My Doctor Suggested I Use Minoxidil for 1 Year, Then Gradually Stop Using It

Dear Dr. Rassman.

I wrote you before about my hair condition. I am male, 22, caucasian. I went to the trichologist last week and was prescribed to apply topical Minoxidil 5% +mpg 0.0125% together with some vitamin-enriched solution called “Biostim” (ingredients include: Aqua, Sabal Serrulata extract (biogen), mono propylene glycol, ceramide, panthenol, calcium pantothenate (vitamin b3), vitamin E, vitamin A, Vitamin H (biotin), vitamin H (P.A.B.A.), Inositol (vitamin B8).

The doctor I went to also told me the weirdest thing about the long-term treatment plan. he suggested that I follow the usual minoxidil regime for 12 to 14 months, then switch to less concentrated solution with less frequency of application until I’m in my late 30s. What he added to that,that it is possible to take me out the medication at that age, because (quote) my “hormone levels will settle up”… I don’t know what to think of it? It sounds like some sci-fi scenario for me…

another thing I want to ask you is that I’m currently quite happy with my hair – I have slight recessions at the temple area and that is my only problem. I always had quite high hairline, so recessions are quite visible (if I for some reason will go for shorter haircut). I have no history of baldness in my family (my father is 60 and he is on NW3, so are/were most of my family). So as far as I understand the idea of the treatment is not to let my hair loss progress…

I’m very confused abouth this whole situation. Should I trust my trichologist, or does he sound ridiculous? Should I consider undergoing Minoxidil treatment at this stage or not?

I look forward to your reply.

kindest regards

Hair loss is a progressive process and if you think about it, you can logically figure out if the Master Plan made by your trichologist makes common sense. Certainly, I approach the problem with a solution (Propecia and/or minoxidil) and continue treatments that are successful. The idea of starting minoxidil and withdrawing it if it is working, guarantees hair loss from that withdrawal. Propecia always works at least by slowing down the hair loss (to what degree though, is different per person), possibly stopping it altogether, or maybe reversing it.

As for the Biostim product, the only place I can find that references this is one trichologist in London, leading me to believe he is the exclusive marketer of this product. Perhaps it is a private label item and he is just looking to make some money? I don’t know. The ingredients you listed do not look like they’ll do much for your hair. It is your call, of course.