TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil can help increase hair growth in women with hair loss.
This document discusses the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) as a treatment for female pattern hair loss (FPHL), particularly in cases where topical treatments are ineffective or not tolerated. A case study of a 63-year-old woman showed an increase in hair density from 98 to 140 hairs per square centimeter after 3 months of taking 1.25 mg of oral minoxidil daily. Although the mean hair diameter slightly decreased, likely due to new hair growth, the treatment was generally well-tolerated, with facial hair growth as a noted side effect. The study suggests that LDOM may promote hair growth by enhancing microcirculation and stimulating growth factors, but emphasizes the need for larger trials to fully understand its efficacy and safety, given the limited number of patients in current studies.
September 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Oral minoxidil effectively treats different types of hair loss with fewer side effects.
July 2022 in “Dermatologic Therapy” 
39 citations
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February 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil safely treats hair loss, with hypertrichosis as main side effect.
59 citations
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July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Oral minoxidil promotes hair growth but may cause side effects; needs monitoring.
52 citations
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May 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively improves male hair loss with mild side effects.
26 citations
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August 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Minoxidil helps treat pattern hair loss in both men and women.
24 citations
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January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology” Androgenetic alopecia is mainly caused by genetic factors and increased androgen activity, leading to hair follicle miniaturization.
198 citations
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October 2011 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft” Use minoxidil for hair loss; finasteride and dutasteride for men, dutasteride for women.
Baldness is often hereditary and linked to male hormones, becoming noticeable when half the hair is lost.
Some treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and surgery can help with hereditary hair loss.
May 2015 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” 5% minoxidil foam helps women with thinning hair.
21 citations
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January 2007 in “Australasian Journal of Dermatology” Spironolactone and minoxidil together effectively treat female pattern hair loss.
12 citations
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February 2003 in “PubMed” 
1 citations
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September 2002 in “PubMed” Minoxidil helps stimulate hair growth and reduce hair loss in women with androgenic alopecia.
370 citations
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September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine” Finasteride and minoxidil are effective for hair loss, but continued research is needed for better treatments.
