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How Does Minoxidil Work For Women's Hair Loss?

Though the degree to which it becomes noticeable may vary, hair loss in women is almost as common as it is for men. Several FDA-approved treatments for hair loss in women are available, but minoxidil (Rogaine) remains one of the most popular.

  1. DHT and Minoxidil

    • Hair loss is usually caused by the steroid-like hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which bonds to follicles and prevents the absorption of the testosterone needed for hair growth. Minoxidil is formulated to block DHT buildup.

    Women's Formula

    • Since women naturally have less testosterone than men, they produce less follicle-killing DHT. As such, women's Rogaine contains less than half the amount of the active ingredient, minoxidil, that is found in the men's formula.

    Results

    • One double-blind study by Upjohn Inc. reported that the average recipient suffering from pattern baldness saw an increase of 34 hairs per square centimeter over those who received a placebo.

    Oral vs. Topical

    • Minoxidil is also available as an oral pill under the trade name Loniten. Some prefer the oral version, as it does not carry some of the topical treatment's more counterproductive side effects.

    Side Effects

    • Ironically, one of the main side effects of topical minoxidil is hair loss. This is due in part to the alcohol that the drug is suspended in, but the attendant hair loss is usually outpaced by the growth of new hair.

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