Stopped monoxidil after a week - shedding like CRAZY!

[LusciousLadyLocks]

It's POSSIBLE that it's the minoxidil but unlikely. If so, it's causing hair that was nearing telogen and unable to respond to growth signals to hurry through catagen to reach anagen again. I really wouldn't worry about it in this case, as it's temporary.

It isn't the BC pill unless that is new. If it's new, then that's the most likely cause. The progesterone-only BC are most likely to cause shedding, though any type can.

The itchiness can be overcome just by letting your head rest a bit while it's getting used to the carriers in the minoxidil. If it's alopecia areata, though, minoxidil doesn't really have a great track record with that.