Oral Minoxidil: A New Option for Hair Loss Treatment?

Are you troubled by hair loss and considering oral minoxidil as a treatment option? As a medication that dermatologists may recommend for hair loss treatment, minoxidil indeed has its unique qualities. However, it's important to clarify that minoxidil was initially approved by the FDA as a topical treatment for hair loss. High-dose minoxidil pills are primarily used to treat high blood pressure.

Recently, however, some doctors have begun to explore the use of low-dose oral minoxidil for hair loss treatment, a practice known as "off-label use." Studies have found that this treatment method can be effective in certain cases. So, what do we need to know about oral minoxidil for hair loss treatment?

The Origin and Discovery of Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss

The inspiration for using oral minoxidil to treat hair loss came from the side effects of high-dose minoxidil in the treatment of high blood pressure. In clinical trials of Loniten, an oral minoxidil medication for hypertension, researchers found that about 80% of patients developed hirsutism, with longer, thicker, and more vibrant body hair. This discovery prompted researchers to explore the potential of low-dose oral minoxidil in treating hair loss.

The Effectiveness of Oral Minoxidil

Although research on oral minoxidil for hair loss is relatively limited, some existing studies suggest that this treatment method may be effective. For example, a three-year study tracked the treatment outcomes of 51 patients with androgenic alopecia (AGA). The results showed that 65% of patients experienced hair growth on their scalps, and 27% had a reduction in hair loss. In another study, subjects with AGA were assigned to receive either topical or oral minoxidil treatment. After six months, researchers found that both treatments were equally effective.

Potential Risks and Side Effects

However, oral minoxidil is not without risks. Since it promotes hair growth throughout the body, it may lead to increased hair growth on the face, temples, and other areas. Additionally, any fine body hair may become darker and thicker. These changes may be temporary, but hair growth may stop and return to its pretreatment state within one to six months after stopping treatment.

Other possible side effects include breast tenderness, headaches, nausea, or vomiting. If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, rash, ankle or foot swelling, or unexplained weight gain, seek medical attention immediately.

Who Should Avoid Using Oral Minoxidil?

Not everyone is suitable for oral minoxidil. The following groups should avoid taking this medication:

• Patients with hypertension accompanied by mitral valve stenosis;

• Individuals allergic to minoxidil or its components;

• Patients with pheochromocytoma;

• Individuals with severe liver dysfunction.

Other FDA-Approved Hair Loss Treatments

Besides minoxidil, there are other FDA-approved treatments for hair loss to choose from. For example:

• Topical minoxidil: This treatment is available in various hair loss alternative foams, creams, and shampoos. Studies have shown that topical minoxidil at a concentration of 5% is most effective for hair growth in all genders.

• Oral finasteride: This medication, sold under the brand name Propecia, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of male androgenic alopecia. However, it may also produce some side effects, such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. Furthermore, due to risks associated with fetal development, Propecia should not be handled by pregnant or potentially pregnant individuals.

Other Possible Hair Loss Treatments

In addition to the above treatments, your treatment plan may also include other hair loss therapies. For example:

• Hair transplantation: This involves removing small patches of scalp that can still grow hair and transplanting them to balding or thinning areas of the scalp.

• Laser caps and combs: These devices use laser light to stimulate hair growth, making hair thicker and more lush.

• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections: This method involves drawing the patient's blood, filtering out red blood cells, and injecting it back into the body to stimulate hair growth.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider

If you are interested in trying oral minoxidil, be sure to consult a dermatologist. They should be able to provide you with advice about the medication and may recommend other helpful treatments. During the consultation, you can ask the doctor the following questions:

• How long does it take for treatment to take effect and for hair to regrow?

• How will my hair grow back? For example, will it be the same as before or have the same texture?

• Do I need to change my hairstyle?

• What precautions should I follow during hair loss treatment?

• Is there anything I can do to make my hair look thicker?

• What may be causing my hair loss?

Conclusion

Oral minoxidil has been used to treat hair loss and has shown some effectiveness. However, it is not without risks or side effects, and it is not suitable for everyone. Therefore, before deciding to try this treatment method, be sure to consult a dermatologist and understand all potential risks and benefits. Additionally, your treatment plan may include other therapies such as hair transplantation or PRP injections. Work with your doctor to develop the most suitable treatment plan for you.