Androgens Trigger Different Growth Responses in Genetically Identical Human Hair Follicles in Organ Culture Reflecting Their Epigenetic Diversity in Life

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on the use of topical minoxidil, microneedling, finasteride, and dutasteride, while debating the role of testosterone and DHT in hair loss. It also touches on the potential liver health impacts of these treatments and the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens.

Finasteride can increase body and facial hair growth due to increased testosterone, despite its intended use to reduce hair loss on the scalp. Some users consider trying topical finasteride for less systemic impact, while others report mixed results and side effects.

DHT is essential for androgenetic alopecia, not testosterone. Treatments like finasteride and dutasteride reduce DHT, halting hair loss.

The conversation discusses androgen receptor degraders for hair loss, highlighting their potential advantages over traditional AR blockers like RU58841 and pyrilutamide. Concerns about the safety and cost of these treatments are also mentioned.

A 19-year-old started Dutasteride at 17 to combat aggressive hair thinning, which halted his facial hair development despite having strong beard genetics. He also used oral and topical Minoxidil without success for facial hair, and the discussion highlights the impact of DHT blockers on beard growth.

Balding scalps have more androgen receptors, leading to increased TGF-beta, which causes blood vessel loss and hair follicle miniaturization. Blocking androgen signaling and TGF-beta may help prevent hair loss.