Is it ok for women to use 5% Rogaine to restore hair?

Minoxidil  5% is generally recommended for use by men, while the 2% concentration is considered safe for males and females. The pharmaceutical companies who manufacture the drug (e.g. Pfizer, the makers of Rogaine)  have not yet received FDA approval for allowing women to use the 5% version.  However, there have been small clinical trial studies which show that the 5% concentration is significantly more effective compared to the 2% product in women. While it is probably not safe for women to simply purchase Minoxidil 5% at the nearest drug store and apply it for their hair loss needs, the medication can be used with far less risk, if it approved by a doctor.  In fact there are dermatologists who do prescribe 5% and continuously monitor the patient for effectiveness and safety purposes.