Review of Oral Minoxidil as Treatment of Hair Disorders: In Search of the Perfect Dose

    March 2021
    Alberto Villani, Gabriella Fabbrocini, Jorge Ocampo-Candiani, Antonio Ruggiero, Jorge Ocampo-Candiani
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    TLDR Oral minoxidil effectively treats hair loss, with women needing lower doses (0.25 to 2.5 mg daily) and men needing higher doses (1.25 to 5 mg daily).
    The review article discusses the use of oral minoxidil as a treatment for various hair disorders, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, tractional alopecia, and others. The authors concluded that oral minoxidil is a successful and well-tolerated treatment for hair loss, with dosages varying from 0.25 to 5 mg daily. Women typically require lower doses (0.25 to 2.5 mg daily), while men require higher doses (1.25 to 5 mg daily) for maximal efficacy. The largest study cited involved 18,918 male patients with androgenetic alopecia, who showed significant improvement with a combination treatment including oral minoxidil. However, the authors recommend larger randomized comparative studies to clarify the best treatment protocol, including dosage and treatment duration.
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      in Treatment  7 upvotes 1 month ago
      Scalp tension from the occipitalis muscle is theorized to contribute to hair loss, but most believe DHT and genetics are the main causes. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are considered more effective than addressing scalp tension.

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      The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

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      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  44 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user has tried topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, and dermapen for over a year without seeing hair regrowth and has now switched to dutasteride, planning to continue until summer. Some responses suggest that no further hair loss could be considered progress, question the visibility of hair loss, and recommend trying vitamin D.

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      in Female  450 upvotes 2 years ago
      A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.

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