Women with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) are more insulin resistant than healthy women, with various insulin sensitivity indices being higher in the AGA group. An oral glucose tolerance test is suggested for women with AGA.
A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.
A 30-year-old man with diffuse hair thinning shared his hair regrowth regimen, which includes increasing Vitamin D intake, taking oral castor oil, using a dermapen, and various supplements like Glycine, K2, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Aspirin, Sodium Bicarbonate, and a multivitamin. He also mentioned inconsistent use of Minoxidil, Peppermint Oil, Zix, and topical Castor Oil, and negative side effects from Finasteride, RU58841, and Nizoral.
A user who shared progress pictures of their scalp using a microscope camera, demonstrating the difference between healthy and miniaturized hair. Various explanations for the cause of this were discussed, such as DHT build-up in scalp sebum causing an autoimmune response leading to inflammation and eventual hair loss, with some suggesting a do-it-yourself treatment involving adding ascorbic acid powder to shampoo.
The user has been using finasteride and minoxidil for over two years but is experiencing worsening hair loss. They are considering adding dutasteride, switching to oral minoxidil, and possibly a hair transplant, seeking advice on these options despite potential side effects.
Minoxidil with alcohol and propylene glycol was more effective than non-alcohol versions, and RU58841 worked best in a non-water-based solution. Oral finasteride showed better results than topical, despite side effects; microneedling and tretinoin worsened hair loss, and PRP was only helpful when younger.