Important Aspects of Topical Minoxidil for Women

Female pattern hair loss is often recognized by thinning hair, decreased volume, and a widened center part. Ludwig classification determines the extent of this hair loss, with Types I, II, and III indicating the extent or severity of hair loss in women. The Sinclair hair shedding scale, on the other hand, assesses hair loss across five stages, with stage one being normal and stage five advanced.

It is also known as Androgenetic alopecia, and in women, it leads to thinning or hair loss in the crown area and overall hair fall, whereas in men, it leads to a receding hairline. In women, almost 40% show signs of thinning hair by 50 years of age.

In the human body, androgens are essential for normal male sexual development, regulation of hair growth, and sex drive. Excessive response to androgens in the body causes androgenetic alopecia.

To diagnose female pattern hair loss, your dermatologist will take a proper medical history and a thorough examination of your scalp. This helps in understanding if there are any scalp infections or inflammations causing hair fall. Along with this, a doctor may ask you to undergo some blood tests to check for thyroid levels, nutritional deficiencies like iron, zinc, etc., and hormonal imbalances that may be triggering hair fall in the patient.

Hair loss can be caused due to numerous reasons, from an improper diet to a life change like a divorce or loss of a loved one. Here are some of the most common reasons for female hair loss:

Hair loss can be caused due to numerous reasons, from an improper diet to a life change like a divorce or loss of a loved one. Here are some of the most common reasons for female hair loss:

1. Restrictive diet causing improper nutrition and deficiency of vital vitamins and minerals. This is one of the most common reasons for hair fall in females.

2. Postpartum hair fall is very common in women, and medically it is called postpartum telogen effluvium.

3. Genetic predisposition puts younger adults at higher risk of having androgenetic alopecia in the older years. It is hence one of the reasons for hair loss.

4. Tighter hairstyles can most commonly lead to receding hairlines in women. Tighter hairstyling leads to traction alopecia.

5. Extreme emotional stress caused due to the loss of a loved one or a major life change can bring about the onset of hair fall known as telogen effluvium.

6. Thyroid disease is one of the most common reasons for hair fall in women and men. Thyroid-induced hair fall can lead to thinning of hair and acute hair fall.

7. Poor scalp health, infection, or inflammation can also cause the hair to fall out. This can lead to bald spots and hair falling out in a bunch.

8. Other factors include hormonal imbalance, sexually transmitted infections, stress, improper sleep cycle, and certain medications that can trigger hair loss.

Minoxidil has shown great results in patients with patterned hair loss. Treatment using Minoxidil should be adhered to consistently. It is not a one-time treatment and needs to be used regularly for those with chronic hair loss. It may take about three to four months to show results, and one must be patient while using this drug.

That being said, here is how to use Minoxidil solution for female hair loss:

1. Ensure that your hair and scalp are dry. Use a dropper or the spray that comes with the solution and take aside 1ml of medication.

2. Apply this one to your scalp, especially when you see thinning of hair or bald spots.

3. Gently massage the solution into your scalp and leave it to air dry.

4. Wash your hands thoroughly and clean any solution that may have dripped onto your face or forehead.

5. Avoid using shampoo for at least 4 hours after applying this solution.

Minoxidil is safe for topical use in women, but there are many misconceptions about it that may or may not be true. So here is a list of all the myths you hear about Minoxidil debunked

While many know of the absolute benefits of this drug, Minoxidil can also cause some minor side effects in patients. These side effects are not severe, but it is always advised to stop use if irritation or other side effects occur to avoid any further complications. Here are some side effects of Minoxidil:

Developing a severe reaction to this drug is rare, however, if you still observe any other side effects after application of Minoxidil like dizziness, irregular heartbeat, swelling of hands and feet, fainting, or difficulty in breathing, you must visit your doctor right away and discontinue use instantly.

Here is some minoxidil safety advice to follow while using.

Along with using Minoxidil, it is important to treat the underlying cause of the hair fall or the treatment will not be very effective.

Minoxidil is only supposed to be used for the scalp. It is advised to keep the medicine away from direct contact with your nose, eyes, and mouth and wash it with cold water immediately in case of unintentional contact. Do not inhale the spray or use a shield to cover your face if using a spray pump. Also, do not use the spray or foam near an open flame, and do not try to open the pressurized can.