Case Report: Successful Use of Minoxidil to Promote Facial Hair Growth in an Adolescent Transgender Male

September 2021 in “ Frontiers in Endocrinology ”

Ken C Pang, Thomas Nguyen, Rita Upreti

minoxidil topical minoxidil facial hair growth testosterone therapy skin dryness skin irritation gender dysphoria misgendering Rogaine

TLDR Minoxidil can help transgender males grow facial hair before starting testosterone therapy.

This case report documents the successful use of topical 5% minoxidil to promote facial hair growth in a 17-year-old transgender male prior to starting testosterone therapy. The patient applied minoxidil twice daily and experienced significant facial hair growth within three months, which alleviated gender dysphoria and reduced misgendering. Despite some skin dryness and irritation, the patient was satisfied with the results. This is the first documented case of minoxidil use for this purpose in medical literature, suggesting it could be a viable option for transmasculine individuals seeking facial hair growth. The study was supported by the Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation and the Hugh D T Williamson Foundation Trust, with no reported conflicts of interest.

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Research cited in this study

12 / 12 results

research Review of Topical Therapies for Beard Enhancement

1 citations, January 2020 in “Indian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences”

Topical treatments can help improve beard growth.

research Mechanism of Action of Minoxidil in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia Is Likely Mediated by Mitochondrial Adenosine Triphosphate Synthase-Induced Stem Cell Differentiation

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Minoxidil helps hair growth by promoting stem cell differentiation through increased ATP synthase activity.

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9 citations, February 2016 in “The Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil 3% lotion is effective and safe for increasing beard hair count.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

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New 5% minoxidil foam effectively promotes hair growth and is safe for use.

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9 citations, January 2007 in “Journal of dermatological treatment”

Testosterone gel helps increase facial hair in young men with beta-thalassemia major.

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58 citations, January 2007 in “Dermatology”

Minoxidil use in children may cause heart issues.

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74 citations, May 2004 in “Journal of Clinical Hypertension”

Minoxidil effectively treats severe hypertension, but watch for side effects.

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219 citations, March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

research Minoxidil: Mechanisms of Action on Hair Growth

397 citations, February 2004 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Minoxidil boosts hair growth by opening potassium channels and increasing cell activity.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations, August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% minoxidil works better for hair growth and density, with minor irritation.

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101 citations, March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Minoxidil solution helps hair regrowth in alopecia areata, with 5% being more effective.

research Minoxidil and the Treatment of Severe Hypertension

51 citations, October 1980 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

Minoxidil lowers blood pressure effectively but may cause unwanted hair growth and other side effects.

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Minoxidil helps hair regrowth in alopecia patients, with 16 having good results and no side effects.