Minoxidil As Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia | The Hair Loss Show

Summary

In this episode of the Hair Loss Show, Dr. Vickram Jash and Dr. Russell Nudson explore minoxidil, a long-standing treatment for hair loss. They discuss its origins, mechanism of action, and effectiveness in stimulating hair growth. The doctors address common misconceptions, such as the necessity of twice-daily application and the difference between 5% and higher concentrations. They emphasize the importance of patience and compliance with the treatment, noting that minoxidil is a safe and valuable component of hair loss therapy, particularly when combined with other treatments like DHT blockers.

Takeaways

• 🌟 Minoxidil is a long-standing product for treating hair loss and was originally developed as a tablet for high blood pressure, with hair growth as a side effect.
• 🔍 Dr. Vicam Jash was involved in the original research trials for minoxidil as a topical lotion in Australia in 1984.
• 💊 Minoxidil works by stimulating hair growth but does not address the underlying cause of hair loss, such as androgenic alopecia.
• 🔄 The product affects the hair cycle, particularly by extending the anagen (growth) phase, leading to a decrease in shedding rate.
• 📈 Some users may initially experience increased shedding, but this is a temporary phase indicating the start of a new growth cycle.
• ⏱️ Patience is key with minoxidil, as noticeable benefits may take 4 to 6 months to manifest.
• 👉 Minoxidil is available over-the-counter, indicating its safety and rigorous testing.
• 📊 About 40% of users can expect a noticeable improvement in hair quality, primarily in terms of hair shaft thickness.
• 🔄 The 5% concentration of minoxidil is generally effective, with higher concentrations offering minimal additional benefits.
• 👩‍🔬 There are different formulations of minoxidil, including liquid and foam, with the foam being less greasy and causing less scalp irritation for some users.
• 💡 Compliance with minoxidil treatment is crucial, and its effects are reversible, meaning hair loss may resume if the treatment is stopped.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of stimulation therapy for hair loss?

The primary purpose of stimulation therapy for hair loss is to stimulate the hair growth without addressing the underlying cause of hair loss, such as in male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia.

What was the original purpose of Minoxidil before it was used for hair loss treatment?

Minoxidil was originally designed as a tablet to treat high blood pressure, and its use for hair loss was discovered due to an unexpected side effect of increased hair growth in users.

Who were the initial researchers involved in the trials for topical Minoxidil in Australia?

Dr. Vicam Jash was one of the five doctors in Australia who were involved in the original research using Minoxidil as a lotion for balding scalps.

How does Minoxidil affect the hair growth cycle?

Minoxidil affects the hair growth cycle by elongating the anagen phase, which results in a decrease in shedding rate and more hairs growing at any one time.

Why might some people experience an initial increase in hair shedding when they start using Minoxidil?

The initial increase in hair shedding is due to the new hair growth pushing out the old hair as the treatment stimulates a new growth cycle, which is a temporary phase.

What is the general time frame for noticing the effects of Minoxidil on hair growth?

The effects of Minoxidil are typically noticeable after 4 to 6 months of consistent use, with improvements in hair quality and volume.

What is the recommended frequency of applying Minoxidil according to the script?

The script suggests that once a day is a reasonable frequency of use for Minoxidil, as it has an effect that lasts in the skin for about 21 hours.

Why might the 5% Minoxidil solution be preferred over higher concentrations like 7% or 10%?

The 5% Minoxidil solution is preferred because it provides a noticeable improvement in hair quality, and going to higher concentrations does not significantly increase the response due to the flat dose-response curve of the medication.

What are the two forms in which Minoxidil is available for topical application?

Minoxidil is available in two forms for topical application: a liquid solution and a foam.

What is the role of Minoxidil in the treatment of hair loss according to the doctors in the script?

According to the doctors, Minoxidil is a safe and effective stimulator of hair growth that can be used for various types of hair loss. It is considered a valuable part of a treatment program, although it may not address the root cause of hair loss in conditions like male pattern baldness.