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New Hair Restoration Treatment With Old Drug

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Steven R. Kanner, MDdrkanner@drkanner.com
Alopecia

Hair loss and the hope of restoring thinning hair bothers many people, men and women, sometimes severely. Available remedies have been awkward and modestly effective, including topical Rogaine (minoxidil) for both sexes, and finasteride for men.

Old pill for hypertension useful in low dose

Recently I have seen data that the use of oral minoxidil in very low doses is effective (over many months) in restoring hair in men or women. It is more effective if the hair loss if partial and the follicles still intact. I have checked with dermatology colleagues and gotten their wisdom, which is highly supportive of this treatment. A side effect may be facial hair increase even at the very low dose, which is the major issue for women with midlife hair thinning. The low doses do not typically affect blood pressure.

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