Oral Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss and Other Alopecias

The article discusses the use of oral minoxidil, a peripheral vasodilator, for the treatment of hair loss. While it was initially used to treat severe hypertension, it was found to cause hypertrichosis in patients, leading to the development of a topical formulation for hair loss. Oral minoxidil at low doses has been found to be beneficial in treating permanent alopecia caused by chemotherapy, chronic telogen effluvium, female pattern hair loss, and monilethrix. The main adverse effect is facial hypertrichosis, which is reversible upon discontinuation of treatment. Oral minoxidil at low doses is an interesting therapeutic alternative in patients who decline or do not tolerate topical administration, especially in cases of female pattern hair loss.