Minoxidil may suppress androgen activity in hair follicles, potentially aiding in hair growth and prostatecancer treatment. Users discuss the effectiveness of minoxidil and finasteride for hair maintenance and regrowth, with some preferring topical applications over oral due to safety concerns.
A dermatologist advised a patient to stop taking finasteride (fin) after turning 40 due to potential risk of aggressive prostatecancer. The patient and others in the conversation debated this advice, discussing the relationship between finasteride, prostatecancer, and hair loss, and considering alternatives like topical finasteride.
SCUBE3, a protein linked to hair growth in moles, was discovered over 25 years ago and is being developed by Amplifica for potential hair loss treatment. Concerns exist about SCUBE3's association with cancer, as it is a protein that promotes cell growth, which could potentially trigger cancer development if used for hair growth therapy.
Hair follicles are mostly dormant but can be reactivated with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and microneedling. A new drug, PP405, shows promise for hair regrowth but may not be available until 2027-2028.
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.