A Randomized Clinical Trial on Therapeutic Effects of 0.25 mg Oral Minoxidil Tablets on Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

This randomized clinical trial evaluated the therapeutic effects of 0.25 mg oral minoxidil tablets on female pattern hair loss (FPHL) in 72 women over 9 months. Group 1 received oral minoxidil and a topical placebo, while Group 2 received topical minoxidil and an oral placebo. Both groups showed significant improvements in hair diameter and density, with Group 1 increasing from 0.044 mm to 0.048 mm and 102/cm² to 115/cm², and Group 2 from 0.044 mm to 0.047 mm and 107/cm² to 113/cm². The differences between the groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.077 for hair diameter and p = 0.674 for hair density). Side effects were minimal. The study concluded that oral minoxidil is an effective alternative treatment for FPHL, particularly for patients who have poor compliance with topical minoxidil.