Minoxidil and Pregnancy

Reviewed byClearHormones Editorial Team, Medical-literature review

Last reviewed: 7/3/2026 · How we review →

Minoxidil is generally avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Cases of infant hypertrichosis have been reported after maternal use, and minoxidil passes into breast milk. Female pattern hair loss is not urgent, so treatment is typically deferred.

Pregnancy safety

Minoxidil pregnancy safety summary
FDA category	C (Loniten, historical) — generally avoided in pregnancy
Before pregnancy	Discontinue before trying to conceive; hair-loss treatment can safely wait.
Breastfeeding	Minoxidil is excreted in breast milk; use during breastfeeding is generally avoided. Discuss alternatives with your clinician.

Sources(5)

FDA label — Loniten (oral minoxidil) ↗
FDA label — Women's Rogaine (topical minoxidil 5%) ↗
Lucky AW et al., JAAD 2004 (topical minoxidil in women) ↗
Randolph M, Tosti A, JAAD 2021 (oral minoxidil review) ↗
Rodrigues-Barata R et al., Skin Appendage Disord 2020 (low-dose oral minoxidil, 148 women) ↗