What You Need to Know

If you’re struggling with male pattern hair loss, you’ve probably heard of minoxidil. While most people know it as a topical foam or liquid, there’s also an oral form that many dermatologists prescribe. A recent study found that taking 2.5 mg of oral minoxidil every day works almost as well as 5 mg, but with fewer side effects. Here’s a simple breakdown of what that means for you.

What Was the Study About?

Researchers in Brazil wanted to compare two daily doses of oral minoxidil—2.5 mg and 5 mg—to see how each one improved hair growth in men with moderate hair thinning. They enrolled 100 men, aged 25–55, who were in the middle stages of male pattern baldness (Norwood-Hamilton stages 3V–5V).

Participants took their assigned dose every morning for 24 weeks (about 6 months). The researchers measured:

• How many new thick hairs (non-vellus hairs) appeared on the top of the scalp (the vertex).
• Total hair count in a 1 cm² area.
• How patients felt about their hair growth.
• Side effects like swelling of the feet (pedal edema) and unwanted hair in other areas (hypertrichosis).

Key Results: Similar Hair Growth, Different Side Effects

Hair Growth Outcomes

Both doses added about 10 new thick hairs per square centimeter and a handful more thinner hairs. The 5 mg dose gave a few extra hairs on average—but the difference was small.

Patient and Doctor Ratings

• Dermatologist assessment: Both doses were rated “improved” in about 63% of patients.
• Patient self-assessment: More men felt better results with 5 mg (92%) compared to 2.5 mg (84%).

That means you might notice slightly more improvement with 5 mg, but most patients were happy with the lower dose.

Side Effects

Higher doses typically mean more side effects. The 5 mg group experienced:

• Swelling in feet (pedal edema): 4% of men on 5 mg vs. 0% on 2.5 mg.
• Extra facial or body hair (hypertrichosis): 78% on 5 mg vs. 62% on 2.5 mg.

No serious heart or blood pressure issues were reported in either group. Overall, the lower 2.5 mg dose led to fewer unwanted side effects.

What This Means for You

• Starting Dose: 2.5 mg daily is a good starting point. It offers most of the hair-growth benefits with fewer side effects.
• Dose Increase: If you’re not seeing enough growth after 6 months, your dermatologist may consider increasing to 5 mg daily.
• Monitoring: Regular check-ins with your doctor help catch any side effects early and adjust your dose if needed.
• Patience Is Key: Hair growth takes time—plan for at least 6 months before deciding if a dose change is needed.

How to Talk to Your Dermatologist

When you consult your doctor about oral minoxidil, you can discuss:

• Your comfort with side effects (body hair growth, mild swelling).
• Your hair regrowth goals and expectations.
• A plan for starting at 2.5 mg and potentially increasing if needed.
• Monitoring blood pressure and overall health while on the medication.

Takeaway

Oral minoxidil can be an effective way to treat male pattern hair loss. This study shows that 2.5 mg daily delivers nearly the same hair-growth benefits as 5 mg, but with fewer side effects. If you’re considering this treatment, starting with a lower dose makes sense for many men. Always work closely with your dermatologist to find the right dose and keep an eye on your overall health.

 

Ready for Next Steps?
Talk to your dermatologist about whether oral minoxidil 2.5 mg could be right for you—and learn how to combine it with topical treatments and healthy hair habits for the best results.