Could My Hair Shedding Be Due to Stopping Minoxidil?

Hi Dr Rassman.
Few questions. I am using a combination of propecia, centrum, biotin, msm and nizoral shampoo. I was using regaine for a few months but stopped just after christmas as I was still losing hair regularly. After stopping however, even more hair fell out and my hair started to shed like crazy over 3 months… this time last year I was a norwood 2, but am now a norwood 3v. I have been on the propecia for 2 and a half months now, and as I am only 21 can I expect to see good results soon? I noticed that 39 year old who went from being nearly bald to having pretty much a full head of hair (without the corners). So, my question is, do you think the reason I shed so much was because I stopped using rogaine? Would it have been better to have not used it rather than use it then stop?

Of the combination you used, only Propecia and minoxidil (Regaine/Rogaine) are proven to regrow hair loss. At only 2 1/2 months on Propecia, I’d say another few months on the medication will begin to yield results. To what degree, I couldn’t say. Each person is different and will react differently to the medication. Some men will see good regrowth, while others will see no regrowth (but they will see the hair loss halt). At 21 years old, it is possible that it was a coincidence that your hair loss increased around the same time you took a hiatus from your treatment, or it could be that stopping the minoxidil was the catalyst for your increased hair loss. Starting the Propecia is a good step, however, and I’d suggest you stick with it. Discuss any medication changes with your prescribing doctor.