Rogaine Foam

[Frank]

Thanks for the links Tracy. I had already read them. In fact I've probably read too much over the years. I've even corresponded with Dr. Bernstien when I wanted to go off the 2% for another treatment years ago. I've read a a lot of material and received advice from Bernstein's colleague, Dr Rassmen who is one of the doctors who really doesn't see a lot of shedding from treatments in his practice. Though he says it can happen. I don't think he's lying. I've read so many doctors experiences with these meds I see no reason to believe the ones who say they don't experience much massive shedding are lying.
I've read enough studies on lasers to doubt their true effectiveness. But that's me. Some docs believe and I would say to anyone it's worth a try.

I've studied the hair cycle and totally understand the "theory" behind the shedding process. And any honest doctor will tell you its just a theory of how it works and the process that's going on. You're explanation correctly follows the current theory.
I agree all these meds should be started slowly. Especially to avoid a synchronized shed. Because that synchronized shed could continue off an on as their cycle is reset for the entire time they use minoxidil and its effective.
Based again on the current theory of how it works. (I don't think enough users are made aware of this)
But that's not how these meds are prescribed or suggested by doctors.
I saw one the the top Docs in LA (not Rassmen) and he kept telling me just to just get on the full dose of Propecia already. He had no concern about shedding. But I kept it slow.
And yes I agree that its really important that people don't stop these drugs unless they have to for side effects, because they'll be sorry. Even if they don't think it's working there's a chance its slowing it down.. and when it comes to hair it's worth taking that chance it might be having some effect.
I don't think that message is out there enough. And I was glad to see you promote it.

We really don't disagree on much, except that switching brands and going from maintaining to a massive shed is that the previous treatment didn't work is a possible explanation but not necessarily the unreputable fact you present. There are enough post by people all over the internet who say they notice a shed every time they switch brands. Whether that's fact or perception I can't say.
But again going from maintaining to a massive shed upon switching brands in a few days is not a common occurrence.
The more you study anything the more you realize how much you still don't know.. Especially in medicine. And also how little doctors really don't know.

Again thanks for the input, I've talked to a few specialists in the last week and got the best info I'm going to get. And that is no one knows.. that many factors could be involved. One Pharm offered to test the old brand for me, but is aware of the brand and believes it's probably ok.

Thanks Again..