Characteristics of Hypertrichosis Induced by 24-Week Low-Dose (5 mg Daily) Oral Minoxidil in Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment

May 2025 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

Suparuj Lueangarun, Ratchathorn Panchaprateep, Therdpong Tempark

minoxidil androgenetic alopecia hypertrichosis oral minoxidil Rogaine

TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil often causes excess hair growth but doesn't significantly affect quality of life.

A study on 30 male patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) treated with 5 mg daily oral low-dose minoxidil for 24 weeks found that hypertrichosis occurred in 93% of participants, with a higher incidence and severity in those under 41. Despite its prevalence, hypertrichosis had minimal impact on patients' quality of life and rarely led to discontinuation of the drug. The study suggests further research is needed to understand the long-term implications and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil.

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Characteristics of Hypertrichosis Induced by 24-Week Low-Dose (5 mg Daily) Oral Minoxidil in Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment

Research cited in this study

research Medical and Procedural Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia – Where Are We?

research Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment

research Characterization and Management of Hypertrichosis Induced by Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in the Treatment of Hair Loss

research Oral Minoxidil Treatment for Hair Loss: A Review of Efficacy and Safety

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Pilot Study Investigating Combination Therapy with Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil and Spironolactone

research Novel Enzymatic Assay Predicts Minoxidil Response in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

research Pseudofolliculitis Barbae Induced by Oral Minoxidil

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

research Histologic Response to Topically Applied Minoxidil in Male-Pattern Alopecia

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