18 citations
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March 2020 in “Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology”
The enzymes 5α-reductase and 3α/β-hydroxysteroid oxidoreductase help create brain-active substances from progesterone and testosterone, which could be used for treatment, but more research is needed to ensure their safety and effectiveness.
Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.
The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.
Minoxidil's effectiveness varies due to genetic differences in the SULT1A1 enzyme, affecting how well it converts to its active form, minoxidil sulfate. Hyper-responders may experience rapid hair growth and increased side effects, such as pericardial effusion, even at low doses.
Some users of RU-58841 report cardiovascular symptoms like heart palpitations and chest tightness, which may be linked to its metabolites causing lung disease. The safety of RU-58841 is uncertain due to lack of long-term data and concerns about product purity, especially from gray market sources.
Liver problems may reduce the effectiveness of oral minoxidil due to impaired SULT1A1 enzyme activity, which is crucial for converting minoxidil to its active form. This reduction in enzyme function can significantly decrease the drug's effectiveness in promoting hair growth.