Hair loss can be a difficult condition to live with. Not only can it affect your appearance, but also your mental wellbeing and confidence. There are several treatments for hair loss available, ranging from finasteride to caffeinated shampoos; oral minoxidil is one of the newest of these treatments. Come with us as we look at how it works, potential side effects, and how to order oral minoxidil for yourself.
What is Oral Minoxidil?
Oral minoxidil was originally developed to treat high blood pressure in the 1970s. During this period, doctors observed hair regrowth as a side effect in patients, which led to the development of topical minoxidil formulations specifically for hair loss.
Recently, oral minoxidil has been licensed as a treatment for high blood pressure. However, our pharmacists are offering this treatment “off-label” as an alternative hair loss treatment. While some pharmacists will prescribe it for men and women (for both male and female pattern hair loss), we currently only offer this treatment to men.
What Causes Hair Loss?
There are many potential causes of hair loss; the most common is classed as androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). Androgenic alopecia is caused by the presence of a hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). This hormone is created as a product of testosterone in the body, and helps in the development of sexual characteristics such as body hair. However, it also causes the blood vessels in the scalp to shrink, reducing blood flow and preventing them from fulfilling the hair growth cycle. [1]
In the normal hair growth cycle, follicles produce hair, then enter a resting phase before shedding the hair to begin growing another strand of hair. In most forms of hair loss, these hair follicles enter “senescence” – an extended form or the resting phase, which never progresses past it.
Over time, the blood vessels feeding these follicles shrink, leaving the follicles cut off from their blood supply, slowly dying off. Some medications, such as minoxodil, can restore this blood flow, allowing them to reactivate. This accounts for some of the “new hair growth” these medications can provide.
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How Does Oral Minoxidil Treat Hair Loss?
Oral minoxidil works by widening blood vessels around the body; in the scalp, this improves blood flow to the hair follicles. This increased circulation delivers more oxygen and nutrients, essential for hair growth.
Additionally, it helps to prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, encouraging thicker and healthier hair growth.[2]
Oral minoxidil will continue to work for as long as you take it; once you stop taking it, you will see your hair loss return as the medication leaves your system.
Who Can Benefit from Oral Minoxidil?
Oral minoxidil is particularly beneficial for men experiencing pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. People with this condition have found oral minoxidil effective in slowing hair loss and promoting regrowth.
However, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider to ensure this treatment is suitable for you, especially if you have other underlying health issues. In particular, if you have high blood pressure, or heart conditions, speak to your doctor before using oral minoxidil.
Comparing Oral and Topical Minoxidil
While topical minoxidil is widely used and effective for many individuals, oral minoxidil is an alternative for those who may not respond to topical treatments, or find them inconvenient.
While topical minoxidil is relatively more difficult to apply, it is more selective; oral minoxidil can lead to hair growth in other areas of the body, while properly-applied topical treatments should only target those areas you choose.[3]
Oral minoxidil has been shown to be roughly as effective as topical[4]. However, the systemic action of oral treatment means it may carry a higher risk of certain side effects.[3]
Oral Minoxidil Side Effects
As with any medication, some patients will experience side effects when using oral minoxidil, though not everyone will. It can be important to consider before starting treatment. Common side effects include:
- Increased heart rate
- Weight gain from fluid retention
- Unwanted hair growth in areas other than the scalp
These side effects are generally mild and manageable for most people. However, severe reactions, although rare, can occur. It’s vital to discuss these potential risks with your healthcare provider to determine whether oral minoxidil is safe for you.
If you experience any of the following side effects, stop using this product and seek urgent medical attention;
- Feeling faint when you stand up
- Feeling wheezy, breathless or tired, especially if you already have a weak heart
- Your ankles getting puffy, rings tightening, or sudden weight gain
- Chest pain or angina symptoms
You may also notice an increase in hair shedding when you start using this treatment; this is normal. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth, allowing some follicles to shed early to grow stronger, thicker hair in the next phase.
How to Get Oral Minoxidil in the UK
In the UK, oral minoxidil tablets are not specifically licensed for hair loss, which means we prescribe it ‘off-label‘.
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Conclusion
Oral minoxidil offers a ray of hope for many dealing with hair loss, providing an alternative to those who may not have had success with other treatments. By understanding the benefits and risks associated with oral minoxidil, patients can make informed decisions under the guidance of their healthcare providers.
Remember, while oral minoxidil can be an effective treatment for hair loss, it’s essential to approach it with a comprehensive plan involving a healthcare provider who understands your overall health and hair loss history. With the right approach, many individuals can see positive results and regain confidence in their appearance.
References
[1] – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24555-dht-dihydrotestosterone
[2] – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9650732/
[3] – https://www.jaad.org/article/S0190-9622(19)32666-0/fulltext
