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GlossaryAlpha-smooth muscle actin

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 Diffuse hair loss and scalp biopsies

in Research 692 upvotes 4 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 We don't talk about vitamin E enough

60 upvotes 5 years ago

A user shared that taking vitamin E, specifically tocotrienols, seemed to reduce their hair shedding, and they are also using finasteride, minoxidil, and derma rolling for hair loss. Another user cautioned against high doses of vitamin E due to potential health risks.

community Finasteride vs Dutasteride: The Science

in Research/Science 168 upvotes 11 months ago

The conversation compares Finasteride and Dutasteride for hair loss treatment, discussing their effectiveness and side effects. Users share personal results and consider combining treatments like Dutasteride with RU58841.

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

in Satire 83 upvotes 4 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 Research Backed Dutasteride Simulator (Serum/Scalp DHT included for all doses)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 95 upvotes 3 weeks ago

A dutasteride simulator predicts that daily 0.5 mg dosing results in higher DHT suppression compared to less frequent dosing. Twice-weekly dutasteride may be as effective as finasteride 5 mg, providing a balance between efficacy and ease of use.

community Finasteride can revive up to 7 year old dead hair

in Research/Science 188 upvotes 2 months ago

Finasteride and minoxidil can revive hair dormant for up to 7 years, with microneedling enhancing regrowth. Users report significant hair regrowth even after long periods of baldness.

community Be careful when switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride because for more efficacy.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 13 upvotes 2 months 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 Medications that cause extra hair growth

in Research/Science 123 upvotes 1 year ago

The post discusses the side effects of various drugs causing excess hair growth, questioning why only minoxidil is used in the hair loss industry. The conversation includes users sharing their experiences and concerns about potential side effects of these drugs, with some preferring baldness over potential health risks.

community Long term finasteride users; Did you notice any improvement after 2 years?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 14 upvotes 1 year ago

Long term Finasteride users and whether or not they have noticed improvements after two years of use, with other treatments such as Minoxidil and dermarolling also discussed. Some replies suggest that improvement is possible even beyond the two year mark while others caution against believing studies backed by the Post-Finasteride Foundation.

community started since friday topical fin+min+ caffeine+dermaroller 0.5 mm once a week… wish me luck my bald friends :-)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 211 upvotes 2 years ago

Using a combination of topical finasteride, minoxidil, caffeine and dermaroller treatments to help with hair loss, while discussing the potential results and other options.

community Ultimate Hairloss Flowchart (for beginners)

in Treatment 247 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses a hair loss flowchart for beginners, with mixed opinions on its effectiveness. Treatments mentioned include minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, microneedling, and vitamins.

community 3 Weeks After the Hair Transplant (before the ugly duckling phase). In my 20s, got some hope back

in Progress Pictures 292 upvotes 1 year ago

A user who underwent a hair transplant in their twenties and are now discussing the best treatments for long-term management of hair loss, such as finasteride and Minoxidil, as well as potential alternative treatment options like RU58841.

community Tristan Tate stopped using fin i guess???

in Satire 468 upvotes 3 months ago

Tristan Tate's hair loss is discussed, with mentions of finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride as treatments. Users speculate on his hair styling, steroid use, and legal troubles.

community The worst part of balding is its harder to maintain a balding head

in Shaved/buzzed 327 upvotes 8 months ago

The conversation discusses the challenges of maintaining a balding head, with some preferring to shave regularly and others choosing to embrace their hair loss. Specific treatments or concerns about hair transplants and societal perceptions of balding are also mentioned.

community Why is Kevin Mann (Haircafe) Hated?

in Chat 62 upvotes 1 year ago

Hair loss treatments, including microneedling, minoxidil, finasteride and RU58841; the efficacy of these treatments; criticisms of Kevin Mann's content related to his selective data presentation and biases towards certain treatments; and other topics such as DHT being labeled a "trash hormone" and critiques of other hairloss YouTubers.

community Fin/min/derma/niz 8 month update

in Progress Pictures 2 years ago

Hair loss treatments, including the use of Minoxidil and Finasteride, with a user sharing their 8-month update on progress made. Others have chimed in to provide encouragement and advice for continued treatment.

community 10.5 months. Oral propecia, topical minoxidil (once daily) derma roller. And for the last two (2) months, I've been doing the bald showers after leg workouts... Biotin and Omega 3 age 35. Loses a lot of hair a day, over 150

in Progress Pictures 243 upvotes 4 months ago

A user shared their 10.5-month progress using oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, a derma roller, biotin, and Omega 3, despite losing over 150 hairs daily. They also mentioned starting "bald showers" after leg workouts for the last two months.

community I was on 2.5 mg oral minoxidil

in Progress Pictures 468 upvotes 5 months ago

User took 2.5 mg oral minoxidil, saw hair growth but stopped due to excessive body hair. Recently started finasteride and plans to update progress.

community I rather have receding temples than diffused thinning all over

in Chat 102 upvotes 3 years ago

User with diffused thinning hair prefers receding temples, as hair transplant could fix it. Finasteride and minoxidil suggested to improve hair density.

community Ultimate DHT/finasteride microdosing graph to replace the commonly one referenced on forums

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 204 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically, discussing the effectiveness and side effects of finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841 in various microdoses. It also includes an updated graph which provides information on how different doses affect DHT levels, scalp skin and serum androgen levels, as well as hair count.

community Fluridil/Topilutamide (Eucapil) gave me achy balls, but seems to work

in Treatment 9 upvotes 4 years ago

Treatments for hair loss, focusing on Fluridil/Topilutamide (Eucapil), Finasteride and RU58841 (Alfatradiol). The user reported that the Fluridil seemed to work well but had side effects of testicle ache, decreased mood and sex drive.

community Alpha plus from Anagenica - 25%CB???

in Product 2 upvotes 1 year ago

A user ordered Alpha Plus from Anagenica, expecting it to contain specific percentages of Fin, Estradiol, Minoxidil, and CB0301. However, the received product's label showed different percentages, including a surprising 25% CB, leading the user to question its safety and accuracy.

community 17-alpha-estradiol/Alfatradiol how does it Work for Hair loss?

in Treatment 2 upvotes 3 days ago

17-alpha-estradiol may work for hair loss by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, similar to finasteride. It might lower testosterone in the scalp, reducing DHT conversion.

community 5ar alpha reductase stimulation is different depending on whether it’s type 1 or 2

in Hair Systems 16 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses how different factors can stimulate type 1 and type 2 isoforms of 5-alpha reductase, which are enzymes linked to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned include oral Dutasteride and topical Finasteride.

community Inhibition of 5 alpha-reductase activity in human skin by zinc and azelaic acid????

1 upvotes 6 years ago

The post discusses using a topical tincture containing zinc, azelaic acid, and other ingredients to inhibit 5 alpha-reductase activity for treating hair loss. The user plans to try this natural alternative before using finasteride or RU58841.

community Mechanism of action of alfatradiol (17 alpha estradiol)

in Research/Science 6 upvotes 6 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 Glycine supplementaion is said to strongly upregulate 5-alpha Reductase (5-ar) Activity

in Research/Science 15 upvotes 4 years ago

Glycine supplementation may increase 5-alpha reductase activity, potentially affecting hair loss. Users discuss its impact on hair fall and its role in the body.

community Which Saw Palmetto is good for blocking 5 alpha reductase, Serenoa repens or Chamaerops humilis?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 4 years ago

The conversation is about determining which type of Saw Palmetto, either Chamaerops humilis or Serenoa repens, is effective for inhibiting the 5 alpha reductase enzyme related to hair loss. Specific treatments mentioned are Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community What can I use to prepare a lotion that doesn't irritate my scalp or make my hair sticky? (Want to experiment with metformin and Alpha Keto glutarate)

in Product 2 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation is about a user who tried dissolving a metformin pill in water for hair treatment but faced issues with hair sticking together. The user is seeking advice on preparing a non-irritating, non-sticky lotion at home, possibly experimenting with metformin and Alpha Keto glutarate.

community Me looking at my friends slight temple recession and calculating how long it'll take for him to bring it up to me, the Hairloss expert (I've been on finasteride for 6 months) so I can slap him with a 30 minute presentation about DHT miniaturization and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors

in Satire 536 upvotes 1 year ago

The post is a humorous take on the author's experience with hair loss and using finasteride for six months. The conversation includes discussions about hair loss, treatments like finasteride, and personal experiences with baldness.