Male Pattern Baldness Blog

Minoxidil was originally used as an oral drug to treat high blood pressure due to its effects as a vasodilator. It was discovered to have hair growth as a side effect. In the 1980s Upjohn Corporation received FDA approval to market a topical solution that contained 2% minoxidil for the treatment of baldness and hair loss as Rogaine. In some markets it is marketed as Regaine.

Scientific studies have shown that minoxidil is effective in the front areas of the scalp, as well as the vertex area in male pattern hair loss. At the conclusion of one 48 week study, improvements were seen in the frontal scalp regions of 51% of men using 5% minoxidil, 42% using 2% minoxidil, and 13% of placebo users. Among these men, moderate to great increases in hair growth were seen in the frontal scalp regions of 19% of men using 5% minoxidil, 10% using 2% minoxidil, and 3% of placebo users.

It has also been shown that any benefits are lost when Minoxidil treatment is ceased. Therefore to maintain any hair growth the use of Minoxidil must be maintained on an ongoing basis.

The method of action for Minoxidil is not known. It is not just the vasodilating effects which cause the hair regrowth, as no other vasodilator has been shown to be effective in treating hair loss.

Tags: baldness treatment, Hair Growth Treatment, Hair Loss Treatment, Male Baldness Treatment, male pattern baldness treatment, male pattern hair loss, male pattern hair loss treatment