u/DifferenceOne5925

10 years of AGA and now 4 months postpartum. I’m also breastfeeding and considering weaning my baby just to take Rogaine because I feel disgusting. I was at the mall today to try and buy a few clothes since nothing fits and I left in tears because all I do is stare at other women’s hair and how nice they all look. I feel disgusting. Not even fibres help — in this photo I have some in already. I’m so depressed, I always have to wear a hat. I feel ugly. I hate that I need to consider stopping breastfeeding my 4 month old just to take oral meds.

I’m feeling really stuck and honestly kind of depressed about my hair and could use some perspective. I’m only 32.

I’ve had androgenetic alopecia for about 10 years, and it’s slowly been getting worse. I’m now 3 months postpartum with my 2nd and breastfeeding, and the shedding/thinning just feels next level right now. It’s really affecting how I feel about myself day to day.

I’ve been seriously considering starting Rogaine (minoxidil), but I’m breastfeeding and from what I understand, it’s not clearly considered safe. On top of that, we want another child relatively soon, so even if I did stop breastfeeding and start it, I’d probably have to stop again when trying to conceive or once pregnant… which makes me feel like what’s the point if I’ll just lose any progress.

I’m also torn because I feel guilty even considering stopping breastfeeding for something like this. I know formula-fed babies are totally healthy, but it still feels like a hard decision when it’s not “necessary.”

At the same time, this is really impacting my mental health. I think about my hair constantly, avoid wearing it certain ways, and just don’t feel like myself. I cry almost every night and feel ugly.

I guess I’m wondering:

• Has anyone been in a similar situation with AGA + breastfeeding + wanting more kids?
• Did you wait it out or decide to start treatment anyway?
• How did you cope in the meantime?

I feel like I’m stuck between doing nothing for years or making a decision I might regret either way.

Would really appreciate hearing how others navigated this 🤍