Most women around the world face the problem of hair loss at some point in their lives, and some experience thinning hair or uneven bald spots on their heads. Hair loss problems are more common in women than in men. This hair loss condition is also known as alopecia. It affects women emotionally and affects their quality of life. The predominant pattern of hair loss is male pattern baldness. This type of alopecia in women begins with gradual hair thinning at the parting of the head and increases in diffuse hair loss from the top of the head. There can be various reasons for this baldness or hair loss. This may include past medical history and emotional or physical stress. If you notice unwanted hair loss, you should consult a dermatologist for proper treatment. Minoxidil is pronounced (minox-i-dil) and is available in two forms: oral or topical solution. Minoxidil for women is used to promote and revitalize hair growth and slow down the problem of baldness. This drug acts effectively on humans. This drug is most effective and works best in people under 40 who have recently started losing hair. Minoxidil is not very effective in receding or reducing the hairline. Also, minoxidil alone does not completely cure baldness. If you stop taking the drug, hair loss may start again.
Overview of minoxidil for women
Minoxidil was approved and used as a treatment for high blood pressure, but after that, abnormal hair began to grow in the missing areas of the body. This phenomenon was noticed at the time, and researchers confirmed that applying minoxidil to the scalp can cause hair growth.
After approval from researcher, the FDA has approved the 2% form of minoxidil as an OTC medication to treat hair loss in women, so it is the safest and best minoxidil for women. Therefore, it started as a hair loss treatment, and now a 5% solution that increases the muscle strength necessary for women’s hair removal is also available on the market. So there are two types of minoxidil, one is 2% and the other is 5%. Minoxidil 5% can cause harmful side effects such as abnormal hair growth on the face and other unwanted areas of the body.
Minoxidil does not perform miracles or miracles. Promotes and stimulates hair growth. However, only in some people the overall volume and density of the hair returns to what it was before. It does not take effect within a few minutes. You will begin to see results after using minoxidil for at least two weeks. The main desired effect appears only after 3-4 months. Also, it may take longer for the effects to appear, so the trial plan should be run for 6 to 12 months. Once minoxidil starts working, you should continue using it to see consistent results. Otherwise, hair loss may start again when you stop using the drug.
How to use minoxidil topical medicine effectively?
To use minoxidil effectively, you need to follow these steps:
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Make sure to apply minoxidil only to dry scalp and hair.
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Properly use the pump and dropper provided with the medication.
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Apply to hair loss areas twice daily regularly or as directed by your doctor.
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After applying the solution, massage the scalp well so that the solution reaches the roots of the hair follicles and scalp and promotes hair growth.
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After doing this, let your hair air dry.
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Wash your hands and drip any excess solution onto other parts of your body.
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Leave it on for at least 4 hours, then shampoo well.
If you experience irritation or dryness when applying minoxidil, you may be suffering from atopic dermatitis. Contact your doctor in such cases.
Also read: How to prevent the spread of alopecia areata?
Use of minoxidil for women
Women can use minoxidil for a variety of reasons, some of which are listed below.
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For hair growth throughout the scalp
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As a treatment for baldness
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Hair growth agent for thinning hair
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In case of sudden or patchy hair loss
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To prevent hair loss after childbirth
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In case of hereditary alopecia
Topical and oral minoxidil side effects
Is minoxidil safe? Although minoxidil is safe, it can also cause some side effects. These look like this:
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hirsutism (abnormal facial hair growth)
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dryness and irritation of the skin
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allergic reaction
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Burning sensation and redness at the application site
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unwanted facial hair
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unnecessary body hair
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fast heartbeat
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syncope
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chest pain
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weight gain
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difficulty breathing
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tired
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rash
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dizziness and fatigue
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swelling in body parts
Precautions when using minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is an OTC drug, while oral minoxidil cannot be purchased over the counter. Some precautions should be taken when using it. These are:
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Before you start using minoxidil, tell your pharmacist if you are allergic to the drug or any other ingredients. Talk to them in detail.
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If you experience any side effects from the drug, immediately stop using it and discuss the problem with your doctor.
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If you have heart problems or skin conditions, you should inform and consult your doctor before you start using minoxidil.
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If you are pregnant, consult your doctor before use.
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If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor as the drug may pass through breast milk. This can cause problems for your baby.
Also read: Benefits of breastfeeding for mom and baby
FAQ
Can women also use minoxidil?
Minoxidil is approved by Health Canada and the U.S. FDA to treat hair loss or alopecia. It can be used by both women and men to prevent hair loss. The FDA has specifically approved her 5% foam-based solution for women.
Is oral minoxidil better than topical medicine?
Topical minoxidil is known to have better effects and results than oral minoxidil. It may be a safer and better option for hair removal standards for men and women.
How long does it take for minoxidil to take effect?
Minoxidil should be used for at least 4 months. Only then will visible side effects appear. You won’t get amazing results in minutes or hours. If you are starting a course of minoxidil, plan on a 6 to 12 month trial. Must be used at least twice a day.
How can I get the best results with minoxidil?
Minoxidil can give you the best results only when used correctly, and as mentioned above, the results will only be visible after 4 months. There are many causes for hair loss, but if it is due to genetics or hereditary factors, it is best treated with minoxidil. Women under 40 may benefit more from minoxidil.
Can I buy minoxidil without a doctor’s prescription?
Minoxidil can be used as a vasodilator to lower blood pressure and is available as an oral medication. It can also be used for alopecia and hair loss in men and women. For this purpose, it is available as an oral and topical solution. Topical solutions are available in 2% and 5% and can be purchased at pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription. However, oral forms of minoxidil have many side effects and can be dangerous, so they cannot be purchased without a proper doctor’s prescription. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking these minoxidil preparations.
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