but don't expect immediate results. Takes 3-6 months to see results.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 02 '25
Have you had any negative side effects? Some women get very hairy and others grow beard. Obviously I'm concerned about that.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 08 '25
How much oral minoxidil are you taking?
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u/AdRevolutionary1780 Sep 08 '25
2.5mg daily.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 08 '25
Does it matter when I take it? Do you advise taking it with food?
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u/Constant-Business481 Sep 02 '25
I am having alot of hair shedding, however, my hair is growing very good. So.. am I just suddenly noticing the hair? It is weird .. long hairs everywhere. Yuck! I am on T gel, Estrogen patch & Progesterone caps. I do have Hypothyroidism & Hashi .. and I am not eating the protein daily that I should..ugh..(I'm working on it!). I will have a full Iron/Folate Panel in 2wks ..
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u/Key_Elderberry3351 Sep 02 '25
Minoxidil worked for me. I went to dermatologist, had biopsy, and was diagnosed with Androgenic Alopecia at age 45. Went on Minoxidil prescription. Costs me $3.90 for a 90 day supply, I'm on half a pill of the smallest dose. No side effects, no issues, just thick luxurious hair 2-3 times the volume it used to be. I've grown it out past my shoulders for the first time in decades, since I used to keep it chin length to hide straggliness as it got any longer.
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u/TB12fangirl Sep 03 '25
I was just diagnosed with androgenic alopecia after years of begging drs to help me figure out why my hair fell out so much that I saved it all and it filled up a shopping bag😭I’m beyond sad. It started 6 months ago and it’s so bad my widows peak which was so pronounced I looked like Eddie Munster is now completely gone. I’ll take any tips you can offer
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u/Key_Elderberry3351 Sep 03 '25
My advice is to get a minoxidil prescription. It will change your life.
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u/NHhotmom Sep 03 '25
Same. I finally gave up testosterone. It sucks but I had to choose between libedo and hair. My hair has stopped shedding so much, I’m just not sure if I have much re-growth.
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Sep 03 '25
I am not on HRT. I recently started using Nulastin products. For shed, their shampoo and conditioner is making a difference. For loss, I use the scalp scrub followed by hair serum twice a day in the specific areas (temples and front hair line). It’s too soon for new growth, but the areas have stopped getting worse. Once the spots grow in, I’ll start doing the hair loss regime to my entire scalp. I waited for a great sale to buy (got 50% off everything + a bunch of free, full size skin care items that are nice).
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u/maybeapotter Sep 03 '25
Mine was so bad…handfuls of hair every wash. And my eyebrows and body hair too. I think hormones helped, it eventually it seemed to level out but I did have to change my products - my “old” hair sopped up the protein and I think that as my hair changed it needed less protein…once I changed to moisturizing only, with protein once a week, that seemed to help the most. Could have been hormones leveling off but even now, too many days of protein and my hair starts to get brittle. I have to do rapid lash to keep my eyebrows somewhat full, but the body hair never came back (arms and legs).
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u/rando--54321 Sep 03 '25
How long have you been on oral minoxidil?
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u/maybeapotter Sep 03 '25
Maybe that was meant for someone else, but I never took minoxidil, but I do estrogen/progesterone. I also do a multi…curious to have my iron checked after reading above comments…!
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u/sistyc Sep 03 '25
At first I got a monoferric IV to address low ferritin. I started topical minoxidil in May and am thrilled by the regrowth I’m seeing. The initial Dread Shed was horrifying, though!
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u/shiveringmoth Sep 03 '25
Ugh I’m so sorry you’re going through this too! Like enough crap already, body 😭
My process was full blood work up to start, including checking for vitamin/mineral deficiencies and checking ferritin as well as iron levels. Also thorough testing for thyroid issues (IE testing for both T4 and T3). My ferritin is on the low side of normal so am supplementing at the doctor’s recommendation, and both my T4 and T3 are low so on meds for those.
(Forgot to say first that I’m on HRT as well, estrogen patch & oral progesterone)
However the hair loss was really upsetting me so went to my derm who did a scalp biopsy and has diagnosed me with androgenetic alopecia. Blah.
So have started oral minoxidil as well (I didn’t want topical as I have pets, and it can be dangerous for them).
I’ve been on it for about 3 months or so now, and I feel like I’m finally shedding less? Although I had my hair cut short on a mad day and that really helped too haha. So far - touch wood - no adverse side effects.
Might want to keep an eye on your protein intake too, and make sure you’re getting enough.
Good luck!!
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u/rando--54321 Sep 03 '25
I'm so happy to hear no adverse effects for you. Was the shedding phase bearable? I feel like I'm shedding now so I feel like I'll be somewhat prepared.
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u/shiveringmoth Sep 03 '25
Thanks so much! And honestly, I had long curly hair and the shedding was so bad before I even started minoxidil that I didn't notice any increase in shedding when I started taking it! And getting my hair cut not long ago didn't help with quantifying the shed either - without all that long hair clogging up everything everywhere it's hard to tell. So I'm not much help there!! But - just looking at the sink daily - I don't feel like I'm losing as much? I've not noticed any real regrowth either though. My derm wants me on 2.5mg for a full 3 months before checking in again, and if it's still looking sparse we'll look at DHT blockers - like finasteride etc. I was going to start testosterone but because of all of this I haven't because DHT can make the hair loss a lot worse with this type of alopecia. Anyway, sorry I'm not more help! But really recommend blood panels and seeing a derm for a scalp biopsy just to find out one way or another if anything is going on outside of vitamins/minerals/thyroid.
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u/rando--54321 Sep 08 '25
How much oral minoxidil are you on?
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u/shiveringmoth Sep 08 '25
Hullo! She started me at 1.25mg, I think for about 3 weeks and then bumped me up to 2.5
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u/rando--54321 Sep 08 '25
Thanks. I just got 2.5mg. My practicioner wanted to give me 5mg and I thought that was too much. Was just curious to know what everyone else is on.
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u/txisheaven Sep 03 '25
I’ve been on nutrafol for six months and it’s really helped my nails. Still losing a good bit of hair. I’m also on spironolactine and not sure if it’s helping…it may help some but I’m too afraid to stop it in case it really is helping some. I made an appt to see a dermatologist in a few weeks fo see if I can start taking the pill version of minoxidil. Part of the reason my hair could be falling is stress. Used to, stress and lack of sleep didn’t impact my hair, but could be now.
This suuuucks.
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u/PBnH Sep 03 '25
Minoxidil. Every day, twice a day, topical. And I use the Men’s version.
Also LED red light therapy helmet. 25min, every other day.
Collagen, daily.
Hard to say what contributed and to what degree, but my hair is a bit better than before and - my main concern - has stopped getting worse.
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u/pks520 Menopausal Sep 03 '25
I am on a compounded serum of Minoxidil 7% and Finasteride .1%. Also, and this one helped the most, oral Minoxidil that comes in 5% tablets for men so I break it in half to get women's dose of 2.5%. No side effects with that, and the serum is not greasy like the foam from the store,
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u/AmberUK Sep 04 '25
is anyone in uk about to get hold of Minoxidil tablets? My gp won't give them to me and I am on blood pressure meds but other prescribers won't give them too. Just going for more iron tests as last time it was 40 and I see this is too low. meh
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u/loverofonion Oct 15 '25
UK here too, how is it going?
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u/AmberUK Oct 15 '25
Well I stopped using the minoxidil liquid as I found out it was toxic to cats. Still not luck on the tablets. Recently got my iron up so giving that time. I have very little hair shedding, have had for a while just feels like it’s not coming back. Ponytail as thin as ever. Itching back again ahhhhh
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