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Did you mean Alpha-smooth muscle actin?

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 166 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 Research Backed Dutasteride Simulator (Serum/Scalp DHT included for all doses)

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 97 upvotes 1 month 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 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 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 When you start balding you notice how unnatural this phenomenon is

in Chat 416 upvotes 4 days ago

Hair loss is a common issue, with treatments like finasteride and minoxidil used but not as permanent cures. Frustration exists over societal perceptions and the lack of a definitive solution.

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 4 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 Update of my case, might have finally found what happened

in Minoxidil 6 upvotes 3 months ago

OP believes RU58841 affected their thyroid, causing hypothyroidism and impacting minoxidil's effectiveness. They plan to start thyroid medication to improve hair regrowth.

community Finasteride, Nizoral and dermarolling 2 months update

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 207 upvotes 4 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically the use of Finasteride, Nizoral, and dermarolling; potential results from these treatments are discussed, along with potential side effects.

community Should I just switch to oral minoxidil + where do you get cheap oral minoxidil in the United States?

in Minoxidil 19 upvotes 2 months ago

Switching from topical to oral minoxidil due to scalp irritation and unsatisfactory results, while also seeking cheaper options in the U.S. Oral minoxidil is generally favored for its effectiveness and fewer application downsides, with CostPlusDrugs and GoodRx offering affordable prices.

community Please explain this Minoxidil phenomena

in Minoxidil 58 upvotes 1 year ago

The post discusses the difference in effects of Minoxidil (Min) on scalp and facial hair. The user questions why Min-induced hair growth on the scalp is temporary, while facial hair growth seems permanent, even after stopping Min. They propose theories, including different Min mechanisms on body and facial hair, the role of DHT, and the possibility of not achieving fully terminal hair. The responses include personal experiences and theories about Min's effects on hair growth.

community hairline resurrection — 2 months before/after [5mg oral minoxidil, 1mg finasteride everyday, 2% keto shampoo every three days, weekly 0.5mm dermarolling]

in Progress Pictures 478 upvotes 1 year ago

This conversation was about a user named Substantial_Pen_1099 who has been using an regimen of 5mg oral minoxidil, 1mg finasteride everyday, 2% keto shampoo every three days, and weekly 0.5mm dermarolling for hair loss treatment over the course of 3 months. Others in the conversation expressed disbelief at their progress, to which Substantial_Pen_1099 provided video proof as evidence.

community PSA: Most men who stay on Fin will see the sexual side effects go away. Stop the fear mongering

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 191 upvotes 2 years ago

Finasteride can cause sexual side effects in less than 2% of men, but these often disappear over time, even if the treatment continues. Some users report persistent side effects, while others experience no issues or only temporary ones.

community Can we have a thread that summarizes all treatments options in addition to the big 3 which we have some evidence for, their mechanism of action and whether they can be combined with the big 3(other than dermarolling)?

in Treatment 52 upvotes 6 years ago

The conversation discusses hair loss treatments beyond the commonly known three, focusing on separating effective treatments from myths. Dutasteride and low-dose oral Minoxidil are mentioned as having clinical evidence for increasing hair counts, but with potential side effects.

community 5 Month Dutasteride Progress Before and After

in Progress Pictures 173 upvotes 1 year ago

A user experiencing significant hair loss started using Dutasteride, a drug typically used for prostate issues, and noticed a positive change in hair thickness and volume after 5 months. Other users in the conversation also shared their experiences and observations with Dutasteride, with one mentioning additional use of oral Minoxidil.

community Anyone else find it funny all of us on here stress about hair loss daily and take pills for it and take time everyday to apply minoxidil or RU meanwhile we all have friends who don’t even think about hairloss rocking their perfect NW0 hairlines and thick hair?

in Chat 257 upvotes 3 years ago

People on a forum are discussing the irony of stressing over hair loss and using treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride, while others have naturally perfect hair without any effort. They share personal experiences and acknowledge that everyone has insecurities, with some accepting their situation and others finding it frustrating.

community 2.5 months of 1mg fin + 1.25mg OM + dermarolling. Progress or wishful thinking?

in Is this regrowth? 203 upvotes 1 year ago

A user's 2.5 months of finasteride, oral minoxidil, and dermarolling treatments for hair loss, with various users giving their opinion on the progress made.

community my Body hair has stopped working

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 44 upvotes 10 months ago

A user on dutasteride for hair loss noticed hair regrowth on their head but a significant reduction in body hair growth. They plan to switch to finasteride and dutasteride and are considering testosterone replacement therapy but are concerned about its effects on hair growth.

community Sept 2020 to Oct 2022. 13 months on FIN (1.25mg per day), 12 months on DUT (0.5mg per day). Age 43.

in Progress Pictures 527 upvotes 2 years ago

A 43-year-old user's progress pictures showing their results from taking Finasteride and Dutasteride for 13 months, along with 5% Minoxidil topical treatment for hair loss over the course of two years. Other users shared experiences and advice about using these treatments to reverse hair loss.

community Husband’s 2.5 month progress so far - I’m amazed!!

in Progress Pictures 345 upvotes 1 month ago

A husband saw significant hair regrowth in 2.5 months using minoxidil, finasteride, collagen, biotin, multivitamins, GHK-cu, microneedling, and scalp oils. His wife highlighted the routine's effectiveness and the importance of consistency.

community hairloss in my 20s has ruined my life.

in Research/Science 373 upvotes 1 month ago

A person in their 20s is struggling with hair loss, using treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Suggestions include self-improvement, therapy, hair transplants, and focusing on acceptance and confidence.

community I got a hair transplant! Hide your wives!! Jk

in Progress Pictures 5425 upvotes 2 months ago

The user had a hair transplant in Turkey and started taking finasteride to maintain hair growth. They are satisfied with the results and plan to continue using finasteride while being cautious about hairstyles to prevent traction alopecia.

community Haircafe on why microneedling is bad for hair growth

in Microneedling 157 upvotes 4 months ago

Microneedling combined with minoxidil and finasteride shows significant hair regrowth, though opinions on its effectiveness vary. Some users report substantial benefits, while others highlight the need for more research and consistency in application.