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    GlossaryAlpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)

    protein involved in smooth muscle contraction and wound healing

    Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) is a protein that plays a crucial role in the contraction of smooth muscle cells, which are found in various tissues like blood vessels and the digestive tract. It is also a marker used by scientists to identify myofibroblasts, cells involved in wound healing and tissue repair. Elevated levels of α-SMA can indicate tissue remodeling or fibrosis, which is the thickening and scarring of connective tissue.

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      community Mechanism of action of alfatradiol (17 alpha estradiol)

      in Research/Science  6 upvotes 7 months ago
      The conversation discusses the mechanism of action of alfatradiol (17 alpha estradiol) in treating hair loss. It explores theories that it either inhibits 5 alpha reductase to prevent T->DHT conversion or aromatizes scalp T into 17-alpha-estradiol to save hair.

      community Balding, short, small penis. What is the point of living…

      in Treatment  405 upvotes 3 years ago
      A 24 year old male struggling with the physical and mental effects of balding, being short, and having a micropenis. Suggested treatments include taking medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, lifting weights, and trying not to compare himself to others.
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      community We need actual hair loss studies on Epristeride

      in Research/Science  6 upvotes 2 months ago
      Epristeride is a selective 5 alpha reductase type 2 inhibitor that may reduce scalp DHT similarly to finasteride, with potentially fewer side effects. It is suggested that combining epristeride with finasteride or dutasteride could enhance hair loss treatment effectiveness.

      community Topical fin and min and swallowing semen

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  118 upvotes 7 months ago
      A user asked if it's safe to swallow semen from a partner using topical finasteride and minoxidil. Responses varied, but most suggested it's likely safe, with minimal risk from small amounts of finasteride in semen.

      community I think we all hop on estrogen. It's the only angle

      in Satire  83 upvotes 5 months ago
      The conversation humorously discusses hair loss treatments, including Minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, and topical 17 alpha estradiol, with some users joking about transitioning to female to avoid baldness. The overall tone is satirical, emphasizing self-acceptance and the lengths people might consider for hair restoration.

      community 2 month progress with Minoxidil and Dermaroller

      in Minoxidil  412 upvotes 11 months ago
      The conversation discusses a user's two-month hair regrowth progress using Minoxidil and a 0.5mm dermaroller. Some suggest adding a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor like finasteride or dutasteride to maintain the results.

      community ecklonia cava?

      in Question  4 upvotes 5 years ago
      The conversation discusses using ecklonia cava as a natural alternative to finasteride for hair loss. Users share their experiences and opinions on its effectiveness.

      community Hair loss treatment rabbit hole [OC]

      in Satire  317 upvotes 2 years ago
      Hair loss treatments, ranging from topical minoxidil and finasteride to taking hormones such as estradiol or nandrolone, as well as a controversial suggestion of an orchiectomy. A hair system is also mentioned as an alternative solution.
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      community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

      in Research/Science  111 upvotes 10 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.

      community Saying creatine causes loss on fin/dut makes no sense and this is why

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  42 upvotes 11 months ago
      The conversation discusses whether creatine causes hair loss for those using finasteride or dutasteride, with some suggesting creatine might increase DHT or upregulate androgen receptors, potentially leading to hair loss. Others argue the evidence is not conclusive, citing limited studies and personal anecdotes, with some avoiding creatine as a precaution.

      community Breezula phase 3 results said to be released next month

      in Product  25 upvotes 3 weeks ago
      Breezula's phase 3 results are expected soon, with discussions on the effectiveness of androgen receptor antagonists like spironolactone and the potential of GT20029. Users express skepticism about new treatments and discuss the complexities of male pattern baldness, often relying on finasteride despite its side effects.

      community For people with overly oily hair, does topical finasteride/dutasteride/antiandrogens (like RU or Pyrilutamide) reduce sebum overproduction?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation discusses whether topical finasteride, dutasteride, or antiandrogens like RU58841 can reduce sebum overproduction as an early indicator of their effectiveness in treating hair loss. It suggests that while hair growth may take months to observe, a decrease in oiliness could be a quicker sign of a product's action.

      community Can’t take fin - options/alts?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  6 upvotes 2 years ago
      User seeks non-finasteride hair loss treatments, suggests Eucapil, minoxidil, microneedling, keto shampoo, oral castor oil, and alfatradiol. Reply recommends vitamin D, zinc, pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and high black tea intake, but emphasizes minoxidil and microneedling as most effective.

      community Trying to understand finasteride side effects and post finasteride syndrome

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  73 upvotes 4 years ago
      The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.

      community 10 months Fin 1mg & micro needling

      in Progress Pictures  260 upvotes 6 months ago
      A user shared their 10-month progress using 1mg finasteride daily and micro-needling, noting significant hair regrowth and no side effects. They plan to add oral minoxidil to boost hair density.

      community Are there ever going to be any oral DHT blocking treatments in the future?

      in Product  6 upvotes 1 year ago
      The discussion revolves around the need for future oral DHT blockers for hair loss treatment that don't have the side effects of current options like Finasteride and Dutasteride. One user suggests that the future of hair loss treatment will likely be topical anti-androgens, as they can target hair follicles without affecting the entire system.

      community Just found out I am Vitamin D deficient

      in Treatment  58 upvotes 3 years ago
      A user found out they are vitamin D deficient and was prescribed high-dose vitamin D supplements, asking if others had similar experiences and if it improved their hair. Some shared improved mood and testosterone levels after treatment, while another combined vitamin D supplements with finasteride due to family history of baldness.

      community I think I’m on to something

       24 upvotes 5 years ago
      The user shared their personal experience with hair loss, hormone imbalances, and treatments including testosterone boosters, natural estrogen blockers, and DHEA. They suggest that low-dose finasteride and natural hormone therapy could reduce hair loss with fewer side effects.

      community Clearing the air on how non-surgical treatments really work

       18 upvotes 5 years ago
      Treatments for hair loss, including finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, ketoconazole, microneedling, and low level laser light therapy, which aim to reduce DHT production, increase cell absorption and blood flow, and stimulate epidermal stem cells. It also stresses the importance of patience when using these treatments.
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