From the Research
Oral minoxidil is an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia, with a recommended starting dose of 1-5 mg/day for males and 0.5-1 mg/day for females, and should be used under medical supervision due to potential side effects. The efficacy of oral minoxidil for treating androgenetic alopecia has been demonstrated in several studies, with the most recent and highest quality study being a comprehensive review published in 2023 1. This study found that low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) has a promising safety and efficacy profile in the treatment of male and female-pattern hair loss.
Key Points to Consider
- The usual starting dose for male androgenetic alopecia is 1-5 mg/day, while for female-pattern hair loss, it is 0.5-1 mg/day 1.
- The dose may be gradually increased if patients respond well without major side effects, as the efficacy of LDOM appears to be dose-dependent 1.
- Common side effects of LDOM include hypertrichosis and cardiovascular symptoms, with females being more prone to hypertrichosis than males 1.
- Oral minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing blood flow to the scalp, and can be combined with other treatments like finasteride for enhanced results 1.
Important Considerations for Treatment
- Oral minoxidil should only be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as it requires careful monitoring and individualized dosing 1.
- Regular check-ups with a doctor are crucial while using oral minoxidil to monitor for potential side effects and adjust the dose as needed 1.
- The safety profile of LDOM has been demonstrated in a multicenter study of 1404 patients, with the most frequent adverse effect being hypertrichosis, and no life-threatening adverse effects observed 2.