Minoxidil was originally an anti-hypertensive vasodilator medication that was found to reduce and stop hair thinning and hair fall, especially androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. Since then, it has become an over-the-counter drug to prevent hair fall problems in both men and women. It is available as a topical or oral solution. However, the drug causes some serious side effects which include both hair fall and excessive and unwanted hair growth. It also causes skin irritation and drying along with a host of allergic reactions. Here are 7 side effects of the drug that has been observed specifically in women.
Excessive body hair
In about 80 percent of patients, hypertrichosis has been observed. This is the elongation, thickening and pigmentation of the fine hair of the body. Since minoxidil is prescribed for hair growth, this is a naturally expected side effect. This usually develops between 3-6 weeks of beginning the medication in between the brows and at the temples. Later it also develops between the eyebrows and the hairline, on the upper lateral cheek and finally on the back and the arms. This kind of hair growth in unwanted places will be disastrous for women and even on stoppage of treatment, it may take anywhere between 1-6 months for the pre-treatment appearance to return. Since no endocrine abnormalities are present when such hair growth occurs, researchers have concluded that this is hair growth without virilism (phenomenon where female develops male secondary sexual characteristics).
Increased hair shedding
Now comes a real shocker! Though minoxidil is prescribed to battle hair fall, many women have reported an increased hair fall on application of the medicine. It comes in two concentrations. While the 5% solution is prescribed for men, the 2% solution is prescribed for women who have hair thinning. The reason given for this shedding is that the hair already in the telogen phase are being shed early. This often is good news because it symbolizes that the new hair growth cycle is beginning. However, this hair shedding may happen from anywhere between 2 weeks to 3 months. And there is no guarantee that the affected follicles will start sprouting hair! This may prove to be detrimental to those women that are suffering heavily from androgenic alopecia. They may not have enough hair left to lose for 2 months! If this condition continues to worsen in those two months, then there would be almost no hair to look forward to!
Skin irritations
The topical preparations of minoxidil contain alcohol which is a strong dehydrating agent. This results in various side effects. For one, this causes the scalp to dry which in turn leads to irritation and itching. There is also an increased occurrence of dandruff as a result of this drying. The treated area may also turn red with the itchiness and burn in extreme cases. The eye is very sensitive and its proximity to the area of application makes it prone to get affected. Patients have often complained of redness, burning and irritation in the eye after the application of minoxidil.
Wrinkled skin
While it is not mentioned on the packaging insert of any minoxidil container, wrinkled skin is a horrible reality when it comes to side effects. There is the appearance of dark spots under the eyes and the skin gets all wrinkly. This is because there is a chance that minoxidil can degrade the collagen in the skin. This degradation increases the rate of skin aging. Once these wrinkles form, they can be quite hard to get rid of. This side effect needs time to show and happens quite gradually too. Thus, usually, people do not observe it happening. But this side effect is something that must be kept on going because minoxidil is a lifelong medication. Once the use of the medicine is reduced or stopped, the hair fall begins again.
Allergic reactions
Allergic reactions cannot be predicted. They can occur anytime and anywhere for they are nothing but a hypersensitivity disorder that affects the immune system. The immune system begins to consider a non-antigen as an antigen and overreacts with the release of antibodies to combat. The topical minoxidil solution can act as an allergen. When this happens, there can be swelling in the face, mouth, tongue or lips. Severe itching may accompany rashes and hives that erupt on the body. The inflammation in the respiratory tract may cause difficulty in breathing, tightness in the chest, dizziness and fainting with an increase in the heartbeat. Worst cases of allergy can cause anaphylactic shock which even leads to death. However, anti-histamine medications should be able to bring down these allergic reactions within hours of administration.
Swellings and numbness
These are symptoms of systemic absorption of the drug which is reportedly rare. However, these side effects are known to occur. Water and sodium get retained in the body leading to swelling and edema in various places. These include the hands, feet and lower legs. An unexplained weight gain is also associated with this. Some women may feel a kind of tenderness around the breasts. Systemic absorption of the drug also affects the nerves causing a condition termed as neuritis. This is characterized by numbness and a tingling sensation in the face, hands and feet. As stated before, these are rare side effects and usually do not occur. However, it is advisable to be on the alert and notify your doctor if you suspect any of these.
Other unexplained side effects
There are a host of side effects reported by different women who have used minoxidil. These side effects have no proper explanation and yet, they occur with varying frequencies. Some have reported a decrease in their sexual drive and sexual ability after using the drug. Visual disturbances occur wherein there is a reduced visual acuity or blurred vision. Headache is a very common side effect and almost everyone using the drug have reported it. There is tiredness and fatigue that accompanies the drug in few cases and makes the patient feel like lying down all the while.
