Low-dose oral minoxidil is a safe and effective hair loss treatment with fewer side effects than previously feared. Users often prefer it over topical minoxidil for better results, though some experience side effects like increased body hair and cardiovascular issues.
The conversation discusses the tension theory as a cause of male pattern baldness (MPB), suggesting that scalp tension and reduced subcutaneous fat layer contribute to hair loss. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, scalp massages, and Botox.
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.
Minoxidil helps hair growth by increasing blood flow and prolonging the growth phase, but it doesn't address the root cause of hair loss, such as DHT sensitivity. Finasteride can help maintain some gains by blocking DHT, but stopping Minoxidil often leads to hair loss because the new hairs are dependent on it.
Quitting vaping significantly reduced hair loss for a user who was a heavy vaper and also taking finasteride. Some participants suggest nicotine's vasoconstrictive properties may worsen hair loss, while others share personal anecdotes of hair improvement after quitting smoking or vaping.