Rogaine extra strength (5%) can be used by women and has recently also received approval for use by women in the foam formulation at a dose of once daily. Check with your physician to see if Rogaine is right for you. Side effects include hair growth on the face, heart palpitations, dizziness, shedding of hair in the first month. Rogaine is not for use by women during pregnancy.
I have often recommended higher concentrations of minoxidil (Rogaine) for women. There has been no problems in my hands