Minoxidil – common side effects
Minoxidil is commonly used in gender-affirming care for individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to promote hair growth, particularly in transgender men or non-binary individuals seeking masculinization.
However, like any medication, minoxidil can have potentially unwanted or adverse effects. Here are some of the possible side effects:
| Side Effect | Description |
| Scalp Irritation | Minoxidil may cause scalp irritation in some individuals, leading to redness, itching, or burning sensation at the application site. |
| Unwanted Hair Growth | Some users may experience unwanted hair growth in areas where minoxidil is applied, such as the face or neck. This can occur particularly in women or individuals using higher concentrations of minoxidil. |
| Increased Hair Shedding | In the initial stages of minoxidil use, some individuals may experience increased hair shedding before new hair growth begins. This shedding is temporary and typically resolves within a few weeks. |
| Dryness or Flaking | Minoxidil may cause dryness or flaking of the scalp in some users. |
| Dizziness | Rarely, minoxidil may cause dizziness or lightheadedness in some individuals, especially if it is accidentally ingested or if too much is applied to the scalp. |
| Allergic Reactions | Although rare, allergic reactions to minoxidil can occur, presenting with symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Immediate medical attention is necessary if any signs of an allergic reaction occur. |
If you think you'd benefit from Minoxidil, you can request an add-on on your Treatment Recommendation form for £10.
Related Articles
Finasteride – common side effects
Finasteride is sometimes used in gender-affirming care for transgender women (assigned male at birth) as part of hormone therapy to help reduce hair loss and promote feminisation. However, it’s important to note that finasteride can have potential ...Triptorelin - common side effects
Triptorelin is another medication used in gender-affirming care, particularly for transgender women (assigned male at birth) or those with androgen-dependent conditions. It is a gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist, similar to leuprorelin, ...Leuprorelin – common side effects
Leuprorelin, also known as Lupron, is a medication commonly used in gender-affirming care, particularly for transgender women (assigned male at birth) or those with androgen-dependent conditions. It belongs to a class of medications called ...Desogestrel – common side effects
Desogestrel is a progestin-only contraceptive pill. Here are some potential side effects of desogestrel: Side Effect Description Menstrual irregularities Desogestrel may cause changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, including irregular bleeding, ...Bijuve – common side effects
Bijuve is a medication that combines estradiol and progesterone, used in hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for postmenopausal women to relieve symptoms of menopause and in gender-affirming care. It’s important to understand the potential ...