Oral minoxidil is a medication that was first made for high blood pressure, but people have found it helps with hair growth too. It works by making your hair follicles grow stronger. This means it might help with different kinds of hair loss, like male pattern baldness and some other conditions.
We’re going to talk about how long it takes to see results from taking oral minoxidil.
Oral minoxidil is a vasodilator that was originally developed to treat high blood pressure. It works by relaxing and widening blood vessels, which improves blood flow. This mechanism involves opening potassium channels in smooth muscle cells of the vasculature, leading to hyperpolarization of the cell membrane and reduced calcium influx, resulting in muscle relaxation and vessel dilation.
In the context of treating hair loss, oral minoxidil promotes hair growth by enhancing blood flow to hair follicles.
This increased blood flow delivers more oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the hair follicles, potentially prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle. Additionally, oral minoxidil stimulates the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which promotes the formation of new blood vessels and supports hair follicle growth.
Oral minoxidil is particularly useful for patients who do not respond well to topical formulations or experience side effects such as scalp irritation. It is often used off-label for treating androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness) and has shown good compliance and tolerability in low doses.
Oral minoxidil typically begins to show initial effects within 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use. During this period, users might notice hair shedding, which is a common side effect and usually temporary. This initial shedding phase can last for about 4 weeks.
By 2 to 3 months, users may start to see visible improvements in hair quality and regrowth.
The hair may appear finer and shorter at first, but as the treatment continues, the regrowth becomes more noticeable and prominent.
For most users, significant results, such as thicker and fuller hair, are typically observed around 6 to 12 months of continuous use. It’s important to maintain consistency and patience, as the full potential of oral minoxidil may take up to a year to be fully realized.
Individual variations, dosage, consistency of use, and other relevant factors can influence how long it takes for oral minoxidil to work.
Individual variations include genetic factors, age, gender, and overall health. Some people may respond more quickly to the treatment, while others may take longer to see results.
Dosage is another important factor. The typical dose ranges from 0.625 mg to 2.5 mg daily, but it can be increased up to 5 mg/day if needed.
Higher doses may lead to quicker results, but they also come with a higher risk of side effects.
Consistency of use is crucial for seeing results. Oral minoxidil needs to be taken regularly, as skipping doses can slow down progress. It’s recommended to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain steady levels in the body.
Other relevant factors include the severity and pattern of hair loss, as well as any underlying medical conditions.
People with more severe hair loss may take longer to see improvements, and those with certain health conditions may experience different results.
Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, stress levels, and overall hair care routine can also play a role in how quickly oral minoxidil works. A healthy diet and proper hair care can support the effectiveness of the treatment.
In summary, the time it takes for oral minoxidil to work can vary widely depending on individual factors, dosage, consistency of use, and other relevant factors.
Effectiveness: Clinical studies have shown that oral minoxidil (OM) is effective in treating hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA). A study involving 30 men with AGA types III vertex to V demonstrated a significant increase in total hair counts from baseline at weeks 12 (mean change +26 hairs/cm²) and 24 (mean change +35.1 hairs/cm²). Photographic assessment by an expert panel revealed a 100% improvement in the vertex area for 43% of patients.
Timeframe: The timeframe for observing significant results varies.
In the same study, noticeable improvements were observed as early as 12 weeks, with continued improvement at 24 weeks. Another study showed a mean reduction in hair shedding score of 2.3 at 6 months and 2.6 at 12 months for female patients with AGA.
Dosage: Effective doses of OM range from 0.625 mg to 5 mg daily. Low-dose OM (LDOM) has been found effective in various types of hair loss in both sexes and pediatric patients.
Side Effects: Common side effects include hypertrichosis (excessive hair growth) in 93% of patients and pedal edema (swelling of feet) in 10% of patients.
No serious cardiovascular adverse events were observed.
Comparison with Other Treatments: OM has been found to be more effective than 5α-reductase inhibitors, which are associated with male sexual dysfunction. OM also has a vasodilator effect that can improve male sexual function.
Safety Profile: OM has a good safety profile in healthy subjects, but should be used carefully in men with severe hypertension and increased risk for cardiovascular events.
Alice, 75 or over, Female, On medication for less than 1 month, Condition: Other, Overall rating 4.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“I started taking 1/2 of the tablet, 25mg daily. But it swells both of my legs and feet. Whereas, it seems to be working.
I see hair is growing on my head within this short time. In conclusion, the swelling scares me. Could this be one of the side effects?”
Grace, 45-54, Female, On medication for less than 1 month, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 1.3 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“Horrible horrible side effects!!!!
Numbness of the lips tongue and feeling of tingling in the face! Nausea, headache, hives and more! Overall if I could give it a zero I would and it is a black box drug no one told me that!!!
Don’t take this medication unless you have no other choice!”
Mary from Oklahoma, 55-64, Female, On medication for less than 1 month, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 1.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“After three weeks on it I started growing a mustache. Had a LOT OF dark hairs sprouting aggressively. Stopped taking it after reading it was related to the same drugs GIVEN for hair growth.
Mustache went away after three more weeks. Wondered how many poor women are fighting dark facial hair and have no idea it is their bp med?”
Anonymous, 55-64, Male, On medication for 5 to less than 10 years, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 4.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“I have VERY difficult to treat hypertension. I have been taking Minoxidil in combination with Clonidine now for 5 years.”
Anonymous, 35-44, Male, On medication for less than 1 month, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 1.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“Kidney dr prescribed this drug I had fast heart rate rash under skin like a sunburn could not sleep because of heart rate do not use.”
Anonymous, 55-64, Male, On medication for 1 to less than 2 years, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 3.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“I have been taking Minoxidil for 1 to less than 2 years.”
Eva, Taken for 1 to 2 years, November 3, 2024, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 7.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“I take oral minoxidil of 1 mg with dutasteride .4 mg.
I am a woman post-menopause. It has taken a year for my hair to thicken some. It is still very thin in the areas where I lost my hair, which was from my ears down in the back of my head, but at least hair is there now.
My hair does not grow fast and now grows about 1/8 inch a month, when it was always 1/2 inch or more each month. This combo pill makes me gain weight. What a horrible trade-off!
I like taking a pill over topical use. I still recommend it because my scalp is not showing as much. I have asked my doctor to increase my dose to 2 mg minoxidil with .4 dutasteride, hoping to see my length return.
I hope it does not increase the weight gain. So far, no effect on my pressure. I still have very little eyebrows and eyelashes.
I used to take spironolactone, which had zero effect.”
Sam, Taken for 10 years or more, February 18, 2017, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 9.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“Fine hair growth. Have taken minoxidil for 39 years, and it controlled my hbp. Ten years ago, my Dr cut it in half and added atenolol.
One year ago, atenolol was removed, and lisinopril was added. I have been hit with low BP to black out limit. They refuse my needs now.
I feel death is near. My Dr. France Wong will not help but insists to go to ER.”
Mbo, Taken for 6 months to 1 year, May 14, 2024, Condition: High Blood Pressure, Overall rating 10.0 Effectiveness Ease of Use Satisfaction
“Works wonders. I had the gastric sleeve and wanted to prevent hair loss.
I have the most beautiful head of hair I have ever had. So I never experienced hair loss after my surgery. I gained beautiful hair.”
including some positive results such as hair growth and controlled high blood pressure. However, many users also experience side effects like swelling, numbness, nausea, headaches, hives, and weight gain.
with one user stating that it took a year for their hair to thicken some. Another user mentions that they have been taking oral minoxidil for 39 years and it has controlled their high blood pressure, but they are now experiencing low blood pressure issues.
while another user experienced dark facial hair as a side effect. Some users also mention that the medication can cause weight gain, which may be a trade-off for some people.
The expected timeframe for oral minoxidil to work is not explicitly stated in the text, but it appears to take several months or even years to see noticeable results. Users should be prepared to stick with the treatment plan and give their body time to adjust and respond to the medication.