We’ve been getting a lot of questions recently about low-dose minoxidil as a hair loss treatment after its mention in a recent New York Times article. Two of the most frequent questions we’ve been getting are: is it effective and is it safe
Let’s address the efficacy question first.
Is low-dose oral minoxidil an effective treatment for hair loss?
According to a literature review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is a highly effective treatment for thinning hair and hair loss. Ten articles were included in the review, comprising of a total 19,218 patients (215 women and 19,003 men).
Patients with androgenic alopecia responded best to the treatment, with 61-100% of those patients demonstrating clinical improvement. But LDOM was also effective in alopecia areata, where 18-82.4% of patients demonstrated objective clinical improvement, depending on the study.
So, since LDOM is effective, is it safe?
Low-dose oral minoxidil is a safe treatment option for thinning hair and hair loss, according to a review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. The review included a total of 1404 patients (943 women and 461 men).
Although the most frequent side effects were hypertrichosis and lightheadedness, systemic adverse effects were mild in most cases, and only 1.7% of patients stopped treatment because of these effects.
So, low-dose oral minoxidil is both safe and effective.
At LNHR, we prescribe low-dose minoxidil products to patients seeking non-surgical hair loss treatment options. They’re specialized serums and capsules that help support thick, healthy hair regrowth in both men and women. Independent research has found that the medications minimize hair loss and stimulate hair growth, resulting in increased hair density overall. All the serums are also alcohol-free, meaning that they are non-irritating and don’t dry the hair or scalp.
Still have questions? Call for a consultation to see if this is the right treatment option for you.
