Minoxidil
Moderator: talkhealth
- Dr Sharon Wong
- Posts: 65
- Joined: Wed May 10, 2017 11:43 am
Re: Minoxidil
Hi silviam66
Great question!
Minoxidil was historically a medication for high blood pressure. It has no hormonal basis to it's mechanism of action. When used topically for hair loss it is thought to work by influencing the blood flow to hair follicles but has also been shown in some studies to increase growth factors that stimulate hair follicle cell growth. The overall effect is that it prolongs the growing phase of the hair follicle cycle, meaning that hairs become longer and thicker with continued use. Therefore whilst it is only licensed for genetic hair loss (male pattern balding/female pattern hair loss) it can be useful for many other causes of hair loss including menopause-related hair loss/thinning.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Sharon
Great question!
Minoxidil was historically a medication for high blood pressure. It has no hormonal basis to it's mechanism of action. When used topically for hair loss it is thought to work by influencing the blood flow to hair follicles but has also been shown in some studies to increase growth factors that stimulate hair follicle cell growth. The overall effect is that it prolongs the growing phase of the hair follicle cycle, meaning that hairs become longer and thicker with continued use. Therefore whilst it is only licensed for genetic hair loss (male pattern balding/female pattern hair loss) it can be useful for many other causes of hair loss including menopause-related hair loss/thinning.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Sharon
Dr Sharon Wong
Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... n_wong.php
Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation spokesperson
http://www.talkhealthpartnership.com/on ... n_wong.php