The user believes Retrograde Alopecia may be linked to vitamin imbalances, specifically from taking too much Vitamin E, A, Zinc, and Selenium, and suggests it could be a middle ground between Androgenic Alopecia and Telogen Effluvium. Treatments for hair loss mentioned include Androgen inhibitors and improving lifestyle factors like nutrition and sleep, with topical melatonin also recommended for Retrograde Alopecia.
Minoxidil may inhibit androgen receptors and affect hormonal pathways, potentially explaining its effectiveness in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Users discuss its varying effectiveness on scalp versus facial hair and note fewer side effects with topical use compared to oral.
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.
DHT is not the only cause of male pattern hair loss; genetic sensitivity, inflammation, and fibrosis also contribute. GHK-Cu, a copper peptide, is being explored as an alternative treatment to finasteride and minoxidil, showing potential in improving follicle health.
Hair loss treatments, specifically 5AR inhibitors, can impact neurosteroids and sexual health. The effects of topical fin/dut on tissue-specific DHT levels are unclear.