I've been dumping Minoxidil on my head for about 8 years, now. The 2% didn't do much for me, so I went to the 5% solution when it came out. I saw pretty decent results for a few years, then I married a cosmetologist that insisted that various forms of witchcraft (I can't believe the crap they tell them in cosmetology school) would work just as well. After arguing for about six months about it, I agreed to dump the Minoxidil and try the crap that she wanted for 90 days..... result....... my hair fell out. We're divorced, but she still feels guilty for it. Anyway, when I got back on he Rogaine, it slowed/stopped the hair loss, but I wasn't getting anything back anymore. Started taking Propecia (generic, actually) last winter and I saw good results, really fast when using both. I didn't grow boobs or see a decrease in libido like they warn, either. I haven't tried the Propecia without the Minoxidil, either. I would suggest just the Minoxidil for now and if/when that stops working add Propecia to the mix. The only real downside (other than cost) is that the Rogaine will turn everything yellow/orange over time, i.e. white hats, pillows, etc. and that after using it for a few weeks, my scalp gets itchy, irritated, developing zits now and then. I just lay off it for a week or so and it seems to work ok. Good luck.