This is the Minoxidil I am using with a dropper, 1 ml twice a day.
As mentioned in previous posts my sister arrived to Cuba from Mexico for a short vacation on April the 15th. She brought with her two main things that were not available in Cuba and that I have been using since then: one was the antidepressant (that I already talked about in http://mydearhair.com/2013/05/22/not-depressed-but-in-need-of-antidepressants/), and a bottle of Minoxidil 5%.
I think I mentioned before that when I discovered the first two bald spots I started using the Minoxidil 2% immediately. I had bought it time ago when I started noticing an overall thinning of my once abundant hair. However I never got to be disciplined with the required “two times a day” application. The instructions say that it would take at least 4 months to notice some progress. I don’t think I ever passed from one week of continues used.
Nevertheless I had it here and I started immediately. But also, during those first days of my alopecia areata I read that the Minoxidil 2% (which is the one for women) was not really effective in the treatment of this disease. So I asked my sister to bring the 5% solution with her.
In Mexico, by the way, it is pretty expensive. A small bottle that lasted less than a month was about 40 dollars. Nevertheless I was surprised to see that my medical insurance covered the cost of it.
I also order some from the U.S. and a few weeks after it was brought to me by a “mule” (someone that makes his living bringing things from the U.S. to Cuba) for a small 15 dollar transportation fee. The one I bought in the U.S. (via Ebay) was 16 dollars for a three month treatment (something I can afford for the rest of my life, if needed).
Since then I have religiously used the Minoxidil twice a day (1 ml each time as indicated) and I am starting to see some changes but I am not sure if I should attribute this to the Minoxidil or to any of the many other things I am doing or to all of them.
Anyway I will talk about the changes in a later post.
In the warnings included in the label of this mediation it says that it should not me used if (among other things) one is a woman, has patchy hair loss, and has no family history of hair loss… (check, check, check…).
Nevertheless the dermatologist said that I should continue to use it since it has proven to be effective in the treatment of alopecia areata.
I will report any changes, although I am doing so many things now that I will not know to what to attribute them to.
The Hair Journal 
I used it for a year. It is true that it brings white hair back and it easy to use…
But I see a few issues:
1. When you stop using it, you loose your hair.
2. I got a lot of hair on my face, fingers and kind of beard xD
3. It is not very expensive but due to the fact that you have to use it forever at the end you spend a lot of money.
How is your alopecia going?
I hope it works for you!!
Some white hair is growing… But I do have a lot of doubts of what will happen when I stop the minoxidil, cortisone, antidepressants… I believe the hair will fall out again… So, very uncertain about all. Un beso grande!!
I’m so glad you’re getting on well with it. As I mentioned in the alopecia UK forum, I’m currently using minox 10% plus azelaic acid as prescribed by a trichologist here in the UK. I have been using this for 2.5 wks now and have definitely noticed my patch has gotten larger…eek! However there are definitely little dark hairs in it (although I still have exclamation mark ones on the edges). There’s not many of these new hairs so I’m really, really hoping it’s new growth. Anyhow, awesome news for you! White vellus ones are so positive! Are you excited? It’s hard, but allow yourself to be. The positivity could work wonders! That’s what I keep telling myself!
My trich said that once the inbox brings back all the hair in the patches, you can stop using it..so fingers crossed you won’t have to use it forever. If you’re anything like me though, you probably will 🙂 I think if minox works for me, I shall insist on making it a life long friend!
Look forward to hearing more about your progress! Stay calm, be happy and smile! 🙂 I am right now!
All the best,
Priya
Priya…. I absolutely understand the anxiety of seeing the patch grow… I have two main ones and two tiny ones. But the biggest is in the top of my head and it is the harder to conceal. When I discovered it it was about the size of a quarter (dollar) and it has tripled (at least). The good news is the white hair…. although it seems to be growing very slow. I have talked to people that have gone through this before and in their experience it always take time to go from the white hair to the regular hair. Anyway.. I am optimistic as you said that helps a lot. And yes… just like you i am thinking about making minoxidil my life long friend. 🙂
Good luck!!!
I had 2 patches about 4 years ago,both grew back and started with white hairs. It started slow but then became thick and dark at an alarming rate so best of luck!
I look at the link below on my technologists website for hope really regularly to see others regrowth with minox…
http://www.belgraviacentre.com/gallery/?gender=all&condition=Alopecia+Areata&Submit=++
I find it helps me feel a bit better during the low moments.
Sending lots of positive vibes..
Priya