Effectiveness and Safety of Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil in Female Pattern Hair Loss:A Single-Center Study of 44 Patients
- Author:
Youngbeom KIM
1
;
Giwook LEE
;
Jun-Oh SHIN
;
Dong Young ROH
;
Yeona KIM
;
Sang-Hyeon WON
;
Jungsoo LEE
;
Kihyuk SHIN
;
Hoonsoo KIM
;
Hyun-Chang KO
;
Byung Soo KIM
;
Moon-Bum KIM
Author Information
1. Department of Dermatology, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Busan, Korea
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Korean Journal of Dermatology
2024;62(3):136-142
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) is characterized by diffuse hair thinning in the mid-frontal scalp and increased hair shedding. Although the use of low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) is increasing significantly in Korea, data on its use are limited.
Objective:To determine the efficacy and safety of LDOM in Korean patients with FPHL.
Methods:This retrospective, single-center study was conducted at Pusan National University Hospital. The study included female patients with pattern hair loss who received treatment with LDOM at 1.25 mg/d for a minimum of 6 months in combination with other treatments. Patients were eligible for LDOM addition if their previous treatments showed a limited response and the previous treatment regimen remained unchanged throughout the evaluation period. Clinical response to treatment was evaluated using the Sinclair hair loss severity scale.
Results:The study included 44 females with FPHL. Before treatment, the mean Sinclair scale score was 2.77, which decreased to 2.27 after treatment. By the 3rd month, one patient (2.3%) experienced worsening, while seven patients (15.9%) showed slight improvement. By the 6th month, the treatment response was as follows: stabilization in 30 patients (68.2%), slight improvement in 13 patients (29.5%), and substantial improvement in one patient (2.3%). Adverse effects, predominantly hypertrichosis, were observed in nine patients. All adverse effects improved upon discontinuation of LDOM and no life-threatening adverse effects were observed during the study.
Conclusion:This study provides evidence that LDOM can be an effective therapeutic option with a good safety profile for FPHL.
