Hair loss treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and potential mRNA therapies are discussed. There is skepticism about targeting specific genes due to the complex genetic nature of hair loss.
Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.
Finasteride is effective for DHT/AR-driven hair loss but not for chromosome 20-driven cases, where treatments like minoxidil, prostaglandin analogs, and low-level laser therapy may be more beneficial. Genetic testing can help determine the underlying cause of hair loss to tailor treatment effectively.
Parabens in Minoxidil are a concern for some users due to potential health risks. The conversation discusses the presence of methylparaben and propylparaben in a specific Minoxidil brand, Ylox.
Minoxidil use led to excessive eyebrow and forehead hair growth, prompting grooming advice like waxing, tweezing, and shaving. Some suggested reducing dosage or considering electrolysis for permanent hair removal.
Finasteride may affect male offspring's fertility and hormonal balance, with debates on whether to discontinue use before conception. Some users report no issues, while others highlight the high doses used in rat studies.
The conversation discusses managing estradiol problems during finasteride treatment. Suggestions include stopping finasteride every 3 months for 2-3 weeks or reducing the dosage.
The user is experiencing hair loss and is using treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and hormone replacement therapy (estradiol enanthate injections) to address it. They are advised to be patient with the treatments and consider using a dermapen for microneedling.
Melatonin's effect on aromatase expression is unclear, with studies showing both increases and decreases. Hormonal impacts are complex and inconsistent, similar to changing health advice on other substances.
DHT may inhibit hair growth by affecting mitochondrial function, leading to hair follicle miniaturization. Treatments like minoxidil and PP405 may promote hair growth by altering metabolic pathways, potentially counteracting DHT's effects.
The user is experiencing hair loss despite using finasteride and minoxidil, possibly due to slight hypothyroidism and borderline vitamin D deficiency. They have started treating these conditions but have not yet seen improvement.
Trans woman experiences hair thinning despite low testosterone and treatments like finasteride and microneedling. Possible causes discussed include past eating disorder and current stack of medications and supplements.
The conversation discusses the hypothesis that a lack of the enzyme 3-alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) on the scalp may contribute to hair loss by allowing DHT to accumulate. Despite interest in this theory, no recent research has been conducted, and current treatments like finasteride and minoxidil remain the most supported options.
The user is concerned about having a straight, low hairline after a hair transplant and is unable to take finasteride due to high estrogen and prolactin levels. They have used minoxidil with limited success and are considering further transplants to lower the hairline, while others suggest the risks of using up donor hair too quickly.
Topical finasteride may have higher systemic absorption and lower efficacy when using a Propylene Glycol/Ethanol formulation compared to the hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCH) formulation. The safety profile of topical finasteride relies heavily on the HPCH formulation, and using standard solutions might lead to different pharmacokinetics.
The conversation discusses personal experiences with hair loss and highlights the potential impact of anemia and nutrient deficiencies on hair health. Treatments mentioned include changing shampoo/conditioner, taking MSM, collagen, hyaluronic acid, astaxanthin, B12, folate, and bovine blood capsules.
A 24-year-old woman with hair loss due to anemia and possibly thyroid issues is undergoing mesotherapy, which was only applied to the top of her head. She is considering minoxidil and is concerned about the effectiveness of the treatment, as her hair loss is not related to hormonal factors.
A user mixed a pyrilutamide solution and noticed undissolved powder at the bottom, questioning if this is normal and how long to wait before applying it. They wished others good luck with their treatments.
Ethosomes are suggested as an effective delivery method for topical finasteride solutions, requiring the addition of a phospholipid like soya lecithins. The user questions why do-it-yourself solutions don't commonly use ethosomes despite their potential benefits.
The conversation discusses two methods for making topical finasteride: using ethanol and propylene glycol or mixing it with topical minoxidil. The focus is on solubility and absorption, with a suggestion to crush pills finely and possibly mix with minoxidil at a slightly elevated temperature.
OP is trying to dissolve finasteride powder for a topical solution but faces issues with it not dissolving properly in ethanol or water. Users suggest methods like using a magnetic stirrer, shaking the mixture, or filtering out fillers, with some noting that finasteride is soluble in alcohol.
A 47-year-old male experienced mixed results with hair loss treatments using finasteride and oral minoxidil. After reducing dosages and adding creatine, he noticed shedding, but switching back to higher doses and changing to pea protein may help regain progress.
Adding melatonin to minoxidil can improve hair growth and thickness, and it's easy to use with minimal side effects. The recommended concentration for melatonin in the solution is between 0.05% and 0.2%.
The user is taking finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, but their DHT levels are unusually high, leading to suspicion of lab errors. They plan to retest at a different lab to confirm results.
Concerns about the long-term safety of VDPHL01, an extended-release minoxidil, due to potential risks similar to Cantu syndrome, were raised, highlighting the lack of monitoring for chronic connective tissue changes. The conversation suggests that while the treatment may improve hair growth, it could lead to issues not detected in short-term trials.
The user is experimenting with topical melatonin for hair loss by dissolving melatonin tablets in a solution, but is having trouble with dissolution and is curious about others' methods of application and any effects on energy levels. They mention considering mixing with minoxidil but have not done so, and suggest that melatonin is best used at night.
A user experienced significant hair shedding and thinning 10 months post-hair transplant despite using minoxidil and topical finasteride. They are considering switching to oral finasteride or dutasteride and are also dealing with scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) may be an early warning sign for type 2 diabetes due to its association with insulin resistance. Treatments discussed include testosterone therapy and finasteride, which affects hormone levels related to hair loss and insulin sensitivity.
Vitamin D3 deficiency and gut health, particularly H. pylori overgrowth, can impact hair growth and overall health. Treatments like Minoxidil and finasteride may be ineffective if these issues are not addressed.