Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss: Should You Try It?

POV: you’ve just started to notice hair loss, and you’re looking for an affordable, frontline, try-this-before-you-try-anything-else solution.

That’s where minoxidil comes in.

Minoxidil, or generic Rogaine®, is a well-researched, FDA-approved hair loss medication that has been clinically proven to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women. It’s been available as a leave-in topical medication for decades. Oral minoxidil uses the same well-known, clinically-proven, FDA-cleared ingredient to help combat hair loss with a convenient, once-daily pill, available via prescription. 

To get personalized treatment advice from a hair restoration expert, schedule a free hair loss consultation to learn about all of Bosley’s hair loss solutions, including oral minoxidil. 

Otherwise, read on to learn everything you need to know about oral minoxidil, including how it works, who’s a good candidate for it, and how it stacks up against tried-and-true topical minoxidil.

How Does Oral Minoxidil Work?

So how does minoxidil work, exactly? Minoxidil works by relaxing blood vessels. It was originally developed to treat high blood pressure, but was observed to have a side effect of revitalizing dormant hair follicles and encouraging the growth of new hair strands.

Oral minoxidil provides excellent hair growth results by:

• Increasing blood flow to the scalp
• Delivering essential nutrients to hair follicles
• Extending the hair’s natural growth phase

Minoxidil results are typically visible within 3-4 months. With consistent use over time, it has been clinically proven to increase the diameter of existing hair follicles and prevent further hair loss, leading to denser, healthier-looking hair. 

Oral minoxidil works well on its own or in combination with other hair loss solutions. BosleyRx offers oral minoxidil as a combo pill with finasteride, another clinically proven, well-studied hair loss medication. Bosley doctors also recommend oral minoxidil after a hair transplant to help maintain thicker, fuller hair.

Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is a leave-in hair loss treatment available over the counter. It’s FDA-approved to treat androgenetic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. It can be applied using a foam, dropper, or spray. 

Oral minoxidil utilizes the same well-known, clinically proven, FDA-approved ingredient to help combat hair loss with a convenient, once-a-day pill. While oral minoxidil is not FDA-approved for hair loss treatment, it can be prescribed off-label by a trusted physician. Recent studies have observed oral minoxidil to be a safe and effective hair loss treatment when used as prescribed by a qualified physician. 

Here’s a brief overview of how topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil compare:

Topical Minoxidil

• Applied to the scalp via foam, dropper, or spray
• FDA-approved to treat male and female pattern hair loss
• No prescription required – available over-the-counter
• Can stain clothing
• Mild potential side effects, associated with irritation or itchiness on the scalp and other areas.

Oral Minoxidil

• Taken as a convenient once-daily pill
• Off-label – commonly prescribed at a doctor’s discretion to treat pattern hair loss with demonstrated results, but it is not FDA-approved for that purpose
• Prescription required – can get it online here if eligible
• Does not stain clothing
• More precise dosage
• Mild potential side effects, including possible lightheadedness, low blood pressure, increased facial hair, and fluid retention

Who Is a Good Candidate for Oral Minoxidil?

Oral minoxidil is most effective for men and women experiencing early to moderate hair thinning. It works best when:

• Hair is still present in the thinning area
• Treatment begins early
• Used in combination with other hair loss medications, such as spironolactone or finasteride
• Used consistently, as directed

Oral Minoxidil for Male Hair Loss

Clinical studies of oral minoxidil show that it really does work to treat male hair loss: this 2020 study found that taking 5 mg of oral minoxidil daily increased hair growth in male patients with androgenetic alopecia, and had a good safety profile in healthy subjects. 

BosleyRx offers oral minoxidil for men as well as 2-in-1 finasteride + minoxidil capsules, compounded into a single once-daily pill.

Oral Minoxidil for Female Hair Loss

Clinical studies of oral minoxidil show that it is a safe, effective treatment for female pattern hair loss. One 2020 study found that nearly 80% of patients with female pattern hair loss presented clinical improvement after taking low-dose oral minoxidil daily for nine months.

BosleyRx offers oral minoxidil for women as well as 2-in-1 spironolactone + minoxidil capsules, compounded into a single once-daily pill.

Related: Hair Loss Medications for Women

Real Oral Minoxidil Results: Before & After

The results are in: minoxidil really works. Here’s a before-and-after photo from Erica M., a real Bosley patient who took oral minoxidil to treat her female pattern hair loss:

How to Get a Prescription for Oral Minoxidil Online

BosleyRx offers fast, affordable prescription hair loss meds online, starting at just $17.50 a month. Visit www.bosleyrx.com to explore prescription hair loss medications, determine the best solution for your needs, and get a prescription for oral minoxidil online (if eligible).

Discover Bosley’s Personalized Hair Loss Solutions – Oral Minoxidil & More

Still not sure which hair loss solution is best for you? Schedule a free hair loss consultation to learn about all of Bosley’s hair loss solutions, including oral minoxidil. 

During your free consultation, a Bosley hair loss expert will provide a personalized hair and scalp analysis, answer any questions you may have, and design a custom hair restoration plan according to your needs and budget. Schedule your free consultation today.