Best known by the brand name Rogaine, minoxidil is a topical medication that you can obtain without a prescription. It's the only FDA-approved option for treating female-pattern baldness, so most doctors will advise trying it before moving on to other options.
A proven treatment for female-pattern baldness is a hair lotion containing minoxidil. After using it, many women see improvements, including a slowing or stopping altogether of balding, as well as thicker hair.
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatrics-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of topical minoxidil in the elderly. However, studies have shown that the medicine works best in younger patients who have a short history of hair loss.
Men who are using other medicines or occlusive dressings applied to the scalp. Regaine for men foam is not recommended for men under 18 or over 49 years of age, as there is no information available regarding its safety in these age groups.
Regaine Extra Strength Foam is licensed for hereditary hair loss in men aged 18 to 49, and Regaine Extra Strength Solution for men aged 18 to 65 years. Regaine Extra Strength Foam is intended for the younger market and the cut off age of 49 is based on the upper age limit in the trials submitted for license.
Rogaine, which is the brand name for minoxidil, is moderately effective at stopping hair loss and somewhat effective at promoting new hair growth in both males and females. It takes time to see the effects of this medication, and experts suggest most people try it for several months to see if it will work.
Fortunately, menopausal hair loss isn't often permanent. However, if you're looking for a shorter-term solution, there are a variety of lifestyle adjustments and treatment options that may help. Adjust Your Hair Care Routine: Treating your hair with care can help prevent further damage.
Clearly, minoxidil is not a miracle drug. While it can produce some new growth of fine hair in some — not all — women, it can't restore the full density of the lost hair. It's not a quick fix, either for hair loss in women . You won't see results until you use the drug for at least two months.
Dermatologists in skin build and function disorders and in case of hair loss most often recommend diet supplementation with preparation containing Zn, Cu, Fe (especially for vegetarian people), Vitamins A, D, E, niacin, B12 and biotin.
In addition to eating healthy foods, taking supplements such as biotin and vitamin D can also promote healthy hair growth. Biotin, in particular, is a B vitamin that can strengthen hair follicles and improve hair thickness. Avoid harsh chemicals such as sulfates and alcohol-based products that can damage hair.
During and after menopause, hair might become finer (thinner) because hair follicles shrink. Hair grows more slowly and falls out more easily in these cases. Your healthcare provider will do a thorough examination and take a detailed history to help you deal with changes in hair growth.
Tell your doctor if you notice continued itching, redness, or burning of your scalp after you apply minoxidil. If the itching, redness, or burning is severe, wash the medicine off and check with your doctor before using it again. Hair loss may continue for 2 weeks after you start using minoxidil.
Low progesterone and estrogen are also often to blame for thinning hair during menopause. Hair loss from menopausal hormone deficiencies can take many forms.
Women who are breast-feeding should not use minoxidil. Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children under 18 years of age. Seniors: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for men over the age of 65 years.
Vivian Bucay, M.D., F.A.A.D., board-certified dermatologist at Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics says iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamins C, D, E, and B play a crucial role in hair growth.
Why do I need a prescription? A Regaine is licensed to be sold only from pharmacies for men between 18 to 65. The reason is because it won't have been tested on men outside this age group.
This product should NOT be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Regaine may cause dizziness or low blood pressure. If you experience these side-effects do not drive or operate machinery. Regaine® for Women ONCE A DAY Scalp Foam 5% w/w Cutaneous Foam contains 536.3 mg of alcohol (ethanol) in each 1 g.
Minoxidil (Rogaine, etc) is FDA approved for ages 18-65
Give it a 'go'. I respond that minoxidil can certainly be helpful but minoxidil is certainly not for everyone. Minoxidil is FDA approved for men and women 18-65 with a type of hair loss known as androgenetic hair loss.