Q: Do you have any suggestions about how to handle hair loss for women? I have always had baby-fine, thin hair all my life. Now it is even thinner. What can I do to remedy this problem?

A: Hair loss is a common problem as people age, and both men and women can be affected. For decades, dermatologists have recommended topical minoxidil (Rogaine), which can be moderately effective but must be applied conscientiously without pause.

For the past several years, dermatologists have been experimenting with low-dose oral minoxidil. A systematic review of 10 studies (in which men greatly outnumbered women) concluded that this treatment is often safe and successful (International Journal of Dermatology, August 2020). A consensus statement of dermatologists agreed that this could be a viable treatment for adults (JAMA Dermatology, Jan. 1, 2025).

At this dose, minoxidil does not appear to affect blood pressure significantly (Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Nov. 7, 2024). Nevertheless, this treatment requires medical supervision and blood pressure monitoring.

Q: You have said that melatonin can help control acid reflux or GERD, but you haven’t mentioned an actual dose (either with or without omeprazole). I take a Pepcid AC once a day but not omeprazole. Could you suggest a possible dosage of melatonin?

A: In a small controlled clinical trial, researchers found that 3 mg/day of melatonin under the tongue together with a 20 mg/day dose of omeprazole seemed more effective than omeprazole alone (Turkish Journal of Gastroenterology, December 2023). This dose is available without a prescription.

If you try this, you may want to take the melatonin at night. Some people find that 3 milligrams of melatonin taken an hour or two before bedtime helps them sleep. You wouldn’t want that effect in the daytime.

Q: I have neuropathy and take pregabalin to manage it. However, there are nights when the pain becomes so intense that it wakes me up and lasts for several hours.

Your radio show and articles have mentioned using bar soap as an alternative or additional treatment. You’ve suggested that the off-gassing vapors of the soap might positively affect the transient receptor potential.

Are there soap brands that people have found more beneficial than others? Is it correct to assume that the soap should be placed in a mesh bag to allow the vapors to permeate? Where exactly should the soap be placed in relation to the legs and feet for the best effect?

A: We have written far more often about using soap under the bottom sheet to ward off nocturnal leg cramps. Your mention of neuropathy sent us to our website, where we discovered a testimonial from several years ago:

“I have RLS (restless leg syndrome) and minor neuropathy in my left foot. I was taking ropinirole to treat it.

“A lady in my church group suggested soap. I was skeptical. However, I bought a pack of lavender soap and a mesh bag to put it in.

“I missed the instructions about putting it under the bottom sheet, so I sat here in my recliner with soap between my foot and right leg. I brought the bag to bed with me and slept with it. WOW! I woke up from the best sleep I have gotten in a long time. My neuropathy is much less intense.”

We don’t know if you will get similar relief, but we are reasonably sure that sleeping with soap in a mesh bag or under the bottom sheet near the legs will not have side effects. A compound in soaps like Ivory or Irish Spring may trigger transient receptor potential channels and calm hyperactive nerves.

In their column, Joe and Teresa Graedon answer letters from readers. Send questions to them via www.peoplespharmacy.com.