What are the side effects of minoxidil?

Minoxidil (Rogaine) can have several side effects, particularly related to blood pressure and hormonal levels. According to insights shared by Andrew Huberman, some notable side effects include:

1. Cardiovascular Effects:

   • Swelling (edema) of tissues, especially in the ankles.
   • Dizziness and headaches due to its vasodilatory properties, which can lower blood pressure 1.

2. Hormonal Changes:

   • Increased levels of prolactin, a hormone that can counteract dopamine. This may lead to:
     • Reduced libido.
     • Feelings of apathy or decreased overall well-being.
     • In extreme cases, physical changes such as gynecomastia (development of breast tissue in men) 2.

Minoxidil's effectiveness primarily concerns slowing hair loss rather than reversing it, and proper dosage is important to mitigate these side effects. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it is often recommended to identify the minimal effective dose while minimizing discomfort 1.