From the Research
For women experiencing hair loss, the recommended dosage of minoxidil is 0.25 mg orally once daily, as it has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of female pattern hair loss, with significant reductions in hair loss severity and shedding scores at 6 and 12 months, as demonstrated in a study published in the International Journal of Dermatology 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The study published in the International Journal of Dermatology 1 found that oral minoxidil 0.25 mg once daily, in combination with spironolactone 25 mg, resulted in mean reductions in hair loss severity score of 0.85 at 6 months and 1.3 at 12 months.
- The same study also reported mean reductions in hair shedding score of 2.3 at 6 months and 2.6 at 12 months, with minimal side effects and no significant changes in blood pressure or laboratory tests.
- A more recent review published in The Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2 discussed the use of oral minoxidil for female pattern hair loss, suggesting that low-dose oral minoxidil (0.5-5 mg/day) may be safe and effective for this condition.
- However, the most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of 0.25 mg orally once daily, which is the recommended dosage.
Important Considerations
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid minoxidil, and those with a history of cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions should consult their doctor before starting treatment.
- Some women may experience initial increased shedding during the first few weeks of treatment, which is normal as new hair growth cycles begin.
- If scalp irritation occurs, reducing application to once daily may help, although this is less likely with oral administration.
- Minoxidil works by prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles and increasing follicle size, though the exact mechanism isn't fully understood.
- For women with more severe hair loss, a dermatologist might recommend alternative or additional treatments, such as spironolactone or other anti-androgens, as supported by studies published in Dermatologic Clinics 3 and The Australasian Journal of Dermatology 4, 5.