Hair Growth Effect of Minoxidil

    January 2002 in “ Folia Pharmacologica Japonica ”
    Susumu Otomo
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    TLDR Minoxidil helps hair grow by improving blood flow and increasing growth factors in hair follicles.
    The 2002 document outlines the hair growth effects of minoxidil, a drug initially used for high blood pressure that was found to stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is thought to work by activating the sulfonylurea receptor (SUR), which leads to increased blood flow, promotion of growth factors like VEGF, and prevention of cell death in hair follicles, thereby extending their growth phase. Although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood, minoxidil is believed to enhance cell growth factors, inhibit apoptosis, and improve blood flow, which together stimulate hair follicles. Minoxidil was FDA-approved in 1988 and is available in various concentrations, including 1% and 5% topical formulations.
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      in Research/Science  319 upvotes 2 months ago
      Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.

      community Being Safe on Oral Minoxidil: tl;dr on the literature.

      in Research/Science  51 upvotes 1 year ago
      Oral minoxidil is effective for hair loss but can cause cardiovascular side effects, such as pericardial effusion, especially in those with genetic predispositions. Starting with low doses and monitoring cardiovascular health are advised to reduce risks.

      community 2 months minoxidil, vitamins and micro needling

      in Minoxidil  24 upvotes 1 day ago
      The conversation discusses using minoxidil, vitamins, and microneedling for hair loss treatment over two months. Users inquire about the specific vitamins used and the ease of microneedling.

      community Minoxidil: Is 2x any better than 1x daily?

      in Minoxidil  8 upvotes 2 days ago
      Using minoxidil twice daily may offer around 20% better regrowth compared to once daily, but once daily is still effective, especially with dermastamping. The user also uses dutasteride and finasteride daily, and is considering increasing minoxidil application despite concerns about cost and potential shedding.

      community Almost 6 months in minoxidil / finastride

      in Minoxidil  141 upvotes 2 days ago
      The user experienced significant hair regrowth using 2.5 mg minoxidil and 1 mg finasteride prescribed by a dermatologist, with no negative side effects reported. The progress has inspired others to try similar treatments for hair loss.

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