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

      in Research/Science  51 upvotes 2 months 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 Reql minoxidil vs fake minoxidil (right)

      in Minoxidil  196 upvotes 1 day ago
      Counterfeit minoxidil is a concern, with users suggesting buying from reputable sources like Costco to ensure authenticity. A bleach test can help verify genuine minoxidil.

      community Smoking minoxidil, the theory that changes everything.

      in Minoxidil  490 upvotes 2 days ago
      A user humorously suggested smoking minoxidil in a blunt as an alternative hair growth method, sparking a satirical discussion on unconventional and unsafe ways to use minoxidil. The conversation included various suggestions like oral pills, rectal administration, and other absurd methods, with some users warning against the dangers of such practices.

      community Why don't Minoxidil regenerated hairs become terminal on the head?

      in Minoxidil  84 upvotes 2 days ago
      Minoxidil helps hair growth by increasing blood flow and prolonging the growth phase, but it doesn't address the root cause of hair loss, such as DHT sensitivity. Finasteride can help maintain some gains by blocking DHT, but stopping Minoxidil often leads to hair loss because the new hairs are dependent on it.

      community Be careful with minoxidil, even if it's just foam.

      in Minoxidil  11 upvotes 3 days ago
      Minoxidil caused side effects like chest pain and tinnitus for the user, leading them to stop using it and consider switching to finasteride with microneedling. Other users shared similar experiences with minoxidil, while some reported no issues, highlighting varied individual reactions.

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