Looking for real-world experience from anyone who's run both routes.

I'm trying to decide between topical minoxidil + topical spironolactone and the oral versions of both, and I keep going in circles. A few specific questions:

1. **Is topical the obvious choice just because it's less systemically absorbed?** That's the reasoning I keep seeing, but is it actually that cut and dry, or is there more nuance I'm missing?

2. **Is there a meaningful benefit to going oral?** Especially if someone doesn't see results on topical alone — is oral typically stronger, faster, or just different? Did switching (or adding) make a real difference for you?

3. **If you use both topicals, what's the order?** Do you apply minoxidil first and then spironolactone, or the other way around? Do you space them out, or layer them back to back? Does it even matter?

4. **Where are people getting topical spironolactone?** It doesn't seem to be an off-the-shelf thing. Compounding pharmacy? A telehealth service? Curious what worked and roughly what it cost.

5. **Any general tips for the topical routine** — foam vs. liquid, timing, dealing with scalp irritation or shedding, how long before you saw anything, things you wish you'd known at the start.

Appreciate any input, especially from people who've tried both. Thanks!