Lifestyle Drugs in Old Age: A Mini-Review

November 2008 in “ Gerontology ”

W. Harth, Kurt Seikowski, Barbara Hermes

finasteride androgenic alopecia isotretinoin seborrhea hormones body dysmorphic disorder Propecia Accutane

TLDR Older adults use lifestyle drugs to improve life quality and appearance, but caution is needed due to side effects and potential abuse.

The 2008 mini-review examines the use of lifestyle drugs by older adults, focusing on their role in enhancing quality of life and appearance, rather than treating diseases. It covers a range of drugs including nootropics, hormones, and those for hair loss and skin health, such as finasteride for androgenic alopecia and isotretinoin for seborrhea. The review notes the influence of socioeconomic factors and the changing doctor-patient relationship, where patients demand non-essential drugs and doctors may profit from new markets. It emphasizes the need for caution due to potential side effects and contraindications, especially in the elderly with multiple prescriptions. The review also discusses the psychological aspects, warning against the neglect of emotional disorders like body dysmorphic disorder in the pursuit of cosmetic enhancement. It concludes that lifestyle drugs should be prescribed with careful consideration and awareness of potential abuse. The document does not provide specific study sizes or usage statistics but offers a broad perspective on the societal and healthcare implications of lifestyle drug use.

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Research cited in this study

1 / 1 results

The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

215 citations, November 2006 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Dutasteride more effective for hair growth, but has more side effects than finasteride.

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6 / 1000+ results

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

in Progress Pictures 83 upvotes 2 years ago

Treating Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal scalp condition which can cause hair loss. Treatments discussed include antifungal shampoos, cold showers, exfoliating the scalp, taking Vitamin D, and stimulating the prostate through the anus.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 3 months ago

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

community Androgenetic alopecia is a skin disease: DHT-mediated skin disorders

in Research/Science 65 upvotes 1 year ago

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

community Why is no one pointing out dandruff as the number 1 evidence/symptom of MPB?

in Chat 55 upvotes 1 year ago

The post discusses the theory that persistent dandruff in areas prone to hair loss could be a sign of hair follicles dying due to DHT, indicating balding. The responses vary, with some users noting improvements in dandruff and hair loss with treatments like Dutasteride, while others experienced hair loss without dandruff.

community Female diffuse hair loss on spiro with irregular periods (photos) + genetic hair loss

in Female 17 upvotes 1 month ago

A 34-year-old woman is experiencing diffuse hair loss and irregular periods, possibly due to long-term spironolactone use. She is considering minoxidil and finasteride for treatment and seeking medical advice for androgenic alopecia and hormonal imbalances.

community Nine Month Progress: Bless The Person Who Developed Finasteride And Minoxidil (20M)

in Progress Pictures 587 upvotes 11 months ago

A user shared a nine-month hair regrowth progress using 5mg oral Minoxidil and 1.25mg oral Finasteride daily, with noticeable improvement and no side effects, despite a high-protein diet, occasional smoking, and regular exercise. They also mentioned using keto shampoo and having naturally increased body hair by about 10%.

Similar Research

5 / 1000+ results

New Lifestyle Drugs and Somatoform Disorders in Dermatology

Lifestyle Drugs in Old Age: A Mini-Review

Research cited in this study

research The Importance of Dual 5α-Reductase Inhibition in the Treatment of Male Pattern Hair Loss: Results of a Randomized Placebo-Controlled Study of Dutasteride Versus Finasteride

Related Community Posts Join

community Boys I am just a gonner. What on earth is my scalp even going through. Looks like world war 3. Pyril 3 months. Topical melitonin/progesterone/fin, dut, fin, oral min, laser trash, anus stimulation. Nothing. Donor area is decimated 😂.

community Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

community Androgenetic alopecia is a skin disease: DHT-mediated skin disorders

community Why is no one pointing out dandruff as the number 1 evidence/symptom of MPB?

community Female diffuse hair loss on spiro with irregular periods (photos) + genetic hair loss

community Nine Month Progress: Bless The Person Who Developed Finasteride And Minoxidil (20M)

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research New Lifestyle Drugs and Somatoform Disorders in Dermatology

research The Role of Androgen and Androgen Receptor in Skin-Related Disorders

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research Oral Contraceptives and Cyproterone Acetate in Female Acne Treatment