Learn what causes hair loss in women, how minoxidil works, and which treatment options may help restore hair growth.
Noticing more hair in your brush, extra strands in the shower, or a widening part can be frustrating. If your hair looks thinner than it used to, you're not alone. Hair loss affects many women and can happen for several reasons, from hormonal changes to genetics and stress.
The good news? There are treatment options that may help slow hair loss and support new hair growth.
One of the most common treatments is minoxidil, a medication used to help treat certain types of hair loss. Whether you're dealing with thinning hair, a receding hairline, or more shedding than usual, understanding the cause can help you find the right treatment.
In this guide, we'll cover what causes hair loss in women, how minoxidil works, what to expect from treatment, and how to explore your options with Twentyeight Health.
Hair loss can happen for many reasons. While it's normal to lose some hair every day, ongoing shedding or noticeable thinning may be a sign of an underlying condition.
Some of the most common causes of hair loss in women include:
Hair loss doesn't look the same for everyone. Some women notice a wider part, while others experience thinning around their temples or more shedding across the scalp.
Understanding what's causing your hair loss is an important first step in finding the right treatment.
Minoxidil is a medication commonly used to treat certain types of hair loss. It works by supporting the hair growth cycle and helping some hair follicles stay in their active growth phase longer.
Over time, this may help slow thinning and encourage new hair growth.
Minoxidil is available in different forms, including:
Both forms may help with certain types of hair loss, but they work differently and have different risks and side effects.
Minoxidil is most commonly used for female pattern hair loss. It may help improve hair thickness and support regrowth in areas where follicles are still active.
It's important to know that minoxidil doesn't work for every type of hair loss. A provider can help determine whether it's an appropriate option for you.
If you're exploring minoxidil for hair loss, you may be wondering whether a topical product or an oral medication is right for you.
Here's how they compare:
Yes. Unlike topical minoxidil, which is applied directly to the scalp, oral minoxidil works throughout the body. It may be an option for people who have difficulty using topical products or prefer taking medication by mouth.
However, oral minoxidil is not FDA-approved specifically for hair loss. It is prescribed off-label for this purpose and requires medical evaluation.
A provider can review your health history, discuss possible side effects, and help determine whether oral minoxidil is appropriate for you.
Minoxidil is commonly used to treat hair thinning in women, but it's important to understand what to expect before starting treatment.
Possible side effects of topical minoxidil include:
Oral minoxidil can have different side effects, including dizziness, fluid retention, a faster heartbeat, and unwanted hair growth in other areas.
Some people notice more shedding during the first few weeks of using minoxidil. This is sometimes called the "dread shed."
This temporary shedding can happen as hair follicles move into a new growth phase. It may peak around 4 weeks after starting treatment and typically settles within about 3 months. However, increased shedding isn't always a sign that treatment is working.
If shedding is severe, continues, or concerns you, talk with your provider before making changes to your treatment.
Minoxidil is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, talk with your provider before starting any hair loss medication.
Hair thinning doesn't always happen at the crown or center part. Some women notice hair loss around their temples, edges, or front hairline.
Whether minoxidil can help depends on what's causing the hair loss.
For example, female pattern hair loss may affect the front and sides of the scalp. Traction alopecia, on the other hand, can develop when hairstyles put repeated tension on the hairline.
Minoxidil may help support regrowth in some cases of hairline thinning, especially when hair follicles are still active. However, it may not help when hair loss is caused by permanent scarring or long-term damage to the follicles.
If you've noticed thinning edges or changes in your hairline, getting an evaluation early can help you understand your options.
A Twentyeight Health provider can help identify possible causes of hair loss and recommend treatment options that may support healthier hair growth.
With so many hair growth products online, it can be hard to know what's worth trying.
Hair growth serums, scalp oils, shampoos, and supplements often promise thicker, fuller hair. But not all products are designed to treat the causes of hair loss.
Here's the difference:
A hair growth serum or hair serum for hair growth may contain ingredients like peptides, caffeine, rosemary oil, or biotin.
These products may help condition the scalp, improve the look and feel of your hair, or reduce breakage. However, cosmetic products aren't proven to treat every type of hair loss.
Medical treatments are designed to address certain causes of hair thinning and hair loss.
Minoxidil is one example. Depending on the cause of your hair loss, a provider may also discuss other prescription options.
While a hair serum may be part of your haircare routine, it shouldn't replace medical treatment when you're experiencing ongoing or noticeable hair loss.
Hair growth takes time, so don't expect to see results overnight.
Most people need to use minoxidil consistently for several months before they can tell whether it's helping.
Here's a general idea of what to expect:
Results vary from person to person. Your progress depends on the cause of your hair loss, the treatment you're using, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan.
Finding the right hair loss treatment doesn't have to mean waiting weeks for an in-person appointment.
With Twentyeight Health, you can explore treatment options for common hair loss concerns from the comfort of home.
Getting started is simple:
Hair loss is just one of the concerns you can explore through Twentyeight Health's Complete Care membership. Other services include birth control, prescription skin care, weight care, Herpes treatment, care for UTIs, BV, Yeast Infections, and more.
Have insurance? Twentyeight Health is in-network with 190+ Insurance plans, Including both Commercial and Medicaid. *Medications and provider visits may be subject to your standard copay. Video visits are guaranteed $0 with in-network Medicaid.
Whether you're noticing thinning hair, increased shedding, or changes in your hairline, Twentyeight Health makes it easier to explore your options and get guidance from a licensed provider.
Explore hair loss treatment with Twentyeight Health →
The best hair loss treatment depends on what's causing your hair loss. Minoxidil is a common option for female pattern hair loss, while other types of hair loss may require different treatments. A provider can help determine the best approach for your needs.
Minoxidil can help treat certain types of thinning hair, especially female pattern hair loss. It may help slow shedding and support new hair growth when used consistently. Results vary, and it doesn't work for every cause of hair loss.
Yes. Topical 5% minoxidil is an option for women with certain types of hair loss. The right strength and application schedule depend on the product and your individual needs. Follow the product instructions or your provider's guidance.
Not necessarily. Both forms may help with certain types of hair loss, but they have different benefits and risks. Topical minoxidil is applied to the scalp, while oral minoxidil works throughout the body. A provider can help you understand which option may be appropriate.
Minoxidil may help with some types of hairline thinning, but results depend on the cause. It may be less helpful for hair loss caused by scarring or long-term damage to hair follicles.
Some types of hair loss can improve with treatment, especially when addressed early. Other types may be permanent or require ongoing care. The right treatment depends on the underlying cause.
Not always. A licensed medical provider can review your symptoms and health history, discuss treatment options, and help determine whether you need to see a dermatologist for further evaluation.
Yes. Telehealth can make it easier to explore hair loss treatment without an in-person appointment. With Twentyeight Health, you can complete an online intake, have a licensed provider review your information, and request a virtual visit if you have questions. If prescribed, your medication can be sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
Your hair loss concerns deserve attention, and you don't have to figure out your treatment options alone.
Explore hair loss care with Twentyeight Health and take the next step toward understanding your hair health.
Reviewed for medical accuracy by Rebecca Pare, MS, WHNP-BC, CDCES, MSCP.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. A licensed healthcare provider can help you determine which contraception options are appropriate for your health and circumstances.
.png)
.png)
%20(3).png)
.png)