Oral minoxidil, delivered to you

While there are any number of underlying causes for hair loss that affect women, the vast majority of cases can be attributed to one of two conditions. Sometimes these two conditions overlap with both of them contributing to an individual’s noticeable hair loss.

The most common cause is called female pattern hair loss (FPHL). It is a chronic, progressive hair loss that can start at any age and presents as progressive thinning of the hair, particularly at the top and front of the scalp. The cause is not entirely clear but is believed to be multifactorial, including possibly genetic predisposition and hormonal factors. The earlier treatment is begun the better likelihood of slowing progression and seeing regrowth.

The other common hair loss condition is called telogen effluvium (TE). The condition is characterized by an increase in the amount of shedding that one normally experiences. The condition represents the early release of hairs that are in the resting phase of the hair growth cycle. It’s typically brought on by some sort of trigger event. Most commonly this happens after childbirth with about 30-50% of postpartum women experiencing it. Other potential triggers include major life stressors, hospitalization, illness (e.g., COVID), surgery, and certain medications.

TE also has a specific chronic form that typically affects women 30-60 years of age. There is no identifiable trigger to the increased hair shedding for chronic TE. It can run a course over months and years with the shedding fluctuating in terms of severity. Even if it’s been going on for years there is no progressive change in density that is noticeable to an observer, but the individual affected may note decreased volume.

Ro offers access to treatment for both of these hair loss conditions.

Oral minoxidil, an oral medication that is FDA approved to treat high blood pressure. The typical dosage range used to treat hypertension is 10-40 mg/day. Although not indicated for treatment for hair loss in women, healthcare providers have the discretion to prescribe a medication for a non-approved use (“off-label”) if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient. For hair loss, oral minoxidil is used at much lower dosages, with 0.25 - 2.5 mg being the typical dosage range used for females. As such, the treatment is often referred to as “low dose oral minoxidil.”

Hair Solution Rx, a customized topical with dermatologist-backed ingredients that address hair loss from a number of angles to optimize topical treatment (ie., topical minoxidil but better). Hair Solution Rx is a compounded drug that contains minoxidil, tretinoin, and melatonin.
As there is no additional benefit to taking both oral minoxidil and the topical formulation, it is not recommended to use both.

With both oral minoxidil and topical Hair Solution Rx, which is formulated with minoxidil, while the timeline for results may vary, some users begin to see results as soon as 3 months, but those represent the minority. Typically, it takes 6–12 months to see the full benefits.

If you’re experiencing hair loss or hair thinning, you can start the Ro Women’s Hair Loss Treatment online visit. You will answer questions about your hair goals, medical history, details of the symptoms you’ve been experiencing and your lifestyle, and we’ll guide you through how to take and submit photos of your hair. Our Ro-affiliated providers will then review your details, assess your hair loss, and prescribe treatment, if appropriate.

If prescribed, you’ll receive the treatment with free, fast shipping. Your provider will check in throughout the course of your journey to follow your progress and see if you’re experiencing any side effects. If you have questions and updates you’d like to make along the way, you can message your provider 24/7.

Oral minoxidil from Ro costs $30/mo., billed and shipped 3 months at a time ($90 per refill).

Hair Solution Rx from Ro costs $40/mo., billed and shipped 3 months at a time ($120 per refill).

Costs associated with the initial consultation, prescription, and ongoing consultations are included.