Women can use 5% minoxidil for men but they should be aware that it might cause side effects. Alternative treatments to consider include microneedling, hair transplants, platelet-rich plasma therapy, finasteride (also known by the brand name Propecia), and red-light therapy.

Many doctors recommend the 5% strength for men AND Women. There are a number of treatment options, and Minoxidil (the generic name for Rogaine) is one of the least expensive ones and is considered safe.

A: Rogaine, the brand name of generic minoxidil, comes in formulations for both men and women. The men’s versions come in a 5% solution and a 5% foam while women’s products are the 5% foam and 2% solution.

A side effect of any minoxidil for women is slightly lowered blood pressure, and using the 5 percent solution prescribed to men can intensify that affect. Low blood pressure can cause dizziness, fatigue or even fainting upon standing if the use of Rogaine for men is not discontinued.

Minoxidil 5 % foam for men is generally the same identical product as minoxidil 5% foam for women. The men’s foam is usually less expensive so a physician may recommend that some of their female patients simply use the men’s minoxidil foam.