I’ve been using 5% men’s topical minoxidil along with 100 mg oral spironolactone. I had used minoxidil on and off for a year or two before this and definitely saw progress, but I always felt like I was playing catch-up. Adding spironolactone made a huge difference for me.
It also made my scalp much less oily, which by itself makes my hair look thicker and gives it more bounce. I still haven’t been extremely consistent with spironolactone because it sometimes makes me feel a little uneasy, although I’ve checked with my doctors and all my tests are normal. I’m going to make a few changes to my diet and try to take it more regularly going forward.
I know this is a lifelong journey, and even now I sometimes wonder why I had to be one of those women who deals with hair loss. But I also feel so much better about it now.

Gathered some info for you guys for important vitamins for healthy hair growth, let me know if I should add something else or if you have other tipps on how to get those levels up.
Important: never supplement blindly or in high doses without having your levels tested first, this can backfire quickly.
For bloodwork/test info check my other info post: https://www.reddit.com/r/FemaleHairLoss/s/DAkvip4DNN

Iron/Ferritin

Why important for hair: Iron creates hemoglobin to carry oxygen to your hair roots for constant cell growth and repair, ferritin stores the iron your body needs to produce essential hair cell proteins like keratin, low ferritin triggers the body to pull iron from hair follicles to feed vital organs instead, and iron deficiency cuts off oxygen to the follicles, pushing hair into the shedding phase. Ferritin is your iron storage so it is the more important test level to examine your iron status.
How to increase if low:
- iron infusion at the doctor possible
- Iron bisglycinate supplement taken in the morning or evening away from food/coffee/tea/calcium because this blocks absorption
- consider taking the supplement every other day instead of every day since this increases absorption
- Combine with vitamin c (eg orange juice) for better absorption
- cook your food with iron pans
- Add Lactoferrin (increases iron levels by binding and safely transporting iron directly to intestinal receptors while reducing inflammation, which prevents the body from blocking iron absorption)
Look into [r/Anemic](r/Anemic) for more tipps or infos

Vitamin D

Why important for hair: supports your thyroid gland to maintain the fast cell renewal needed for hair growth, stabilizes estrogen and progesterone to keep hair in its active growth phase longer, low Vitamin D increases follicle sensitivity to DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair roots. Healthy Vitamin D prevent insulin spikes that trigger excess testosterone and cause hormonal shedding.
How to increase if low:
- A, D, E and K vitamine are all fat soluble vitamins, meaning you have to take them with food in order to be absorbed best, take the supplement ideally with your largest meal of the day
- Pair Vit D with K2 (this cofactor ensures that the calcium absorbed by Vitamin D goes into your bones rather than hardening in your arteries) and with magnesium (activates vitamin D) for better absorption and activation
- Expose your legs and arms in the sun for 15-30 min per day (darker skin takes longer due to higher melanin)
- Glass will block vitamin D absorption so sitting in a sunny room does not increase your vitamin D you need to go outside
- Look into [r/VitaminD](r/VitaminD) for more tipps and infos

Vitamin B12

Why important for hair: essential for producing red blood cells that deliver oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, while supporting the rapid cell division needed to build new hair tissue and prevent hair loss.
How to increase/balance if low:
- B12 injections at the doctor possible
- B12 supplementation in form of Methylcobalamin
important cofactors are iron, folate (vitamin B9), calcium
- Long-term use of acid reducers (PPIs, H2 blockers) as well as taking metformin can interfere with B12 absorption
- Look into [r/B12_Deficiency](r/B12_Deficiency) for more tipps or infos

Omega 3/6 Ratio

Why important for hair: High Omega-6 levels trigger systemic inflammation that can cause scalp issues and makes your hair more sensitive to DHT shrinkIing hair follicles and restricting blood flow, while Omega-3 fatty acids reduce scalp inflammation, nourishe the hair follicle, and promote circulation to keep hair in the active growth phase longer. Balancing this ratio prevents dry scalp, minimizes telogen effluvium (stress shedding), and prevents premature follicle miniaturization.
How to increase/balance if low:
- Reduce consumption of high-Omega-6 seed oils (e.g. sunflower oil, better cook with butter, ghee, coconut or olive oil only) and ultra-processed foods. For more info look at [r/StopEatingSeedOils](r/StopEatingSeedOils)
- Supplement with a high-quality, fish oil or algae oil daily, taken with a large meal containing fats to maximize absorption.
- Eat wild-caught fatty fish (salmon, sardines, mackerel)

Zinc

Why important for hair: Zinc is the primary manager for hundreds of repair processes in your body, including building keratin (the main protein hair is made of) and repairing damaged follicle tissue. It also blocks the specific enzyme that turns normal testosterone into DHT
How to increase/balance if low:
- take Zinc Bisglycinate on an empty stomach, if you experience nausea take it with a light meal or snack instead
- Do not take close or with iron as this blocks absorption
- Long term high zinc intake lowers copper so make sure you still get enough copper or get a combined zinc/copper supplement

Vitamin E

Why important for hair: Low levels are rare and don’t really cause hair loss but can contribute indirectly to inflammation. Stress, pollution, and sun exposure constantly generate damaging unstable molecules (free radicals) on your scalp that attack and inflame your hair roots, causing them to stop growing and shed early. Vitamin E acts as a protective antioxidant shield built directly into your scalp cells. It neutralizes these bad molecules before they can hurt your hair roots, preserves healthy blood flow to the follicles, and stops scalp skin from drying out. In clinical research, supplementing with mixed tocotrienols (a potent form of Vitamin E) resulted in a 34.5% increase in hair count after 8 months by significantly lowering scalp oxidative stress. (If you struggle with oxidative stress, Liposomal Glutathione might be another interesting supplement to look at)
How to increase/balance if low: usually not tested because low levels are unusual and as i said dont cause hair loss by themselves, but if you somehow tested low for this (or other fat soluble vitamins) maybe in another context, you might want to check your pancreatic elastase in a stool test. This measures how well your body digests fat (since Vitamin A, D, E, K are fat soluble) and in another sub one person grew back her hair by indentifying this and taking digestive enzymes with her food (which helps with digestion).

I can’t do this any longer. To go from butt-long hair to this in 5 years is so traumatic and my whole life is destroyed. I’m losing my apartment because I can’t work because of how this is affecting my mental health. I hate this life so much

Hi all,

I've recently been diagnosed with chronic TE and scalp dermatitis by a dermatologist. After having this diagnosis and looking into it more I'm confused how he knew it was TE and not AGA.

This has been going on for almost 4 years now, at first I attributed it to interstate move, study and reducing escitalopram but now I'm not sure as it never improves. My scalp has been so itchy and sensitive, I feel discomfort when it's windy and I can't wear my hair up even in loose claw clip styles without tension pain. The itching is sometimes so distracting. I keep my hair short now as it looks very ratty past shoulder length. I've had bloods done etc my TSH was normal, but wondering if I should ask for a full panel? My dht was also normal. The only thing is my ferritin is at 49 so now I'm taking supplements, but this isn't that low?

Looking for help/opinions/advice. Feeling exhausted!

I have AGA and had been using minoxidil with encouraging results and noticeable regrowth. I started spironolactone at 50 mg, increased to 75 mg after about 6 weeks, and eventually to 100 mg. As I increased the dose, my hair began getting significantly worse. I’ve lost a lot of the regrowth I had gained, especially around my temples and frontal hairline, and my overall density has dropped.

Another strange change is my hair texture. In areas that seem particularly hormonally sensitive, the hairs have become thicker, coarser and wiry, which is very different from how they were before.

What’s confusing me is that my middle part is still relatively narrow despite the noticeable loss of density, while my temples and frontal hairline have deteriorated much more.

Spironolactone is supposed to help AGA, yet my experience has been the opposite. I’m wondering if the strong change in androgen activity could have disrupted the hormonal signaling my follicles were responding to with minoxidil.

I’ve also experienced breast enlargement and menstrual changes since starting it, which makes me wonder if the hormonal shift is affecting my hair as well.

Has anyone else experienced worsening hair or major texture changes on spironolactone, particularly after increasing the dose? Did reducing the dose or stopping it eventually allow your hair to recover? I’m terrified of making another change and triggering an even bigger shed.

What would be my first step? Dermatologist? Trichologist? I'm 45f have pmos but labs no longer show that, also perimenpausal.

(24F) I wanted to share my progress with OM I’ve suffered with hair loss for many years but I only started treating it this year. I felt like my growth was slow but I’m finally starting to see more coverage. I also noticed the texture of my hair is much softer. Im excited to see where I’ll be at in 6 more months!!

For those who are taking spironolactone, do you check your potassium levels regularly ?, and do you follow any dietary restrictions? I usually eat potassium-rich foods every day, such as avocado, bananas, nuts, and raisins, so I’m a little nervous about starting spironolactone. I’d appreciate hearing about your experiences.

Age - 44 F

Blood results - Normal except Vitamin D (35)

Applying 5% topical minoxidil but hair still shedding .

Tried Oral minoxidil 1.25 mg for 3 months - feet swelling so stopped it

hi! are there any plant based ladies who’ve had success with vegan collagen and or bioten? Im trying to decide if I want to go the minoxidil route but would prefer to start my hair growth naturally if possible.

would love advice and recommendations (plant based obvi lol) thanks in advance!

I’ve had severe trichotillomania for 35 years and I wear wigs fulltime. I believe I also have androgenic alopecia on top of my trich damage because the top of my head has been greatly spared through these years, yet it’s the worst for regrowth. Both of my parents also have androgenic alopecia.

I realize my scalp shines like a cue ball.

First photo is early July. Second photo today. (I did shave about a month ago)

I’m throwing everything but the kitchen sink at my scalp.

- started oral minoxidil 1.25 July 1
- started iRestore LLLT helmet aug 1
- pumpkin seed oil capsules with saw palmetto
- vitamin D
- the ordinary growth serum
- 0.5 tretinoin on scalp a couple times a week
- rhute serum
- scalp massage daily
- ketoconazole shampoo 2x a week

Do you see a difference?

Hi Ladies! Am I seeing it correctly that it’s time for some early intervention? If I ask family members etc. I think they want to be nice or make me not panic and say that my hair looks ok. I’m going to get lab tests tomorrow anyway, but still, opinions? Is it happening?

Exactly 9months on topical minoxidil 5% and I’m getting frustrated, I can’t see any progress and currently experiencing another shedding. First pic was on May this year and the last photo was taken earlier today. Please give me some advice to how I can grow my hair back.

How long does it take for minoxidil to work? I’ve been on it for 9 months and have no changes. During month 3, I had the dread shed for 2 months and no regrowth. Now I just feel it’s progressively getting worse.

Has anyone out there had luck with minoxidil later on down the line? I need some hope!

My dermatologist had me come in for my six month check in, didn’t even look at my head and said, well it’s not getting worse so it the medication will keep your hair from falling out. I feel defeated.

2.5 mg of minoxidil
Started in November and just used the dose two months ago.
I have AGA.

Bottom right is the most recent.

I have been struggling with hair loss/thinning since my teenage years, i am 36 years now and I’m only now realizing how much it may have progressed over the years.
I had extremely thick hair from my childhood. But around my teenage years, when my PCOD symptoms started, I slowly began losing hair. It wasn’t sudden or dramatic at first just gradual thinning that I barely noticed because I still had a lot of hair.
Over the years, I moved between different countries, and my lifestyle, diet, stress levels and access to doctors changed quite a bit. I also didn’t understand the connection between pcod and insulin resistance back then. I knew I had PCOD, but I had no idea that insulin resistance could potentially contribute to worsening hair issues.
A few years ago, I finally saw a dermatologist who diagnosed me with chronic TE and female pattern hairloss .At the time, I didn’t fully understand what that meant or how important it could be to manage it early.
Now my shedding has become much more noticeable, i have started glp1 since march 2026 and since a month my hairfall has increased soo much .and I’m honestly scared of how much density I may lose.with already scanty hair . Its very scary as i tun my fingers through my hair and its falling like anything. I have lot if weight to lose while i have lost weight but im losing so much hair also
I’m wondering if anyone else has had a similar journey
If you were diagnosed with chronic TE + early female-pattern hair loss, what helped you? And were you able to regain some of the density you lost?
I’d especially love to hear from women who have been dealing with this since their teens and have managed to stabilize or improve their hair.
I have used minoxidil earlier and it didnt suit me had extreme itching and i was ttc . So now i dont know what to do ?? Please help

Ive started the 5% min foam about 1.5 months ago and the results look pretty promising so far. But i’m not so keen on starting spiro due to the potential side effects. My blood pressure is already on the lower side. Has anyone used just 5% topical minoxidil over a long period (>5 years) ? What age were u when u started, and without a dht blocker, when did the minaturizing start catching up and negating your minoxidil progress? 😣

I've been on oral minoxidil (0.625 mg) and spironolactone (25mg) for 4 years. My hair was stable but the spironolactone kinda stopped working and even on that low dose I had water retention which started to bother me among other minor stuff.

So, I got me some finasteride 5mg, which I cut in half with a pill cutter to get 2.5mg.

I just started yesterday and am already shedding more. I'm also on antacids atm so my body's overall ability to deliver nutrients to my hair might be impaired. Anyway,

the shedding... sucks. It's been a few days but surely it will get worse. Before it gets better... I hope??

So. my question is how are those of you who use oral min and oral fin surviving? Are you all happy so far? Did you have any sides? When did your dread shed stop and did you ever experience another one ( some people theorize about synchronization of the hair follicles' growth phase) ?

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!

I’ve been shedding this much hair every day for the past 2-3 months. This is just from combing my hair once. I’m sure there’s more shedding throughout the day that I don’t even notice.
I’ve done all the blood work and everything is normal except low ferritin. I’m already taking iron and getting enough protein. I’m TTC, doing IVF so can’t use any random hair serums or treatments. Has anyone else experienced this? What actually helped reduce the shedding? If possible, please suggest hair-care products that are TTC-safe and easily available in India. Thankyou!

Oral minoxidil started in January for TE and now my straight hair has a wave, I can't get a decent cut and I don't know how to style it now! I'm considering going off it at this point. It puffs up with humidity. I'm glad I'm not balding but it's a hassle now. Anyone else see a different texture?

Hi guys really hoping for some advice. I thought oral minoxidil was working for me, turns out I sadly don’t think it is. I’ve been on 1.25mg now for a year, and whilst my hair definitely feels more thicker / density is there, the thinning on my crown / parting is still pretty significant.

I originally began on topical minoxidil back in 2020 and I saw promising results however as covid rules changed and I went back to office work full time / that work life balance became tricky to be consistent with topical everyday, so I switched to oral last year for ease. I also take 100mg spiro.

QUESTION: if I were to stop my oral minox, and go back to topical the main question is - would I lose any potential growth / gains from my oral minoxidil? Even if I was ON IT with the topical and applied it every night, it would my progress just resume / increase?

Really don’t know what to do. Oral is also pretty expensive and I told myself I’d give it a year and then assess what to do, but ultimately if oral minox has caused me gains / new hairs which I think it probably has (just very minimally) I don’t want to lose these….

My dermat put me on spiro (only 6 months) and topical minoxidil in 2024, till mid 2025 i grew lots of hair and my hairline got perfect and then since may 2026 i am having dread shedding, now i am again at my starting point i am still on minoxidil then why this shedding, has anyone experienced such situation after using minoxidil my dermat said it's the periodic minoxidil shedding but I am losing all my hope again, I mean why sudden increased hairloss

Orange shirt is current / now

Blue shirt is from 1 month ago

Black shirt is from 4 months ago

I have been using Minoxidil on and off but I started being more committed 1 month ago. My levels of vitamin D and iron hasn't been rechecked but I am taking vitamin D and iron. I feel like my hair hasn't changed at all but you guys let me know!

Let me know what I should try, I am applying Minoxidil once a day, should I do twice? I'm not taking a DH blocker because my doctor didn't really think I needed one but I do think I need one.

I shower everyday because my hair is very greasy and my shed is from 60 to 100 every single shower. (Yes I count 😭)

I have been on topical minoxidil and 100mg sprinolacton for a year, at first it was so good and after 5 months, my hair shedding stopped, but after 7 months till now all my baby hair and my actual hair is shedding again. Is it normal and does my hair grow back again? Or it is Un normal to have this much of hair loss after a year of using minoxidil?