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Even women can get MPB, just don't get it as bad as the guys. Suffice to say that moving and switching doctors, drug plans, etc; I was without the anti-androgens I take for an adrenal problem for over a month, and went almost 3 weeks without thyroid hormone I take for a thyroid problem. As a result, I've had two back-to-back sheds, and the crown of my head is seriously thin with my scalp showing.
I'm back on the meds, and the problem will eventually reverse itself. I'm been thinking of temporarily using minoxidil, but reviews seem mixed.
On another subject, my hair was almost waist length, and it's really to the point I'm debating cutting it back several inches. I could just leave it alone too, but it will be fuller around the head and thinner at the ends; really undecided at this point.
Genetics sucks! :(
Still can't find my camera after the move.
I've been using Rogaine for about two weeks now; too early to see if it's really going to work, but its worth a try. I'm 21 and my hair has been falling out slowly for about a year now.
Rogaine is kind of a hassle to apply though, and it must be applied twice daily. If you stop using it you are likely to lose the hairs that it regrew, or so I've heard.
If you do use Rogaine I recommend also using Nizoral shampoo twice a week to help slow the hair falling out. It is an anti-inflammatory, and an anti-androgen, all wrapped up in a dandruff shampoo package--it does it all, basically.
Trimming off a few inches might make your hair look thicker at the expense of length; it could be worthwhile, and I probably would do it myself.
As an aside, I have noticed the formerly clearish/blond vellus hair on certain parts of my face is darkening/growing. I can't tell if this is due to the Rogaine, but its possible, so it may be a side effect to watch out for.
Thanks for your feedback, Some say the foam version is less messing, plus you avoid 'runoff' (I don't need this stuff running down my face, for obvious reasons!). Might give it a go and see how it works.
I tried some for a few months last year (I didn't see much difference, except in my wallet). The main advantage of the foam is it's easier to apply EVENLY -- that is, the liquid version comes out of a medicine dropper that gives you about nine drops in a dose, and you're supposed to get that evenly throughout your scalp? The foam can at least be lathered through like a shampoo so you can get it where you need it (of course, it's also a lot easier to overdo -- I was going through a month's supply foam in a week or two -- and at least the liquid can go back in the bottle if you squeeze too much out),
I believe that Minoxidil/Rogaine, is somewhat underestimated. It does work to some degree and seems to work even better in conjunction with Propecia, or Avodart.
jeffrey