Some individuals do not respond to oral minoxidil for hair loss, despite it generally working by improving blood flow to hair follicles. Factors like metabolism, drug interactions, and individual variations in the drug's activation may influence its effectiveness.
A user is experimenting with applying undiluted peppermint oil to their scalp daily to stimulate hair growth, based on a rat study where peppermint oil outperformed minoxidil. The user reports immediate hair thickening and increased scalp blood flow, while others in the conversation express skepticism, humor, and concern about the undiluted application.
FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.
A 48-year-old man has been using minoxidil for 15 years and considered finasteride but stopped due to potential side effects. He is concerned about his mental health and the impact of hair loss on self-image, and he encourages support among men experiencing hair loss.
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.