A New Label-Free Screen for Steroid 5α-Reductase Inhibitors Using LC-MS

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride. The conclusion is that dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels and may be more effective than finasteride for long-term hair retention, with some users reporting personal experiences and side effects.

The conversation discusses natural DHT blockers like rice bran oil, which may reduce 5α-reductase activity similarly to Minoxidil and Dutasteride. One user argues that finasteride is more reliable and effective than natural alternatives.

A 25-year-old who has been using minoxidil and finasteride for 4 years to treat hair loss, underwent a successful FUE hair transplant in Mumbai, India, in April 2023. The user reported positive results, including increased hair density and reduced frizziness, and plans to continue treatment for further growth.

FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

User considers adding Alfatradiol to their topical finasteride treatment for hair loss. Others discuss Alfatradiol as a weak estrogen and 5α-reductase inhibitor used for pattern hair loss in men and women.

How Finasteride and Dutasteride help reduce hair loss by reducing the amount of DHT in scalp areas, as well as discussing factors such as sensitivity to DHT, 5α-reductase expression in different parts of the hair follicle, and scalp tension.