Is 15% Minoxidil Causing Me to Bleed More During Minor Surgeries?

Dear Dr,

Have been using topical minoxidil for 5 to 7 years or so now, however have recently more concerned it may cause long lasting damage. Have had some minor surgeries were I have bled more then expected. Could this be due to the minoxidil having a systemic effect through vasodilation ? Have also noticed a slight increase in trembling of fingers again if the topical minoxidil is getting into my system, could it be playing havoc on my CV system. I recently came across a journal from the 80’s claiming topical minoxidil at 2% was affecting LV volume. So What are your thoughts overall ? I am 29 year old male and the topical minoxidil I use is at 15%.

Topical minoxidil for treating hair loss should be 5%. In my opinion, 15% is way too much and it probably does not have much more impact on hair growth. I would think it would have unwanted negative side effects, as it would be absorbed in to your circulation. In other words, I wouldn’t be using 15% minoxidil.

The cause of your bleeding issue might be related to minoxidil, but I doubt it. People who take minoxidil orally for blood pressure problems do not really have bleeding issues. Bleeding problems are most likely related to something else. It may even be hereditary (for example, von Willebrand disease being one of the most common inherited bleeding disorders). Also, taking aspirin or ibuprofen (Advil/Motrin) can affect bleeding.