Considering Minoxidil During Pregnancy? Here’s all You Need to Know
Taking medications is always a conflict for a woman who is pregnant.
You never know which medication might cause harm to the fetus, and you definitely don’t want to take that risk.
Hair fall affects about 40% to 50% of women during pregnancy, but they are unsure about using Minoxidil.
In this article, we will give you facts that will help you know whether or not Minoxidil is safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
We will also talk about fetal Minoxidil syndrome and what are some ways to prevent hair loss naturally.
About Minoxidil
Minoxidil is listed as a Category C medication by the FDA.
It means the risk of using the medication in pregnant women cannot be ruled out.
It also signifies that there are insufficient satisfactory studies in pregnant women, but a potential risk was demonstrated to the fetus in animal studies.
However, the potential benefits of using the medication might outweigh the risks.
Is Minoxidil safe to use during pregnancy
The short answer to this question is no; using Minoxidil should be avoided during pregnancy.
The available research on the use of Minoxidil during pregnancy is limited.
However, these studies suggest pregnant women avoid this medication since it can lead to fetal malformations.
In a study where 17 pregnant women were treated with topical Minoxidil, one fetus was born with heart malformations.
Another case report in which the participant applied Minoxidil twice every day, the fetus had several malformations, including those in the heart and the brain.
In another case, a woman who used 2% Minoxidil four years prior to and also during gestation had a fetus that suffered multiple malformations, including renal agenesis, urinary tract malformations, and esophageal atresia.
With these case studies and the current studies, the data are insufficient to form a conclusive opinion on the safety of Minoxidil during pregnancy.
But the prevalence of congenital disabilities in newborns makes it unsafe to be used in women who are pregnant or trying to conceive.
Breastfeeding safe
Another question you might be wondering is if Minoxidil is not recommended for pregnant women, is it safe for those breastfeeding?
The information available on this matter is also insufficient, but it is noticed that a small amount of medication gets excreted into breast milk.
However, no abnormal signs were observed in the infant.
Another breastfed infant born four weeks early developed facial hypertrichosis while the mother applied 5% Minoxidil topically twice a day.
But, The American Academy of Pediatrics considers Minoxidil compatible with breastfeeding.
Hence, consult your doctor before deciding whether or not to use Minoxidil while breastfeeding.
The Truth about Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome
Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome describes symptoms that may be observed in a fetus or newborn when the mother has used or taken Minoxidil while pregnant.
The following symptoms/ features were reported as a sign of Fetal Minoxidil Syndrome:
- Hypertrichosis, which gradually goes away after the first six postnatal months
- Cardiac malformations
- Neurodevelopment malformations
- Gastrointestinal malformations
- Renal malformations
- Limb malformations
Alternatives and natural remedies
Here are some alternatives you can try in place of Minoxidil after consulting with your healthcare provider about the same.
- Eat a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals
- Using mild shampoos and conditioners that are gentle on the scalp
- Avoiding tight hairstyles that can pull on your hair and cause breakage
- Taking prenatal vitamins that contain biotin, which is essential for healthy hair growth
- Let your hair rest. Avoid any chemical treatment which might cause damage to them
- Regularly massaging your scalp using oils that promote hair growth
Takeaway
In conclusion, the research on whether or not it is safe to use Minoxidil during pregnancy is limited.
Hence, it is recommended not to use it after you have conceived since there will be a risk to the fetus of developing fetal Minoxidil syndrome.
This syndrome is characterized by a set of malformations that might develop in a fetus if the mother uses Minoxidil during pregnancy.
It is best to consult your healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits before you consider using Minoxidil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Minoxidil safe during pregnancy?
According to studies, using Minoxidil while pregnant is not advisable. The FDA classifies Minoxidil as Category C medicine, meaning there are insufficient trials in pregnant women, but animal research has indicated adverse effects on the fetus. Therefore, Minoxidil should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
Is Minoxidil safe when trying to conceive?
The research on the safety of Minoxidil while trying to conceive is limited, but it is usually not recommended. The FDA classifies Minoxidil as Category C medicine, which means that it might have adverse effects on the fetus. It is recommended to consult a healthcare provider for the best advice.
Can Minoxidil affect fertility?
Topical Minoxidil does not have any negative impact on male fertility and is not known to affect female fertility as well. But to err on the side of caution, doctors usually recommend women not use Minoxidil while trying to conceive.
What is the pregnancy category of Minoxidil?
The FDA classifies Minoxidil as Category C medicine, meaning there are insufficient trials in pregnant women, but animal research has indicated adverse effects on the fetus. Therefore, Minoxidil should be avoided during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks.
When should I stop taking Minoxidil before pregnancy?
You can use topical Minoxidil right up until you conceive. However, it would be best if you stopped using the medication when you get pregnant, as Minoxidil is a Category C medication, and there are chances that the fetus might develop malformations.
