Minoxidil works by opening potassium channels, leading to reduced blood pressure and potential side effects like reflex tachycardia. It is used for hair growth and affects blood pressure at high doses.
The user experienced stable hairline but diffuse thinning after switching from oral finasteride to a topical solution of minoxidil and finasteride. They are concerned about the effectiveness of the topical treatment and are considering other options due to a recent decline in hair density.
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.
MCL-1 is important for hair follicle stem cell survival, but its impact on human hair regrowth is unclear. Minoxidil and finasteride are the main treatments, with doubts about new discoveries leading to effective human solutions soon.
The conversation discusses GT20029, a drug in Phase II trials that targets androgen receptors with minimal systemic effects, and TDM-105795, a growth stimulant with a different mechanism than minoxidil that may revive papilla stem cells. Both are potential new treatments for hair loss.