TLDR Low-dose oral minoxidil can help treat male and female pattern hair loss, especially in those who can't use topical treatments or have heart health issues.
The document discusses the role of oral minoxidil in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a condition characterized by progressive hair thinning. While topical minoxidil and oral finasteride are FDA-approved treatments for AGA, their use is limited due to side effects. Oral minoxidil, initially used to treat severe hypertension, was found to cause hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) in about 80% of patients. Recent studies have explored the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM, less than 5 mg daily) for treating various forms of alopecia. Minoxidil acts as a vasodilator, increasing blood flow to hair follicles, and also has anti-fibrotic activity. It is almost completely absorbed when taken orally, with peak plasma levels reached within 1 hour. The document also provides dosage guidelines for male and female pattern hair loss, contraindications, drug interactions, and potential adverse effects. It concludes that LDOM can benefit patients with female and male pattern hair loss who have no cardiac comorbidities, young adults with moderate patterned hair loss, and those with low compliance or no response to topical minoxidil.
September 2022 in “JAAD Case Reports” A man got heart and swelling issues from a hair loss medication, so doctors advise careful use, especially in people with past health problems.
1 citations,
August 2022 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment” 
2 citations,
February 2022 in “Menopause” Over half of postmenopausal women experience hair loss, with severity increasing with age, time since menopause, and higher body mass index.
January 2022 in “Indian Dermatology Online Journal” Oral minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for patterned hair loss.
1 citations,
August 2021 in “Cosmoderma” Low-dose oral minoxidil is effective and well-tolerated for treating hair loss.
39 citations,
February 2021 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil safely treats hair loss, with hypertrichosis as main side effect.
9 citations,
December 2020 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil increases hair thickness and length in children with a hair disorder called Loose Anagen Hair Syndrome.
14 citations,
August 2020 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Low-dose oral minoxidil is a safe treatment for hair loss, with the main side effect being excessive hair growth. Other side effects like foot swelling, low blood pressure when standing, and heart rate changes are rare.
52 citations,
May 2019 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Low-dose oral minoxidil effectively improves male hair loss with mild side effects.
August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Some plants like spinach, broccoli, and matcha may boost the effectiveness of the hair growth drug minoxidil.
14 citations,
January 2015 in “Skin appendage disorders” Minoxidil treatment for hair loss can cause scalp allergy and severe hair loss.
