Mineral Contents in Scalp Hair in Patients With Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus

A 36-year-old man with androgenetic alopecia suspects copper and zinc deficiencies may be accelerating hair loss and is supplementing copper to address this. He is also monitoring blood sugar levels due to previous prediabetes concerns and plans to test for insulin resistance.

Zinc supplementation caused significant hair shedding for the user, who had been successfully managing hair loss with finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and microneedling. The user discontinued zinc after noticing no libido increase and believes the hair loss was due to zinc's interaction with other minerals or hormonal changes.

Taking zinc and copper may offset copper depletion and potentially aid hair health when used with finasteride. The user is considering whether to use these supplements alongside finasteride or wait until switching to dutasteride.

The user is experimenting with a zinc sulfate and B6 topical solution called "Zix" for hair loss, alongside using a zinc oxide scalp mask and low-level laser therapy (LLLT). They report minimal hair loss after three months of use and are seeking feedback from others who have tried similar treatments.

Zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole shampoos may help reduce hair loss by removing DHT from the scalp. Users discuss various treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, and non-pharmaceutical options like castor oil and dermarolling.

Oral copper supplementation significantly improved hair regrowth for someone who experienced severe hair loss after stopping minoxidil, suggesting copper deficiency might hinder minoxidil's effectiveness. The user now only takes copper and occasionally uses microneedling, recommending others to try copper if minoxidil alone isn't effective.