DEAR PEOPLE'S PHARMACY: Do you have any suggestions about how to handle hair loss for women? I have always had baby-fine, thin hair all my life. Now it is even thinner. What can I do to remedy this problem?
A. Hair loss is a common problem as people grow older, and women can be affected as well as men. For decades, dermatologists have recommended topical minoxidil (Rogaine), which can be moderately effective but must be applied conscientiously without pause.
For the past several years, dermatologists have been experimenting with low-dose oral minoxidil. A systematic review of 10 studies (in which men greatly outnumbered women) concluded that this treatment is often safe and successful (International Journal of Dermatology, August 2020). A consensus statement of dermatologists agreed that this could be a viable treatment option for adults (JAMA Dermatology, Jan. 1, 2025).
We were relieved to learn that, at this dose, minoxidil does not appear to affect blood pressure significantly (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Nov. 7, 2024). Nevertheless, this treatment requires medical supervision and blood pressure monitoring.
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In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Write to them in care of King Features, 628 Virginia Drive, Orlando, FL 32803, or email them via their website: www.PeoplesPharmacy.com. Their newest book is "Top Screwups Doctors Make and How to Avoid Them."