Minoxidil For Women: Benefits, Side effects and uses

Minoxidil is an FDA-approved medication that helps treat the issue of hair loss in women. After continued use for 2 weeks, it can show some effective results- boosting hair growth. Explore the article to know its potential benefits for hair care!

Around 30 million women in the United States face the problem of hair loss at some point in their lives. Some women experience hair thinning or uneven spots of baldness on the head. This hair loss condition is also known as Alopecia. It affects women emotionally and also impacts the quality of life. If you ever notice unwanted hair loss, you should talk to your dermatologist and treat it appropriately. Also known by its brand name, “Rogaine”, minoxidil for women is used to increase and activate the growth of hair and also slow down the problem of baldness. It is available in 2 forms: oral or topical solutions that can effectively work in people. Let’s directly dive into the article and learn about its benefits and correct dosage to prevent hair loss. Also, we will discuss any potential side effects and much more information. 

Overview of Minoxidil for Women

Minoxidil or Rogaine is a drug that was approved and used for the treatment of hypertension, which is high blood pressure. However, then people started having abnormal and unwanted hair growth in the parts of the body where they had lost it. This phenomenon was noticed for the time and then researchers confirmed that Minoxidil can cause hair growth when applied over the scalp. After the approval from the researchers, the FDA approved minoxidil in 2% form as an OTC drug to treat hair loss in women. Thus, the safest and best drug for women. So, from here, it started as a hair loss treatment, and now a 5% solution is also available in the market, which is of a more muscular strength required for hair loss in women. 

So, there are two types of minoxidil:

• one comes in 2%

• the other in 5%.

5% might cause damaging side effects like abnormal hair growth on the face or other unwanted body parts. In most cases, it promotes and stimulates hair growth. But only some get the total volume and density of the hair back as earlier. It doesn't act within minutes; using the minoxidil for at least 2 weeks starts working. The primary and required effects can be seen only after 3-4 months. It might also take longer to show its action, so the trial plan must be done for 6-12 months. In some cases, doctors might prescribe oral tablets. If minoxidil starts working well for you, then you should keep using it to get consistent results; otherwise, if you stop the drug, then again, the hair loss might start.

Is Minoxidil Safe for Women?

Many patients struggling with female pattern hair loss often ask "Is minoxidil safe for women"? The answer is Yes, minoxidil (Rogaine) is an FDA-approved hair loss treatment for females that helps promote hair regrowth. A topical version of minoxidil is safe and effective in treating female pattern hair loss as Finasteride (another drug for hair loss) is not suitable for many women. A study shows that women who use minoxidil for hair loss treatment experience a huge increase in their hair density. 

Does Minoxidil Work for Women?

Yes, minoxidil can stop or slow down the hair loss issue. It shows its results by increasing the duration of the growth phase in which the hair follicles are. This, in turn, extends hair thickness and length. In addition, it reduces the period of the shedding phase. This consequently moves the hair follicles into the growth phase. How effective is it? Well, one clinical trial was conducted on 381 women with 18-49 age living with a female pattern hair loss. They were asked to use one of the solutions 2 times a day:

• 5% topical Minoxidil solution

• 2% topical Minoxidil solution

• A placebo solution

Experts found that 5% of people experience a huge reduction in their hair loss. However, they saw some side effects of the drug in them that were more than the other 2 groups. Those effects include irritation and itchiness. The groups that use 2% and 5% of the minoxidil experience better improvement than the placebo solution group.

Potential Uses of Minoxidil for Women

Women can use minoxidil for various reasons. Some of them are mentioned below:

• For overall scalp hair growth

• As a treatment for baldness

• For sudden or patchy hair loss

• Hair growth for thinning hair

• For hair loss after giving birth to a baby

• For genetically acquired hair loss

How to Use Topical Minoxidil Effectively?

Here are some steps you need to follow for effective use of minoxidil:

• Always apply minoxidil on dry scalp and hair only.

• Appropriately use the pump and the dropper provided with the drug.

• Apply it 2 times a day on the hair loss areas regularly or as directed by the doctor.

• Massage your scalp well after applying the solution so that the solution can reach the base of the hair follicles and the scalp to promote hair growth.

• Air dry your hair after doing this.

• Wash your hands, and extra solution dripped on other body parts.

• Keep it for at least 4 hours, and then shampoo it nicely.

On applying the minoxidil, if you ever feel any irritation or dryness, this might cause a problem called atopic dermatitis. Contact your doctor if you see so.

Minoxidil Dosing Information

• Dosage for Minoxidil Solution (2%)

Use 1 milligram of 5% of minoxidil solution 2 times a day. Using a dropper, apply it directly on the affected area of the scalp.

• Dosage for Minoxidil Foam (5%)

Use 1/2 capful of 2% minoxidil foam 1 time a day. Take the foam in a clean dish or hand and then massage the scalp using it. Make sure to wash your hands after use.

• Dosage for Oral Minoxidil

In certain cases, doctors may suggest oral minoxidil. Take 0.625 mg each day.

In case you miss the dose, use it immediately when you remember. However, if the time is closer to the next dose, skip this dose. Do not overdose as it can lead to breathing issues, drowsiness, flushing, dizziness, or fainting. In case anyone accidentally swallows the oral minoxidil, call 911 or 1-800-222-1222 for emergency help. 

Topical and Oral  Minoxidil for Women Side Effects

Although minoxidil is safe for stimulating hair growth and preventing baldness, it can also lead to some unpleasant side effects. Those can be as below:

• Hypertrichosis (abnormal hair growth on the face)

• Skin dryness and irritation

• Allergic reactions

• Burning and redness at the site of the application

• Unwanted facial hair

• Unwanted body hair

• Rapid heartbeat

• Fainting

• Pain in chest

• Weight gain

• Difficulty in breathing

• Tiredness

• Rashes

• Dizziness and lethargy

• Swelling of body parts

Precautions for Using Minoxidil

Although topical minoxidil is an OTC drug, oral minoxidil cannot be purchased over the counter. Some precautions must be taken while you use it. These are as below:

• Before starting the use of minoxidil, tell your pharmacist if you are allergic to drug or any other ingredients. Talk to them in detail.

• If you face any side effects of the drug, immediately stop using it and contact your doctor about the problems.

• Moreover, if you have any cardiac problems or any diseases of the skin, then you must inform and consult your doctor about this before starting the use of minoxidil.

• If you are pregnant, then contact your doctor and ask before using it.

• If you are lactating, then consult with your doctor, as the drug can pass through the breast milk. This can cause problems for the baby.

Can Women Use Minoxidil for Men?

Experts do not recommend women to use minoxidil solution or foam for men without a doctor's prescription and guidance. With only consultation of doctors, they can use it. The appropriate dose of the foam version of minoxidil (1/2 capful) for women is 5% one time a day. Men can also use the same dose but 2 times a day. On the other hand, 2% of minoxidil solution (1 mg) 2 times a day is advised for women while men can use it 2 times a day. Experts found that women who did not show a response to 5 percent minoxidil foam were given a 15% minoxidil solution for 12 weeks. After this treatment, the results were significant hair growth with no negative side effects. 

Can You Use Minoxidil for Your Eyebrows?

Though minoxidil is not formulated for eyebrows, it can give some successful results. Around 2% of a topical version of minoxidil has shown a huge increase in the diameter and density of eyebrows. Just apply 2% of it using a Q-tip or a cotton swab every day. Leave the solution for 4 hours and wash it before going to bed. You will see the results in a few months. However, be aware of certain effects such as scaling, dryness, burning, and redness. If you experience them, stop using it and see a doctor in case these symptoms don't resolve. 

Final Thoughts

Minoxidil for women is a very effective medication for the hair loss treatment. It helps stimulate hair regrowth and prevent baldness by improving the duration of the growth phase in which the hair follicles are. However, make sure to use the prescribed dose. Though it is safe, it can sometimes cause some side effects. Those side effects include dryness, rashes, irritation, fainting, swelling, and more. If you experience any symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. Additionally, in case of accidental overdosing on the oral minoxidil, call 911 for emergency assistance. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women use minoxidil?

Yes, minoxidil is approved by Health Canada and the US FDA as a drug for hair loss or Alopecia for women. FDA specially approved a 5% foam-based solution for females. 

Is oral minoxidil better than topical?

Topical minoxidil is known to have better action and results than the oral minoxidil. It may be a better and safer option as a standard for hair loss in women and men too.

How long does it take minoxidil to work?

Regular use of minoxidil can give results in around 2 to 4 months. Make sure to use it more than twice a day.

How can I get the best results with Minoxidil?

You can achieve the best results with minoxidil only when you use it correctly, stay consistent, avoid other hair and styling products with it. 

Can I buy Minoxidil without a doctor's prescription?

No, you can not purchase the oral minoxidil without prescription because it can lead to severe side effects. However, you can get topical versions from pharmacies and online stores.