The Belgravia Centre Blog

Name: Colin

Question: My (female) partner has been diagnosed with Alopecia Areata. The area effected is about the size of a golf ball. Are there any side effects using the minoxidil cream treatment and how much would the treatment cost?

Answer: For treatment of Alopecia Areata, Belgravia can prescribe Minoxidil 5% solution with added Medroxyprogesterone (MPG) or an extra-strength Minoxidil 12.5% cream with added Azelaic Acid (AA). Obviously the cream is stronger however Belgravia has a team of highly experienced experts who are qualified to prescribe the Minoxidil in a formula that is best suited to each individual client.

Like most other drugs there can be side effects from the use of Minoxidil. However like all drugs that are licensed by the MHRA and approved by the FDA, the medical regulatory bodies in the UK and USA, Minoxidil has undergone extensive testing and been shown to be highly safe and effective. In these tests, side effects from Minoxidil ranged from mild facial hair growth, headaches, rashes and palpitations. All were mild and needed no medical treatment.

After years treating thousands of men and women with minoxidil 4%, 5% and 12.5% we have only observed a very small number of people who have experienced side effects. All side effects wore off once the usage of the medication was stopped. In the case of minoxidil 12.5% + AA, some women (usually dark-skinned women such as women of Asian and of African origin) experience increased facial hair growth so a less concentrated form of minoxidil may be better suited. These side effects disappeared shortly after commencing treatment, or a short time after stopping use of Minoxidil.

With regards to the cost of a Minoxidil treatment programme, this depends on a number of factors: the strength of Minoxidil required and the length of treatment required. In order to prescribe your partner the appropriate course of treatment (and know the exact cost), we need to diagnose the stage of hair loss. Your partner is welcome to come in to the clinic for a free consultation with one of Belgravia’s specialists. To book an appointment, just call 020 7730 6666 or message the centre. Alternatively, she can fill out the online diagnostic form which will be instantly reviewed in the clinic and a Treatment Advisor will be in contact over the next few working days to provide you with further details on treatment type, length and cost.

Examples of Alopecia Areata Treatment Successes:
“The regrowth is progressing…Can’t recommend highly enough. Fantastic!”
“My hair is growing back…much heavier and much thicker.”
“The big patch of hair loss has gone and I’ve got my confidence back.”