Non-hormonal hair regrowth
Oral Minoxidil
Looking for no-fuss hair loss treatment? This once-a-day pill helps to kickstart hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles without affecting your hormone balance. Simple.
Meet oral minoxidil
- Simple, once-a-day treatment to help reactivate hair follicles and regrow hair
- 100% online, and free shipping (if prescribed)
How it works
Minoxidil helps boost blood flow which extends the hair growth phase and shortens the resting phase where strands are no longer growing.
Oral Minoxidil Side effects
- Like any medication, there may be side effects. With unlimited access to licensed providers you can ask questions and adjust your treatment any time.
- Because minoxidil is not an androgen (hormone) blocker, there is no requirement to be on a reliable form of birth control while taking it.
Select your plan
subscribe to save
Start a free online visit
Answer a few questions about your symptoms and health history.
Connect with a provider
A licensed medical provider will determine if treatment is right for you.
Free delivery
Your hair loss treatment will ship discreetly to you for free, if prescribed.
Committed to your success
Get unlimited access to licensed providers for questions or follow up visits and exclusive hair loss content in the Hers app.
Simple, yet effective
Give hair growth a boost with oral minoxidil. This simple once-a-day treatment boosts blood flow to hair follicles to help stop hair loss and thinning and regrow hair.
Oral minoxidil at a glance
A once-a-day hair treatment that doesn’t affect hormones or require any changes to your current hair styling routine.
The Science of Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
- Oral minoxidil is a non-hormonal treatment that gets activated by an enzyme called sulfotransferase. This enzyme helps increase blood flow, which makes the hair growth phase last longer and shortens the resting phase when hair isn't growing.
The Science of Oral Minoxidil for Hair Loss
- Oral minoxidil is a non-hormonal treatment that gets activated by an enzyme called sulfotransferase. This enzyme helps increase blood flow, which makes the hair growth phase last longer and shortens the resting phase when hair isn't growing.
Good to know
Learn more about oral minoxidil
What is oral minoxidil?
The active ingredient in oral minoxidil is identical to the one in topical minoxidil, which has been FDA approved and used to treat hair loss for years. Oral minoxidil is just the convenient once-a-day pill version for anyone looking to regrow their hair with a simple routine.
How long has oral minoxidil been around?
While oral minoxidil is considered an “off-label” treatment for male pattern baldness, it is FDA-approved (at higher doses) to treat high blood pressure.
Doctors began prescribing low-dose oral minoxidil tablets as a convenient, once-a-day hair loss treatment because in clinical trials studying higher doses of oral minoxidil for high blood pressure, 80% of patients experienced hypertrichosis—"elongation, thickening, and enhanced pigmentation of fine body hair,” including on the scalp.
Healthcare providers have the discretion to prescribe medications off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient.
Can women take oral minoxidil?
It’s a great option for women wanting a simple way to regrow hair without affecting hormones or applying a product. Learn more about if minoxidil is safe for women and its potential side effects.
Is oral minoxidil better than topical?
In order to work, minoxidil requires the presence of an enzyme called follicular sulfotransferase. Not everyone has high enough levels of this enzyme in their hair follicles, so a topical treatment will not work for those users. That’s where oral minoxidil for hair loss comes in. Topical minoxidil has been FDA approved and used to treat hair loss for years, but not everyone wants a daily topical treatment. Enter, this new pill form.There are no added side effects for using oral minoxidil instead of topical minoxidil.
Does minoxidil affect hormones?
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles to kickstart hair regrowth, no hormones involved. Learn more about minixodil’s potential side effects.
Expert dermatologists in female hair loss, no waiting room required
Hers connects you with a dream team of licensed medical providers who are experts in dermatology and female hair loss. They understand which treatments work best depending on your needs. Just answer some questions and a provider will create a personalized hers hair growth treatment plan for you.
Follicle activation
Minoxidil gives hair follicles a boost by increasing blood flow to each strand.
Longer growth phase
This helps to lengthen the growth phase, and shorten the resting phase when new hair isn't growing.
Simple routine
One pill, once a day. A simple way to get better hair days.
Frequently asked questions about hers oral minoxidil through Hers
What oral minoxidil dosage is common for female hair loss?
Oral minoxidil is usually prescribed in lower doses when treating hair loss. Through Hers, the starting dose is 1.25mg with an option to increase to 2.5mg, but your provider will determine what is right for you.
How long does oral minoxidil take to work?
Similar to topical minoxidil, the oral minoxidil formulation takes a few months to produce noticeable results to your crown and hairline. Results are usually seen within 6 months but can be seen as early as 3 months.
Can I use both topical minoxidil and oral minoxidil?
It’s not recommended to use both topical and oral minoxidil at the same time. Using both will not improve results, but could increase the risk of side effects.
Is oral minoxidil better than topical minoxidil drops or foam?
There have not been clinical trials comparing the two, but there appear to be benefits to using oral in some situations. For example, unlike topical minoxidil, it’s possible to adjust the dosage of oral minoxidil in order to get an effective dose.
In addition, some people are treatment resistant to topical minoxidil because of low levels of a specific enzyme in their hair follicles. Low-dose oral minoxidil may be more effective in this case, as the medication is absorbed systemically and activated by the liver.
Oral finasteride vs oral minoxidil — which is better?
Minoxidil is a topical medication that dilates blood vessels to increase blood flow to the treatment area, which stimulates hair growth.
Finasteride blocks the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can damage hair follicles and cause hair loss. It's often recommended as the first treatment for hair loss.
While minoxidil has been the gold standard for treating women's hair loss, finasteride also shows promise in the treatment of female pattern hair loss, particularly in postmenopausal women.
Where can I buy oral minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a prescription medication, so visiting in-person dermatology specialists was the most common way to get it. With Hers, women can receive a clinical evaluation online in all 50 states, and can get minoxidil pills for hair loss from the comfort of home when deemed medically appropriate.
Can I expect oral minoxidil shedding?
Yes. Oral minoxidil can cause early hair shedding as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is an expected side effect that will improve with continued minoxidil use.
What are the common side effects of oral minoxidil?
A common side effect of low-dose oral minoxidil treatment is increased hair growth on the face or body (hypertrichosis). Other potential side effects include lightheadedness, palpitations, leg swelling, headaches, swelling around the eyes, and insomnia. Oral minoxidil can cause early shedding as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is an expected side effect that will improve with continued minoxidil use. When used at higher doses to treat hypertension, there is a risk of severe heart-related side effects. This was largely unseen in clinical studies using low doses to treat hair loss.
How is oral minoxidil different than spironolactone for hair?
Spironolactone works by blocking androgen hormones which can lead to hair loss in women. Oral minoxidil is a non-hormonal option that increases blood flow to hair follicles allowing them to stay in the growth phase longer.
Do you have to be on birth control to use oral minoxidil?
No, but you should stop taking it if you become pregnant.
Can you use oral minoxidil while pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, you should also not use oral minoxidil when pregnant or breastfeeding or while planning to become pregnant. Learn more about oral minoxidil and breastfeeding here.
Can oral minoxidil tablets treat other hair disorders?
While some evidence suggests it is possible, other applications are not well studied or widely accepted yet. We do not offer oral minoxidil treatment for other hair disorders (eg, telogen effluvium or alopecia areata).
Learn more about oral minoxidil
Important safety information
Learn more about Spironolactone
Important safety information
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information that I should know about oral minoxidil for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)?
- Oral minoxidil is FDA-approved for the treatment of high blood pressure
- Low-dose oral minoxidil is used by dermatologists off-label to treat female pattern hair loss
- The efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil to promote hair growth is supported by clinical evidence including clinical trials
Do not use oral minoxidil for the treatment of your female pattern hair loss if you:
- Are allergic to oral minoxidil
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
If any of the following apply to you, please speak with a healthcare provider in-person about seeking treatment for your female pattern hair loss:
- Younger than 18 years of age
- Have heart, kidney, or liver disease
- Are taking blood pressure medications for hypertension
- Have experienced dizziness or fainting that occurs upon standing after sitting or lying down
- Have experienced sudden onset of increased muscularity, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, or excessive hair growth on the face or body
- Have pheochromocytoma
These are some of the more common side effects of oral minoxidil:
- Hypertrichosis, or increased hair growth on the face or body
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations or tachycardia
- Headaches
- Leg swelling or fluid retention (edema)
- Swelling around the eyes
- Insomnia
- Nausea
If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your provider as you may benefit from a dose adjustment or change in treatment.
Oral minoxidil can cause early hair shedding as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is an expected side effect that will improve with continued minoxidil use.
Minoxidil may cause changes to your EKG; tell your doctor prior to an EKG if you are taking oral minoxidil.
Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these side effects:
- New or worsening chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden changes to your vision or hearing
- Very severe heartburn
The above symptoms may be signs of a more serious reaction.
These are not all of the possible side effects of oral minoxidil. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You can message a healthcare provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
Explore more hair loss treatments
Your perfect hair loss treatment awaits. From doctor-trusted prescription options to clinically-proven regrowth treatments, we’ve got you covered.
Important Safety Information
Through the Hers platform, topical finasteride + minoxidil spray is only available to women aged 43 and over, who are on a reliable form of birth control.
Read this patient information before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider about your medical condition or treatment.
Topical finasteride + minoxidil spray is a prescription medication used for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Unlike oral finasteride (which is FDA-approved only for use in men), topical finasteride + minoxidil spray is a compounded product and has not been approved by the FDA. It is only available if prescribed after an online consultation with a medical provider through the Hers platform.
The use of topical finasteride to treat hair loss has not been as comprehensively studied as oral finasteride. While research has shown that serum DHT levels decrease while using topical finasteride, the systemic side effects (e.g., sexual dysfunction) typically associated with oral finasteride were not reported in the studies of topical finasteride.
Do not use other topical minoxidil or topical finasteride products while you are using this topical finasteride 0.3% + minoxidil 6% spray.
Do not allow individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals who have the potential to become pregnant, or children handle this medication. Do not allow any of these individuals to come into contact with the treatment site (your scalp) after the medication has been applied. If they do, they should immediately clean the site of contact on their skin with soap and water.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using topical finasteride + minoxidil?
- If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- Topical finasteride + minoxidil spray should not be used or handled by individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals who have the potential to become pregnant, or individuals under the age of 18.
- If you have any other medical conditions
- If you have ever had a hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to topical minoxidil or topical finasteride + minoxidil
- All of the medications that you are currently taking, including prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Know the medications you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medication.
Who should not use topical finasteride + minoxidil?
- Do not use topical finasteride + minoxidil if you:
- are currently taking oral finasteride for hair loss or for treatment of an enlarged prostate (Propecia®, Proscar®). Oral finasteride and topical finasteride + minoxidil spray cannot be used at the same time
- are currently taking other medications in the same class as finasteride (5-alpha reductase inhibitors: e.g., dutasteride, Avodart®, Jalyn®)
- are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or may become pregnant
- due to the possibility of absorption of finasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a male fetus
- are breastfeeding
- are allergic to any of the ingredients of topical finasteride + minoxidil
- have a history of breast cancer, uterine, cervical or ovarian cancer in the last 5 years
- are younger than 18 years of age
What are the possible side effects of topical finasteride + minoxidil spray?
The most common side effects of topical finasteride + minoxidil spray typically occur at the site of medication application (scalp). These side effects include:
- Itching
- Redness
- Irritation
- Burning sensation
- Contact dermatitis
- Dry and flaky scalp
If you develop any of the following side effects, please stop using this topical medication and contact your healthcare provider right away:
- Chest pain
- Rapid heart beat
- Faintness or dizziness
- Sudden and unexplained weight gain
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Breast tenderness/enlargement
- Unwanted facial hair growth
- Sexual dysfunction (e.g., low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased volume of ejaculate)
- Symptoms of depression
- No scalp hair regrowth after 6 months of use
- Severe scalp irritation
These are not all of the possible side effects of topical finasteride + minoxidil spray. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You can message a healthcare provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
How do I use the topical finasteride + minoxidil spray?
- Use this medication exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to use it.
- Do not use this medication more than once a day as it will not improve results and can increase the risk of side effects.
- Wash your hands with soap immediately after applying this medication to your scalp.
What should I do if this medication gets on my face?
There is the potential for hair growth to occur on any skin that this medication comes into contact with after repeated use. For this reason, only apply the topical finasteride + minoxidil spray to the scalp, and carefully blot any excess to avoid it running onto your face. If it does get on your face, clean off the medication with gentle soap and water.
How should I store the topical finasteride + minoxidil spray?
- Store this medication at room temperature between 59˚F to 86˚F (15˚C to 30˚C).
- Keep this medication and all other medications out of the reach of children.
- Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, individuals who have the potential to become pregnant, and individuals under the age of 18 should not handle this medication
- Discard any unneeded medication
General information about the safe and effective use of the topical finasteride + minoxidil spray:
- Do not use this medication for a condition for which it was not prescribed.
- Do not give this medication to other people, even if they have the same symptoms you have. It may harm them.
- Minoxidil is suspected to be toxic to cats and dogs. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6988634/ Please do not allow cats, dogs, or other pets to ingest this medication or to come into contact with the treatment site after the medication has been applied. If these occur, consult your pet's veterinarian.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information that I should know about Spironolactone for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia):
- Spironolactone is FDA-approved for the treatment of:
- Heart failure
- Hypertension
- Primary hyperaldosteronism
- Edema
- Although spironolactone is not FDA-approved for the treatment of female pattern hair loss, it is often used in dermatologic healthcare for this reason.
- Spironolactone is not used for the treatment of hair loss in men due to side effects (e.g., enlargement of breast tissue) related to its anti-androgenic properties.
- Through the Hers platform, spironolactone is only available to premenopausal women, born female, between the ages of 18-43.
- If you have the potential to become pregnant, you must be on a reliable form of birth control while taking spironolactone due to the risk of birth defects associated with spironolactone. Please see below for more information about this.
Are there any dietary restrictions that I should follow while taking spironolactone?
While taking spironolactone, excessive potassium intake should be avoided. This includes avoiding potassium-containing supplements in addition to salt substitutes that contain potassium. Coconut water contains high amounts of potassium and should be avoided. Most other foods, including bananas, are safe to consume in moderation.
Drinking alcohol may increase certain spironolactone side effects, such as headache or dizziness.
Do not use spironolactone for the treatment of your female pattern hair loss if you:
- Are allergic or hypersensitive to spironolactone or any component of spironolactone’s formulation
Active ingredient:
spironolactone
spironolactone
Inactive Ingredients:
lactose monohydrate, dibasic calcium phosphate, povidone, peppermint oil, purified talc, pregelatinized starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red
lactose monohydrate, dibasic calcium phosphate, povidone, peppermint oil, purified talc, pregelatinized starch, colloidal anhydrous silica, magnesium stearate, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 400, titanium dioxide, iron oxide yellow, iron oxide red
- Are currently taking eplerenone
- Have hyperkalemia
- Have Addison’s disease
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding or are planning to become pregnant
If any of the following apply to you, please speak with a healthcare provider in-person about seeking treatment for your female pattern hair loss:
- Younger than 18 years of age
- You are taking any of the following medications:
- Cholestyramine
- Daily use of acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin) or NSAIDS (e.g., ibuprofen, advil, aleve, naproxen).
- Potassium supplements
- Drugs that increase serum potassium levels (e.g., ACE-inhibitors, angiotensin-receptor blockers, Heparin or low molecular weight heparin)
- Lithium
- Digoxin
- You have any of the following conditions:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Heart disease
- Gout
- Adrenal gland disorder
- Irregular menstrual periods that have not been evaluated by a healthcare provider in-person
- Recent onset of excessive hair growth on the face or body, enlargement of the clitoris, and/or deepening of the voice
These are some of the more common side effects of spironolactone:
- Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, confusion
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Breast tenderness/enlargement
- Decreased libido
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of these side effects:
Hyperkalemia (elevated potassium level in your blood) is a reported serious side effect of spironolactone. Hyperkalemia is rarely seen in young, healthy individuals under 45 without underlying kidney or heart disease. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you experience any of the following symptoms of hyperkalemia:
- Confusion
- Fatigue
- Muscle pain or weakness
- Difficulty with breathing
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea
- Tingling or numbness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
These are not all of the possible side effects of spironolactone. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Contract your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You can message a healthcare provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.
If I am sexually active, is it important to use an effective form of contraception while taking spironolactone?
Yes, spironolactone can potentially cause birth defects in a developing fetus (e.g., feminization of a male fetus). If you are concerned that your birth control method was ineffective or failed, over-the-counter emergency contraception is available but must be taken within 72 hours (3 days) following the sexual act. Prescription emergency contraception (ella®) is also available through a healthcare provider and must be taken within 5 days following the sexual act.
Oral contraceptive pills are often prescribed with spironolactone as a form of birth control and to help maintain regular menstrual periods while preventing side effects, such as breast tenderness.
If you become pregnant while taking spironolactone, you should immediately stop taking spironolactone and inform a medical professional.
Important Safety Information
What is the most important information that I should know about oral minoxidil for the treatment of female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia):
- Oral minoxidil is FDA-approved for the treatment of high blood pressure
- Low-dose oral minoxidil is used by dermatologists off-label to treat female pattern hair loss
- The efficacy and safety of low-dose oral minoxidil to promote hair growth is supported by clinical evidence including clinical trials
- This tablet was formulated with dermatologists who have determined a dosage of 2.5 mg as appropriate when combined with oral minoxidil. It is not recommended that you take additional biotin supplements. High doses of biotin (5 mg or higher) may interfere with certain lab tests, including specific tests to aid in heart attack diagnoses.
Do not use oral minoxidil for the treatment of your female pattern hair loss if you:
- Are allergic to oral minoxidil
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
If any of the following apply to you, please speak with a healthcare provider in-person about seeking treatment for your female pattern hair loss:
- Younger than 18 years of age
- Have heart, kidney or liver disease
- Are taking blood pressure medications for hypertension
- Have experienced dizziness or fainting that occurs upon standing after sitting or lying down
- Have experienced sudden onset of increased muscularity, deepening of the voice, enlargement of the clitoris, or excessive hair growth on the face or body
- Have pheochromocytoma
These are some of the more common side effects of oral minoxidil:
- Hypertrichosis, or increased hair growth on the face or body
- Lightheadedness
- Palpitations or tachycardia
- Headaches
- Leg swelling or fluid retention (edema)
- Swelling around the eyes
- Insomnia
- Nausea
If you experience any of the above side effects, contact your provider as you may benefit from a dose adjustment or change in treatment.
Oral minoxidil can cause early hair shedding as beneficial hair cycling is triggered. This is an expected side effect that will improve with continued minoxidil use.
Seek emergency medical care if you experience any of these side effects:
- New or worsening chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sudden changes to your vision or hearing
- Very severe heartburn
The above symptoms may be signs of a more serious reaction.
These are not all of the possible side effects of oral minoxidil. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. You can message a healthcare provider through your Hers account if you have any questions about your treatment, including any side effects you may be experiencing. You may report side effects to FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088 or visiting http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch.