36 citations,
April 2016 in “British journal of dermatology/British journal of dermatology, Supplement”
A substance called VIP might protect hair follicles from being attacked by the immune system, and problems with VIP signaling could lead to hair loss in alopecia areata.
A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, focusing on finasteride, minoxidil, and other options like PRP and ketoconazole. It highlights the importance of asking specific questions during a dermatology visit to determine the cause of hair loss and appropriate treatments.
The user experienced hair loss after 21 months of using oral minoxidil and finasteride and is considering switching to dutasteride. Others suggest it might be temporary and recommend staying consistent or trying additional methods like hair loss shampoo, microneedling, or checking vitamin levels.
Finasteride is effective for hair regrowth, especially on the crown, but can cause side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction in some users. Opinions are mixed, with some reporting positive results without side effects and others experiencing significant issues.
The post and conversation are about the user's high testosterone levels and their worsening hair loss despite trying various treatments. They are considering using low doses of anti-androgens to lower their testosterone levels as a potential solution.