{"id":556717572169,"title":"Rogaine for Women Review: Can it Stop Female Hair Loss?","created_at":"2022-07-04T00:53:51-04:00","body_html":"\u003cscript type=\"application\/ld+json\"\u003e\/\/ \u003c![CDATA[\n{\n \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n \"@type\": \"Article\",\n \"headline\": \"Rogaine for Women Review: Can it Stop Female Hair Loss?\",\n \"keywords\": \"rogaine for women, rogaine for women review, rogaine for women reviews, rogaine for women side effects, rogaine women, women's rogaine, can women use men's rogaine\",\n \"description\": \"Our research team reviews whether Rogaine for Women can stop and even reverse female pattern hair loss based on an analysis of medical research. We highlight side effects of the treatment and discuss whether Women's Rogaine can negatively impact skin.\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/rogaine-for-women-review\",\n\"author\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Calloway Cook\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/calloway-cook\",\n \"sameAs\": \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/calloway-cook\/\",\n \"jobTitle\": \"President\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"entrepreneurship, dietary supplements, herbal supplements, eCommerce, medical research\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": \"S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University\"\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"editor\": {\n \"@type\": \"Person\",\n \"name\": \"Brian Moore\",\n \"honorificSuffix\": [\n \"M.D.\",\n \"F.A.A.D\"\n ],\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/brian-moore\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/brian-moore-md-faad-2b1b77a2\/\",\n \"https:\/\/www.apexskin.com\/our-team\/dr-brian-moore-md\/\"\n ],\n \"jobTitle\": \"Dermatology Advisor\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"dermatology, skincare, pigmented lesions, anti-aging, medical research, clinical trials, sunscreen, moisturizer, wrinkles, makeup, shampoo, soap\",\n \"alumniOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"EducationalOrganization\",\n \"name\": [\n \"Columbia University\",\n \"University of Toledo\"\n ]\n },\n \"memberOf\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n }\n},\n\"image\": {\n\"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n\"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Rogaine_For_Women_Thumbnail.png?v=1656910747\",\n\"width\": \"3064\",\n\"height\": \"3064\"\n},\n\"citation\": [\n\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/scripts\/cder\/daf\/index.cfm?event=overview.process\u0026ApplNo=208092\", \n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25807073\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21700360\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31473295\/\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34159872\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482378\/\",\n\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/keeps-review\",\n\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8844127\/\",\n\"https:\/\/www.fakespot.com\/product\/women-s-rogaine-5-minoxidil-foam-for-hair-thinning-and-loss-topical-treatment-for-women-s-hair-regrowth-4-month-supply\"\n],\n\"mentions\": [{\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"minoxidil\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"hair cycle\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"collagen\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Thing\",\n \"name\": \"FakeSpot\"\n }\n],\n\"datePublished\": \"2022-07-04\",\n\"copyrightHolder\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\"\n},\n\"publisher\": {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Illuminate Labs\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/\",\n \"description\": \"Illuminate Labs is the most transparent supplement company in the U.S., and is a leading publisher of research-based health information.\",\n \"knowsAbout\": \"supplements, science, nutrition, exercise, health, medication, pharmaceutical, wellness, diet, weight loss, medical research\",\n \"publishingPrinciples\": \"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/pages\/editorial-guidelines\",\n \"memberOf\": [\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"U.S. Chamber of Commerce\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.uschamber.com\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Certified B Corp\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.bcorporation.net\/en-us\/\"\n },\n {\n \"@type\": \"Organization\",\n \"name\": \"Natural Products Association\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.npanational.org\/\"\n }\n ], \n \"logo\": {\n \"@type\": \"ImageObject\",\n \"url\": \"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Illuminate_Labs_Favicon_48x48_7595c3cc-e27b-47b8-a4fe-edcc7ed9b29a.png?v=1666502785\", \n \"width\": 48,\n \"height\": 48\n},\n \"foundingDate\": \"2019-01-30\",\n \"sameAs\": [\n \"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/twitter.com\/illuminatelabs\",\n \"https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/company\/illuminate-labs-supplements\",\n \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCpgSJAsIPb-fZ25djtTxBEA\"\n ]\n }\n}\n\/\/ ]]\u003e\u003c\/script\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Rogaine_For_Women_Review_Article_Header_Image_Optimized.png?v=1656910615\" alt=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDisclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s) and published for informational purposes only. We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to hair loss treatment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cspan class=\"dc\"\u003eR\u003c\/span\u003eogaine is one of the most popular hair loss treatments in the world. It’s typically used by and marketed to men. But because of its efficacy, many women suffering from baldness are often curious about whether Rogaine is equally effective for women. Rogaine does sell a line of women’s hair loss products with the same active ingredient as the men’s formulation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIn this article we’ll review medical research on Rogaine for women to determine if we believe it’s likely to be safe and effective for treating female pattern baldness. We’ll also explain whether the treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. to treat female pattern baldness.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eIs Rogaine FDA Approved for Use by Women?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRogaine’s products for women \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.accessdata.fda.gov\/scripts\/cder\/daf\/index.cfm?event=overview.process\u0026amp;ApplNo=208092\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eare FDA approved\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e and available over-the-counter (FDA). The FDA is the regulatory agency in the U.S. which clears medical devices and products for use after a thorough review of efficacy and safety, so this is a good sign for the legitimacy of the brand.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe typically only recommend that consumers use hair loss medications which are FDA approved, because this makes it less likely that the product will be harmful or unsafe in any way.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe active ingredient in Women’s Rogaine is actually the only FDA-approved topical treatment for female pattern hair loss at the time of writing this article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIt’s important to note that dietary supplements and most cosmetics are not subject to approval by the FDA; only drugs are. Since Rogaine contains a pharmaceutical ingredient, it’s subject to approval.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRogaine for Women Formulation Review\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0047\/1524\/9737\/files\/Rogaine_For_Women_Ingredients_Optimized.png?v=1656910665\" alt=\"Rogaine for Women ingredients\" style=\"display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe active ingredient in Women’s Rogaine is \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cb\u003eminoxidil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e at a concentration of 5% or 2%. This is one of the most well-studied compounds for treating hair loss, but most of the medical research involves male subjects. There are some studies testing the efficacy of minoxidil for women.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/25807073\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003emedical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSkin Therapy Letter\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e journal in 2014 evaluated whether minoxidil at the exact same concentrations as that in Women’s Rogaine was effective for treating female pattern hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eBoth concentrations of minoxidil were found to be similarly effective at improving symptoms of hair loss. Target area hair count increased by around 20 new hairs per square centimeter, which is an impressive result.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/21700360\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e comparing 5% and 2% minoxidil for androgenic alopecia in women found both treatments effective, but 5% applied once-daily was superior to 2% applied twice-daily both in regard to side effects and efficacy.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWomen using 5% minoxidil experienced increases in target hair count and target hair width, and subjective improvements in perceived hair quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA more recent \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/31473295\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eclinical trial\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e published in 2020 found that topical minoxidil was just as effective as oral minoxidil for treating female pattern hair loss. This is an important result because oral drugs typically have more side effects than topical drugs, as less of the compound tends to be absorbed into the bloodstream with topical drugs. We would definitely recommend that patients speak with their doctor about topical minoxidil over oral minoxidil.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe can conclude from the available research that Rogaine for Women is likely to be effective on average at treating female pattern hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne benefit of both Women’s Rogaine formulations is that their inactive ingredients are safe and non-toxic. This is not always the case with pharmaceutical products. Both products are unscented and free of potentially harmful excipient ingredients such as fragrance or artificial dye.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHow Does Rogaine for Women Work?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe active ingredient in Women’s Rogaine causes a number of biological changes to the body which inhibit hair loss and increase hair growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAccording to an \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/34159872\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eextensive medical review\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e of minoxidil published in the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eJournal of Dermatological Treatment\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e, topical minoxidil is both a vasodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent. Since pattern baldness is aggravated by local inflammation, this may halt or even reverse the process. Vasodilation refers to blood vessels widening, which may allow more nutrients to reach the hair follicles.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe study authors also note that minoxidil may be an “antiandrogen.” This means that the compound blocks androgenic activity locally, which can halt hair loss. In both male and female pattern baldness, androgens (which refer to hormones such as testosterone) either cause or exacerbate hair loss.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMinoxidil also increases the duration of the anagen phase, which is the phase of the hair cycle where new hair follicles grow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAll of these biological changes seem to have a synergistic effect which is demonstrated in the research proving how effective minoxidil is at increasing hair growth.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eResearchers haven’t yet determined exactly how or why the same ingredient is so effective in women, because female pattern hair loss isn’t considered as hormonally-driven as male pattern hair loss, so we hope that more research on minoxidil for female pattern hair loss emerges in the future to specifically determine mechanisms of action.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRogaine for Women Side Effects\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe side effects of the active ingredient in Rogaine for Women are well documented. A \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/books\/NBK482378\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ereview\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e of the side effects is published by StatPearls, one of the largest free medical databases maintained by the U.S. government.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne of the most important side effects to note is that minoxidil may cause fetal malformation, even when applied topically, so pregnant women (and potentially breastfeeding women – but speak with your doctor) should likely avoid all Rogaine products.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe remaining side effects are relatively minor: redness, irritation and excessive hair growth. The final side effect is noted because this excessive hair growth may occur in places other than the scalp. Many women would prefer not to have hair growth in other areas of their face, so this side effect should be discussed with a doctor prior to Rogaine use. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCan Rogaine for Women Degrade Skin Quality?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne of the theoretical, and unlikely, side effects of Rogaine for Women is a decrease in skin quality. This side effect has not been proven in human trials but \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ein vitro\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e (test tube) which is a weaker standard of evidence.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eAs we referenced in our review of hair loss brand Keeps, which uses the same active ingredient as Rogaine, in our \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/illuminatelabs.org\/blogs\/health\/keeps-review\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003edoes Keeps work\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e article, there was a published medical study which found minoxidil to significantly reduce collagen synthesis (by around 50%).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCollagen is the core structural protein in skin, and its degradation with age is one of the primary reasons that elderly people have degraded skin compared to younger people. Here is the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/8844127\/\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003elink\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to the study for those curious.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe don’t believe this is nearly enough medical evidence to conclusively say that reduced skin quality is a possible side effect of Rogaine, but we do hope to see more research testing this effect in the future. This study may be worthwhile for patients who are concerned about their skin quality to discuss with their doctor prior to starting Rogaine for Women.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCan Women Use Men’s Rogaine?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe ingredients in both Men’s Rogaine and Women’s Rogaine are exactly the same. Even the inactive ingredients are exactly the same. This suggests that women can use Men’s Rogaine and should see the same effects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe only difference between the two products is branding. We don’t believe this is a negative thing, since the active ingredient in both formulations is the only FDA-approved pharmaceutical ingredient to treat hair loss in both women and men, as discussed earlier in the article.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eRogaine for Women User Reviews\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRogaine for Women is sold on Amazon, which allows for a more impartial analysis of user reviews in our opinion than a manufacturer website.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWomen’s Rogaine has been rated an impressive 13,364 times at the time of writing this article, and the average rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars. This is a relatively mediocre rating.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne good sign about the transparency of the brand is that FakeSpot \u003c\/span\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.fakespot.com\/product\/women-s-rogaine-5-minoxidil-foam-for-hair-thinning-and-loss-topical-treatment-for-women-s-hair-regrowth-4-month-supply\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003egives the product\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e an A grade. FakeSpot is an algorithm which detects potentially manipulated Amazon reviews, so this suggests that Rogaine hasn’t falsified any reviews at all.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe most popular positive review of Women’s Rogaine comes from a user named “Regan D. Sinclair” who claims the product has improved hair growth in her widow’s peaks:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“Glad i waited because I can really see my widow’s peaks filling in! Supposedly the hair continues to fill in and thicken up for months to come. I’m keeping it up for sure.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe most popular negative review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Carrie Stewart” who claims the product had no effect on her hair. Her review was refreshingly balanced:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e“I was one of the unlucky few for whom Rogaine has no effect. I kept using it every day for 6 months, but nothing happened. It doesn't mean Rogaine is no good -- it means it doesn't grow hair for everyone.”\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDermatologist Opinion on Rogaine for Women\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOne of the most popular YouTube reviews of Rogaine for Women is published by a dermatologist whose channel is called “Dr. Dray.”\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShe provides an overview of the treatment and answers user questions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/pisihv25uh0\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture\" allowfullscreen=\"\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eConclusion\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRogaine for Women is effective for treating female pattern hair loss. Its active ingredient is backed by a significant amount of medical research, and the side effects are relatively minor.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe hope that more research emerges in the future which tests the effect of minoxidil on collagen synthesis, since it would be worthwhile for consumers to know if this product could potentially degrade their skin quality.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe believe that Rogaine for Women is more likely to be effective than most hair growth supplements, as we have reviewed many of those on Illuminate Health and found nearly all of them to be lacking in research backing.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","blog_id":49281925193,"author":"Calloway Cook","user_id":26601750601,"published_at":"2022-07-04T01:05:50-04:00","updated_at":"2023-03-01T14:42:10-05:00","summary_html":"We review whether Rogaine for Women can stop and even reverse female pattern hair loss based on an analysis of medical research. We highlight side effects of the treatment and discuss whether Women's Rogaine can negatively impact skin.","template_suffix":"","handle":"rogaine-for-women-review","tags":"_related:hair-growth"}

Rogaine for Women Review: Can it Stop Female Hair Loss?

Rogaine for Women Review: Can it Stop Female Hair Loss?


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Disclaimer: None of the information in this article constitutes medical advice, and is just the opinion of the writer(s) and published for informational purposes only. We recommend that patients follow their doctor’s guidance in regard to hair loss treatment.

Rogaine is one of the most popular hair loss treatments in the world. It’s typically used by and marketed to men. But because of its efficacy, many women suffering from baldness are often curious about whether Rogaine is equally effective for women. Rogaine does sell a line of women’s hair loss products with the same active ingredient as the men’s formulation.

In this article we’ll review medical research on Rogaine for women to determine if we believe it’s likely to be safe and effective for treating female pattern baldness. We’ll also explain whether the treatment is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the U.S. to treat female pattern baldness.

Is Rogaine FDA Approved for Use by Women?

Rogaine’s products for women are FDA approved and available over-the-counter (FDA). The FDA is the regulatory agency in the U.S. which clears medical devices and products for use after a thorough review of efficacy and safety, so this is a good sign for the legitimacy of the brand.

We typically only recommend that consumers use hair loss medications which are FDA approved, because this makes it less likely that the product will be harmful or unsafe in any way.

The active ingredient in Women’s Rogaine is actually the only FDA-approved topical treatment for female pattern hair loss at the time of writing this article.

It’s important to note that dietary supplements and most cosmetics are not subject to approval by the FDA; only drugs are. Since Rogaine contains a pharmaceutical ingredient, it’s subject to approval.

Rogaine for Women Formulation Review

Rogaine for Women ingredients

The active ingredient in Women’s Rogaine is minoxidil at a concentration of 5% or 2%. This is one of the most well-studied compounds for treating hair loss, but most of the medical research involves male subjects. There are some studies testing the efficacy of minoxidil for women.

A medical review published in the Skin Therapy Letter journal in 2014 evaluated whether minoxidil at the exact same concentrations as that in Women’s Rogaine was effective for treating female pattern hair loss.

Both concentrations of minoxidil were found to be similarly effective at improving symptoms of hair loss. Target area hair count increased by around 20 new hairs per square centimeter, which is an impressive result.

A clinical trial comparing 5% and 2% minoxidil for androgenic alopecia in women found both treatments effective, but 5% applied once-daily was superior to 2% applied twice-daily both in regard to side effects and efficacy.

Women using 5% minoxidil experienced increases in target hair count and target hair width, and subjective improvements in perceived hair quality.

A more recent clinical trial published in 2020 found that topical minoxidil was just as effective as oral minoxidil for treating female pattern hair loss. This is an important result because oral drugs typically have more side effects than topical drugs, as less of the compound tends to be absorbed into the bloodstream with topical drugs. We would definitely recommend that patients speak with their doctor about topical minoxidil over oral minoxidil.

We can conclude from the available research that Rogaine for Women is likely to be effective on average at treating female pattern hair loss.

One benefit of both Women’s Rogaine formulations is that their inactive ingredients are safe and non-toxic. This is not always the case with pharmaceutical products. Both products are unscented and free of potentially harmful excipient ingredients such as fragrance or artificial dye.

How Does Rogaine for Women Work?

The active ingredient in Women’s Rogaine causes a number of biological changes to the body which inhibit hair loss and increase hair growth.

According to an extensive medical review of minoxidil published in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, topical minoxidil is both a vasodilator and an anti-inflammatory agent. Since pattern baldness is aggravated by local inflammation, this may halt or even reverse the process. Vasodilation refers to blood vessels widening, which may allow more nutrients to reach the hair follicles.

The study authors also note that minoxidil may be an “antiandrogen.” This means that the compound blocks androgenic activity locally, which can halt hair loss. In both male and female pattern baldness, androgens (which refer to hormones such as testosterone) either cause or exacerbate hair loss.

Minoxidil also increases the duration of the anagen phase, which is the phase of the hair cycle where new hair follicles grow.

All of these biological changes seem to have a synergistic effect which is demonstrated in the research proving how effective minoxidil is at increasing hair growth.

Researchers haven’t yet determined exactly how or why the same ingredient is so effective in women, because female pattern hair loss isn’t considered as hormonally-driven as male pattern hair loss, so we hope that more research on minoxidil for female pattern hair loss emerges in the future to specifically determine mechanisms of action.

Rogaine for Women Side Effects

The side effects of the active ingredient in Rogaine for Women are well documented. A review of the side effects is published by StatPearls, one of the largest free medical databases maintained by the U.S. government.

One of the most important side effects to note is that minoxidil may cause fetal malformation, even when applied topically, so pregnant women (and potentially breastfeeding women – but speak with your doctor) should likely avoid all Rogaine products.

The remaining side effects are relatively minor: redness, irritation and excessive hair growth. The final side effect is noted because this excessive hair growth may occur in places other than the scalp. Many women would prefer not to have hair growth in other areas of their face, so this side effect should be discussed with a doctor prior to Rogaine use. 

Can Rogaine for Women Degrade Skin Quality?

One of the theoretical, and unlikely, side effects of Rogaine for Women is a decrease in skin quality. This side effect has not been proven in human trials but in vitro (test tube) which is a weaker standard of evidence.

As we referenced in our review of hair loss brand Keeps, which uses the same active ingredient as Rogaine, in our does Keeps work article, there was a published medical study which found minoxidil to significantly reduce collagen synthesis (by around 50%).

Collagen is the core structural protein in skin, and its degradation with age is one of the primary reasons that elderly people have degraded skin compared to younger people. Here is the link to the study for those curious.

We don’t believe this is nearly enough medical evidence to conclusively say that reduced skin quality is a possible side effect of Rogaine, but we do hope to see more research testing this effect in the future. This study may be worthwhile for patients who are concerned about their skin quality to discuss with their doctor prior to starting Rogaine for Women.

Can Women Use Men’s Rogaine?

The ingredients in both Men’s Rogaine and Women’s Rogaine are exactly the same. Even the inactive ingredients are exactly the same. This suggests that women can use Men’s Rogaine and should see the same effects.

The only difference between the two products is branding. We don’t believe this is a negative thing, since the active ingredient in both formulations is the only FDA-approved pharmaceutical ingredient to treat hair loss in both women and men, as discussed earlier in the article.

Rogaine for Women User Reviews

Rogaine for Women is sold on Amazon, which allows for a more impartial analysis of user reviews in our opinion than a manufacturer website.

Women’s Rogaine has been rated an impressive 13,364 times at the time of writing this article, and the average rating is 4.2 out of 5 stars. This is a relatively mediocre rating.

One good sign about the transparency of the brand is that FakeSpot gives the product an A grade. FakeSpot is an algorithm which detects potentially manipulated Amazon reviews, so this suggests that Rogaine hasn’t falsified any reviews at all.

The most popular positive review of Women’s Rogaine comes from a user named “Regan D. Sinclair” who claims the product has improved hair growth in her widow’s peaks:

“Glad i waited because I can really see my widow’s peaks filling in! Supposedly the hair continues to fill in and thicken up for months to come. I’m keeping it up for sure.”

The most popular negative review from a verified purchaser comes from a user named “Carrie Stewart” who claims the product had no effect on her hair. Her review was refreshingly balanced:

“I was one of the unlucky few for whom Rogaine has no effect. I kept using it every day for 6 months, but nothing happened. It doesn't mean Rogaine is no good -- it means it doesn't grow hair for everyone.”

Dermatologist Opinion on Rogaine for Women

One of the most popular YouTube reviews of Rogaine for Women is published by a dermatologist whose channel is called “Dr. Dray.”

She provides an overview of the treatment and answers user questions:

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Conclusion

Rogaine for Women is effective for treating female pattern hair loss. Its active ingredient is backed by a significant amount of medical research, and the side effects are relatively minor.

We hope that more research emerges in the future which tests the effect of minoxidil on collagen synthesis, since it would be worthwhile for consumers to know if this product could potentially degrade their skin quality.

We believe that Rogaine for Women is more likely to be effective than most hair growth supplements, as we have reviewed many of those on Illuminate Health and found nearly all of them to be lacking in research backing.




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