How Canadian Men Use Minoxidil To Fight Hair Loss

Are you dealing with the effects of hair loss? You're not alone. Millions of men in Canada suffer some degree of hair loss by age 50. In the past, the only solution to addressing a receding hairline, balding crown and general thinness was to ignore it. However, that's no longer the case, and you don't have to settle for the physical and emotional toll that male pattern baldness can have.

Today, many hair loss treatments for men are available, including Minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medication that can slow balding, stimulate new hair growth and help you regain your confidence. At Phoenix, we can help you take a stand against hair loss.

Phoenix is Canada's premier online men's health clinic. With Phoenix, you can connect with licensed physicians and explore treatment options like a Minoxidil prescription. Best of all? You can do it all from the comfort of your home. Phoenix can help you treat male pattern baldness without in-person doctor's visits or trips to the pharmacy. Get effective treatment delivered to your door and address hair loss on your terms.

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An Introduction

Androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness, is the most common form of hair loss in men. It affects up to 50 percent of men before they turn 50. After 50, the chances of suffering hair loss increase significantly. This condition is genetically predetermined. Therefore, it can affect anyone.

Despite how widespread male pattern baldness is, it doesn't make hair loss any easier. Some might accept the physical changes that come with hair loss, but there's nothing wrong with wanting to fight it. Your hair can have a huge impact on your looks and confidence. Luckily, restoring and maintaining your hair is easier than ever with daily medications like Minoxidil.

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What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medication originally developed to treat hypertension. However, its effects on the blood vessels also translate to hair growth, making it a powerful treatment option for combating hair loss.

Minoxidil is available in many forms. Health Canada approved the topical form of the medication to treat male pattern baldness, and concentrations of up to 5 percent are available over the counter as liquids or foams. It's available under many brand names, including Rogaine. Higher concentrations require a prescription from a licensed health care provider. 

Oral Minoxidil is also available. Health Canada approved the oral form for hypertension, but physicians can prescribe it off-label for hair loss.

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How It Works

Both the oral and topical forms of Minoxidil work the same way. Once absorbed into the body, Minoxidil increases blood flow to the hair follicles. It's a vasodilator that widens blood vessels and opens potassium channels in the follicle. The increased blood flow promotes cell proliferation and may help to alter the hair growth cycle.

Minoxidil can shorten the resting stage (telogen) and extend the growth stage (anagen) when taken regularly. The medication effectively improves, which may lead to longer growth, thicker hairs and larger follicles. It can also slow down the follicle miniaturization that occurs with male pattern baldness, essentially slowing hair loss.

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Is This Prescription Effective for Treating Men’s Hair Loss?

While Minoxidil doesn't work on a hormonal level like other baldness treatment options, this medication effectively slows hair loss and promotes regrowth. It's clinically proven to be effective across multiple studies. In a one-year observational study, over 84 percent of participants using topical Minoxidil saw positive results, marking the medication moderately to highly effective. Another study proved the safety and efficacy of oral Minoxidil for treating androgenic alopecia.

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Possible Side Effects

Most men tolerate both oral and topical Minoxidil well. However, mild side effects are possible.

For topical Minoxidil, potential side effects include:

• Burning or itchiness at the application site

• Acne

• Reddened skin

• Inflammation or soreness

• Facial hair growth

• Temporary hair shedding.

These side effects typically disappear as your body gets accustomed to the medication. If they persist, consult your doctor.

More severe side effects are rare. They may occur if you misuse Minoxidil and too much of the medication is absorbed into your body. If you encounter any of these side effects, talk to your doctor immediately.

• Dizziness

• Fainting

• Headaches

• Flushing

• Irregular heartbeat

• Facial swelling

• Numbness or tingling

Oral Minoxidil also has some side effects. They, too, are rare and typically subside the longer you take the medication. Milder side effects include:

• Temporary shedding

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

• Weight gain

• Shortness of breath

More serious side effects that warrant immediate medical attention include:

• Bloating

• Flushing

• Chest Pains

• Swelling of feet or legs

• Numbness

Skin rashes or allergic reactions

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Understanding Your Dosage

Physicians can prescribe topical Minoxidil in concentrations up to 10 percent. However, 5 percent Minoxidil is the most common. Whether using liquid or foam, doctors recommend applying 1 mL of the solution to the scalp twice a day.

Consistency is key with Minoxidil, so it's important not to miss doses. If you do, apply it as soon as possible. However, if it's close to the time of your next dose for the day, skip it and continue your twice-daily applications.

Doctors prescribe oral Minoxidil in doses ranging from 0.25 to 5.0 milligrams. Depending on the dosage, your doctor may instruct you to take the medication once or twice daily. Like the topical form, you must take Minoxidil regularly and consistently to see results.

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How Much Does Minoxidil Cost?

Costs for Minoxidil vary based on factors like form, concentration, dosage and more. Brand-name hair regrowth treatments for men cost more than their generic counterparts.

At Phoenix, we offer affordable Minoxidil delivered straight to your door. We can also help you save more by avoiding in-person doctor visits and lengthy pharmacy wait times.

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How Phoenix Can Help You Get Your Confidence Back

Phoenix makes fighting hair loss a breeze. We provide easy access to licensed Canadian physicians while streamlining how you receive hair loss treatment. The process is simple.

Sign up for Phoenix and complete a medical questionnaire. Then, connect with a health care provider to discuss the best hair loss treatments for men and how they can help you. Choose what's right for your situation and needs, and Phoenix does the rest.

Get your Minoxidil prescription quickly and easily. Once approved, we'll ship your hair loss medications directly to your home. There's no need to sit in a wait room, get through an awkward doctor's visit or stand in line at the pharmacy. We ship your medications to you quickly and discreetly. You can even set up automatic refills to ensure you always have your treatment on hand. With free virtual follow-up visits, you'll have ongoing support on your journey.

Check out Phoenix today to get started, rise against hair loss and feel confident again.

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Alternative Medications for Male Pattern Baldness

Minoxidil is just one of many baldness treatment options available. Here are alternative medications worth considering:

•Finasteride: Finasteride is a prescription medication that treats hair loss on a hormonal level. It blocks DHT, a hormone that stops hair growth. Phoenix offers Finasteride prescriptions and direct-to-home shipping.

•Combination Minoxidil and Finasteride: Finasteride and Minoxidil work great alone, but combining the two can lead to even better results. At Phoenix, we offer prescriptions for both as two pills or a pill and a topical, creating a comprehensive hair loss treatment.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Tackling hair loss can be overwhelming. If you have more questions, we have answers!

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What causes hair loss in men?

There are many potential causes for hair loss. In men, the most common is androgenic alopecia. With this hereditary condition, a hormone called DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, resulting in thinning and a receding hairline.

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How long does it take for Minoxidil to work?

Most men begin to see changes within the first two months. You might notice less hair loss and the early signs of new growth. The full effects of Minoxidil arrive after about six months of consistent use.

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Should you take Minoxidil with Finasteride?

Taking Minoxidil and Finasteride together often results in more regrowth. Speak with your doctor to see if combining the medications suits your needs and hair goals.

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Does Minoxidil affect beard growth and facial hair?

Minoxidil may cause strengthen facial hair regrowth. That's less common with topical Minoxidil, as the effects are more targeted to the application area. However, oral Minoxidil may stimulate more beard growth.

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Additional Tips for Men’s Hair Regrowth

Minoxidil and other hair loss medications go a long way. However, there's a lot you can do outside of prescription medications to stimulate growth and protect your mane.

Here are a few tips that can make a big difference:

• Take advantage of over-the-counter hair loss shampoos and conditioners.

• Improve your diet. A nutrient-rich diet can fuel regrowth and support hair follicle health.

• Consider taking a biotin supplement. Biotin encourages healthy hair growth.

• Massage your scalp when you're in the shower to stimulate better blood flow.

• Avoid stress that can exacerbate hair loss.

• Use hair-healthy cleaning and styling products

• Ditch unhealthy habits that could worsen hair loss, like smoking.

• Be consistent! Stay on top of your medication and never miss a dose.

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Tackle Balding and Hair Loss with Phoenix: Canada’s Top Men’s Health Clinic

You don't have to settle for balding. The right treatment can stop hair loss, stimulate regrowth and help you maintain a healthy, thick mane. Phoenix can help you find the right medications to see results. With Phoenix, licensed physicians are only a few clicks away. Get quick and easy prescriptions, direct medication delivery and ongoing support to kick hair loss to the curb.

Sign up for Phoenix, start your online visit and explore powerful hair loss treatments that work.