User discusses two medications for stopping hair loss: Fin (finasteride) and Dut (dutasteride). Mixed experiences and side effects are shared, with some users seeing positive results.
A user's journey to try and stop their hair loss, including the use of oral finasteride, topical minoxidil, ketoconazole shampoo, Cynatine Keratin supplements, and The Ordinary's Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density; and advice from other users regarding trying dutasteride, oral minoxidil, and lifestyle changes.
The mechanism of Androgenic Alopecia and practical applications of treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, RU58841, dermarolling, scalp massages, anti-fungals, progesterone, estrogen, PPAR-γ activators, reducing oxidative stress, and scalp exercises. It explains why DHT is important in AA and how other factors might be involved such as hypoxia, increased DKK-1 expression, morphological changes to the scalp, skull growth during childhood/puberty, and blood flow.
A potential new treatment for hair loss, Pyrilutamide, and the discussion of whether or not people should still be taking traditional treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride with it.
User shared 9-month progress using Minoxidil 5% (switched to 10% last 3 months) and Finasteride 1mg daily for hair growth. Experienced improvement in hair volume, but crown still not fully filled; considering transplant if no further progress.
User shared personal hair loss treatment results using 0.5mg Fin daily, Min foam once a day, and Keto Shampoo twice a week. Significant improvement was observed, with others impressed and asking questions about the treatment.
People notice more young individuals experiencing hair loss and discuss possible reasons, such as diet, hormones, and stress. Some treatments mentioned include finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil.
Some people have low sulfotransferase enzyme levels, affecting their response to minoxidil. Lifestyle factors, genetics, and diet, like MSM intake, might influence these enzyme levels.
Increasing the sult1a1 enzyme on the scalp may improve response to topical minoxidil. The user suggests using a baking soda solution, DMSO, and tretinoin to enhance enzyme activity and minoxidil effectiveness.
A new product, Minoxidil booster, which enhances sulfotransferase enzyme activity in the scalp, is now available. The user has started using this product, applied before Minoxidil, to improve their hair loss treatment results.
Elevated liver enzymes were reported from taking finasteride and minoxidil. The doctor advised stopping oral minoxidil and taking finasteride every other day.
Insulin resistance may increase DHT production, contributing to hair loss, and addressing it through diet, nutrients, and natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil could help reverse hair loss. Some users prefer medications like finasteride for more effective results.
Some people may not respond to topical minoxidil due to low SULT1A1 enzyme activity, but oral minoxidil can be effective. Tretinoin may enhance minoxidil's effectiveness, and some users prefer oral minoxidil despite side effects.
Finasteride and Nizoral shampoo with Ketoconazole are used for hair loss treatment. Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) is recommended over Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for more accurate DHT testing.
Minoxidil may not be effective due to low sulfotransferase activity, and the user considers adding tretinoin to the regimen. They are unsure about the timing and combination with microneedling.
The conversation discusses the potential effectiveness of a Sult1a1 enzyme booster in enhancing the results of minoxidil for hair loss. Users express interest in the booster, hoping it will improve the effectiveness of oral minoxidil, especially for those who struggle with topical application.
Beta-sitosterol may inhibit 5-alpha reductase type 2 enzyme, potentially reducing DHT levels and promoting hair growth, similar to finasteride but possibly with fewer side effects. Its effectiveness and side effects compared to other treatments like saw palmetto and finasteride remain uncertain due to limited research.
A user is considering using both oral and topical finasteride for hair loss, despite having elevated liver enzymes. They currently use a topical spray with finasteride and minoxidil and are seeking advice on whether using both forms is advisable.
The conversation discusses topical androgen receptor blockers for hair loss, mentioning Clascoterone, Pyrilutamide, GT20029, and RU58841. Ketoconazole's effectiveness and application methods are also debated.
The conversation discusses how Tretinoin may improve the effectiveness of Minoxidil for treating hair loss by increasing the activity of certain enzymes in hair follicles. One user comments that this information is not new.
DHT causes hair loss by driving cells into senescence, and a polyphenol in black chokeberry may reverse this. A product using this theory is being considered for use alongside finasteride, minoxidil, and microneedling.
The user experienced high liver enzyme levels, possibly due to topical finasteride or supplements, and decided to stop using finasteride while continuing minoxidil. After stopping finasteride and supplements, liver levels returned to normal, suggesting finasteride or supplements might have been the cause.
Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.
Imidazole drugs like ketoconazole inhibit certain enzymes and prevent DHT from binding to SHBG, increasing free DHT in the bloodstream, which may contribute to balding. The discussion questions how these drugs help with hair loss despite this effect.
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.
Tretinoin can enhance minoxidil effectiveness by boosting the sulfotransferase enzyme. Users suggest sources for affordable tretinoin and mention a product combining tretinoin with minoxidil.
Painkillers like Aspirin may reduce Minoxidil's effectiveness by inhibiting the enzyme PGHS-1, which is crucial for hair growth. Using NSAIDs that inhibit COX-2 or combining Minoxidil with PGF2/E2 analogues or retinoids may enhance its efficacy.
Genetic factors, enzyme activity, and DHT sensitivity affect individual responses to hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride. Starting treatments early can slow hair loss, but results vary among individuals.
Combining finasteride and dutasteride may enhance hair regrowth by targeting different enzymes, with positive results reported. Minoxidil, both oral and topical, is also used to improve effectiveness.