Why does my dermatologist say that no hair treatments can make things better?

I was just diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia at 33 years of age. My dermatologist told me that there are treatments available, but opened with the disclaimer that none of them will ever stop the progress of the condition, only slow it. I took home some minoxidil today and just based on quick searches, it seems like it’s super effective? Am I misinterpreting what my dermatologist told me? Is it more that, the underlying condition will continue to get worse, but I can mask it as long as I use a treatment?  Also, the minoxidil I’m using is a spray. The application is pretty messy. When I spray, it seems like way too much liquid and the excess tends to run down my face. Should I spray further away or am I supposed to just get better at targeting? Also, if excess spray is constantly running down my face, will that cause weird growth or does minoxidil not work that way?

The best way to use minoxidil is with a dropper, placing it directly on the scalp. Part the hair as it is applied and what you want is the medication on the scalp, not the hair. Best to do it at night, after a hot shower when the scalp will absorb more of the minoxidil and then wash it off in the morning. This way you can use it just once a day.