5% Minoxidil, female, weight gain

Question

Im 40, female, 6 feet tall. Was 150-155 for seven years, still very active and athletic. Can monoxidil weight gain side effect be as extreme as 30 lbs in three months? I'm 179 lbs today and my face is huge. I have dieted the past week but gained 4 more lbs. I started using monoxidil 5% foam for thinning, genetic hair loss. No hair regrowth at all. Would monoxidil cause this extreme of weight gain? Will stopping cold turkey result in amplified hair loss if it didn't stimulate regrowth?

Bernardino Arocha, MD, FISHRS · Answer

sno7511, Greetings! Thanks for your interesting questions. Well, minoxidil is a vasodilator with was used to treat hypertension. Interestingly, hair growth was found to be a side effect. Like most anti-hypertension medications, especially vasodilators which decrease renal perfusion triggering the renin-angiotensin activation with resultant increased renal sodium reabsorption which leads to edema or swelling! Of course, this causes increase weight: water and sodium retention. This can be magnified during certain times in your menstrual cycle. Thirty pounds seems a lot to me in such a short period, please check with your physician.It is still early to see the full benefit of using minoxidil. All the best,Bernardino A. Arocha, MD, Diplomate ABHRS, Fellow ISHRS

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

It is very unlikely that your weigh gain is due to minoxidil use.  However, there are certain medical conditions and medications that can cause both weight gain and hair loss. You need to be evaluated by an internist or by your family doctor.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

You need a full examination by an expert and possibly an internist. This is a complex case and many possibilities exist. Minoxidil in rare rare situations can cause fluid retention. The amount you describe is extremely extremely rare for topical minoxidil to cause.  Other causes of weight gain need to be explored. And other causes of fluid retention need to be reviewed include kidney and heart. You need a comprehensive examination. There is no substitute. You need to speak to your physician if stopping cold turkey is right for you based on all your information.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

We know that minoxidil can impact both blood pressure and heart function so fluid reiention can be a side effect with cardiovascular overlaps.  This could cause weight gain in the form of water retention

5% Minoxidil, female, weight gain

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Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: Minoxidil

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5% Minoxidil, female, weight gain

Answers (4)

Answer: Minoxidil

Answer: Minoxidil

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

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