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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 5 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.

community Allopregnanolone deficiency by 5-ari inhibition (fin/dut users)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 11 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation is about managing allopregnanolone deficiency caused by 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride. Specific treatments discussed for hair loss include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community Theoretically won't this be better than finasteride? Azelaic acid + zinc

in Research/Science 8 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses using zinc sulphate and azelaic acid to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity, which could potentially treat androgen-related skin conditions like hair loss. Combining these with vitamin B6 could enhance the effect, potentially offering an alternative to finasteride.

community Topical fin and min and swallowing semen

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 118 upvotes 5 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 3 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 9 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.

community So we have 20k dollars human like machines available but no new effective treatment for hairloss since finasteride :)

in Chat 237 upvotes 1 month ago

There have been no new effective hair loss treatments since finasteride, despite technological advancements. Current treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841, with ongoing challenges and potential future solutions in research.

community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

in Research/Science 111 upvotes 8 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 9 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 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 7 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 74 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 Be careful when switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride because for more efficacy.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 13 upvotes 1 month ago

Switching from finasteride to dutasteride may be more effective for hair regrowth due to dutasteride's stronger enzyme inhibition, but combining both drugs could enhance results. Some users report better outcomes with dutasteride, while others recommend a gradual transition to prevent potential hair loss.

community 10 months Fin 1mg & micro needling

in Progress Pictures 260 upvotes 4 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 Nizoral shampoo – really needed? How often? How long to apply?

in Ketoconazole 6 upvotes 1 year ago

User on finasteride for a decade and oral minoxidil for a month asks about Nizoral shampoo's effectiveness and usage. Dermatologist suggests it may help with seborrheic dermatitis and hair loss, but not necessary; others share mixed opinions.

community Is someone like Elon Musk still on fin and min after hair transplant?

in Transplants 1 year ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and minoxidil, being used by wealthy individuals to combat their genetic predisposition to baldness. It also discussed other potential treatments such as RU58841 and dutasteride.

community 6 month update – topical fin min, dermaroll, ketokonazole – specifics in prior posts

in Progress Pictures 193 upvotes 1 year ago

A user's six-month update on their hair loss treatment plan, which includes topical finasteride and minoxidil, dermarolling, and ketokonazole. Replies to the post appreciate the comparison pictures and commend the results achieved from the treatments.

community Hey guys I’m in desperate need for opinions from long term finasteride users

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 25 upvotes 1 year ago

Whether taking finasteride and dutasteride can cause penile shrinkage, with long-term users providing their personal experiences.

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 1 year fin 1mg and minox. can see some density reclaimed

in Update 562 upvotes 3 years ago

User shared 1-year progress using finasteride 1mg and minoxidil, regaining hair density. Others praised the improvement and asked about side effects and additional treatments.

community I think I’m on to something

23 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.

community COMPLETE OVERVIEW of the Treatment of androgenetic alopecia in men

26 upvotes 10 years ago

Male androgenetic alopecia is commonly treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride, both requiring continuous use. Other options include hair restoration surgery, dutasteride, light therapy, and camouflaging agents.

community Do we know exactly why some people respond so great to dut/fin,min and others dont?

in Research/Science 29 upvotes 1 week ago

Genetic factors, enzyme activity, and DHT sensitivity affect individual responses to hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride. Starting treatments early can slow hair loss, but results vary among individuals.

community I Think it is Over for me Bros. I'm Cooked.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 49 upvotes 1 month ago

A 24-year-old user tried finasteride, oral minoxidil, and dutasteride for hair loss but saw no improvement and was advised by their dermatologist to accept baldness. Other users suggested alternative treatments like RU58841, pyrilutamide, microneedling, and checking for underlying conditions or lifestyle factors.

community Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to work in the scalp. Not weeks. Be careful.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 41 upvotes 3 months ago

Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.