Hair Loss

[Michael Scally MD]

Miyata S, Oda Y, Matsuo C, Kumura H, Kobayashi K. Stimulatory Effect of Brazilian Propolis on Hair Growth through Proliferation of Keratinocytes in Mice. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 2014;62(49):11854-61. http://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf503184s

Propolis is a natural honeybee hive product with the potential for use in the treatment of dermatological conditions, such as cutaneous abrasions, burns, and acne.

In this study, we investigated whether propolis stimulates hair growth in mice.

Ethanol-extracted propolis, which contains various physiologically active substances such as caffeic acid and kaempferol, stimulated anagen induction in shaved back skin.

Anagen induction occurred without any detectable abnormalities in the shape of the hair follicles (HFs), hair stem cells in the bulge, proliferating hair matrix keratinocytes in the hair bulb, or localization of versican in the dermal papilla.

Propolis treatment also stimulated migration of hair matrix keratinocytes into the hair shaft in HFs during late anagen in the depilated back skin.

Organotypic culture of skin containing anagen stage HFs revealed significant stimulation of hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation by propolis. Furthermore, propolis facilitated the proliferation of epidermal keratinocytes.

These results indicate that propolis stimulates hair growth by inducing hair keratinocyte proliferation.

 

[kawilt]

That's interesting .Coffee contains caffeic acid. There's a popular shampoo out there with coffee extract that claims to promote new hair growth. Wonder if there's anything to it.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

The Endocrinology Of Baldness
http://www.hormones.gr/8474/article/article.html

[Link: Free Full Text]

Male pattern baldness, scientifically known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), is a very common condition, universally prevalent, which progresses with aging. The loss of scalp hair of any degree both in men and women is a cause of considerable psychological distress associated with a loss of self-esteem and feelings of diminished self-image, resulting in introversion and depression. Particularly among men, the very manifest obviousness of baldness is often a source of major psychological anguish.

Two clinical features of male baldness have been recognized: a predisposition to scalp hair loss inherited from the father or grandfather(s) and a negative connection of scalp hair loss with the testes. Eunuchs and pre-pubertally castrated men who fail to develop body hair have normal scalp hair which shows no sign of loss with age. However, castrates receiving lifelong replacement therapy with testosterone show scalp hair loss and various degrees of baldness.

The complete restoration of body hair in eunuchs and castrates by the administration of testosterone established the notion that androgens are responsible for hair growth, but at the same time it revealed the hair loss effect of testosterone on scalp hair.

The paradox of a diametrically different action of a hormone on its receptors aroused much interest and initiated research into the dual effect of testosterone and into the investigation of this biological aberrance that has created an unwanted phenotypic manifestation which, because of its great prevalence, the psychological impact and the difficulties and cost of treatment, is an important medicosocial problem.

This review is a discussion on the endocrine connections at the hormonal, molecular and genetic levels with male and female scalp hair loss and on the psychological effects. Also discussed is the theory that baldness may be an early prognostic marker of prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Ferguson J, Hannam S, Toholka R, Chong A, Magee J, Foley P. Hair Loss and Hedgehog Inhibitors - A Class Effect? Br J Dermatol. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bjd.13619/abstract

In January 2012, the FDA approved vismodegib, a hedgehog pathway antagonist for the treatment of locally advanced and metastatic basal cell carcinomas1 . Other hedgehog pathway inhibitors, including sonidegib/erismodegib, are currently being evaluated in clinical trials. Alopecia is a well reported, (58% of enrolled patients), side effect of vismodegib.

Although little detail has been published on the nature of this alopecia, the hedgehog pathway is known to have a role both in hair follicle embryology and also in transitioning hair from the telogen to the anagen phase of the growth cycle. Interestingly, Hedgehog pathway agonists have been investigated previously as a potential treatment for androgenetic alopecia by Curis Inc.

 

[Frankie Red]

Re: The big 4 (now 5) for preventing hair loss.



Jeez... that sounds awful. Are there pictures of these botched surgeries out there?
I think they quoted me $23,000 for 2000 Grafts... I got the same amount for $5000 in 2008 and was happy with result.

Yeah man, correcto: I would cruise at 250mg of test and 1-1.25mg of finasteride.
I started using 500mg of test and began to notice hair loss. So I upped the dose to 2.5mg and within about 10 days the hair loss subsided. Test E.

In the future, before I upped my test dose, I would make sure to increase my finasteride dose 2 weeks before.

I realize this is an old post, but I'm hoping for a reply if you're still out there. I am 45, and have been on TRT for 4 years before starting to see signs of hair loss in the form of sheds. My blood work revealed DHT 3 times the normal range so I dropped my dose from 150 mg of test down to 90 mg and my DHT was still high. I tried Ketoconozole shampoo and minoxidil and stopped because of a massive shedding and it freaked me out. I am considering taking propecia while on perminant TRT of 100 mg of test to see if my hair loss stops.

My question is being that i am already on TRT for life and the damage to my system is already done do i need to worry about propecia possibly screwing up my system even further? ...I am of course speaking of the horror stories we've all heard about where it has ruined peoples lives even after attempts of hormone therapy were made to try and correct it.

Also should I go back to ketoconozole and stick it out with the shedding?

...any thoughts you have would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Fernandez J, Navascues C, Albines G, Franco L, Pipa M, Rodriguez M. Three cases of liver toxicity with a dietary supplement intended to stop hair loss. Rev Esp Enferm Dig 2014;106(8):552-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25544415

Liver toxicity associated with herbal remedies and dietary supplements is an increasing concern. Several toxic hepatitis cases have been reported in the literature in association with products intended for weight loss where green tea extracts are an ingredient.

Three hepatotoxicity cases are reported below in association with the use of Inneov masa capilar(R), a dietary supplement intended to stop hair loss whose primary component is green tea catechins. In all of them, other potential causes of acute hepatitis were ruled out.

We highlight the importance of awareness regarding these substances at history taking in order to identify and report hepatic adverse reactions secondary to apparently safe herbs as described in the present manuscript.

 

[Frankie Red]

Some of you bros dont care about hair loss, but it can be a big concern for most of us other bros. I'm 35 and I still have a thick and full head of hair. I am not one of those guys who would look good bald or balding. In some of my cycles years ago, I noticed large volumes of hair falling out in the shower during a cycle. This brought me to the point where I would look in the mirror and say, "What good is there in having huge muscles if my hair looks like crap?" So my search began to find the best possible hair solution, which involves stopping hair loss and even reversing it!

Let me just show you the final results (IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE), and I will comment on each:

1. AVODART® (Dutasteride) - Dutasteride was developed to help shrink the prostate and was found to have an even more profound effect on regrowing hair than Finasteride! Not only that, it can take care of more of your DHT, it starts working faster, and stays in your system for much longer. 1 to 5 mg ED is all you need, and it also keeps that prostate down during your cycles. In my book, this is a win/win situation.
   
2. PROPECIA® (Finasteride) - Next to Viagra, this drug may have had one of the all time record advertising budgets. Finasteride is a hair loss prevention / regrowth drug. Recommended dose is 1 mg ED and after 6 to 12 months the user may achieve positive results. The reason I write "big 4" in the title of this thread is that it may not be necessary to use both Dutasteride and Finasteride, although there are no known drug interactions. I say roll with Dutasteride if you can and if not then use Finasteride.
   
3. ROGAINE® (Minoxidil) - Cheap to buy generic at target in three month supply, Minoxidil blocks DHT on the scalp. After handling DHT within the body via Dutasteride or Finasteride, you can also stop the damage of DHT on the scalp. Use twice a day. I use it after my morning shower and after my workout shower.
   
4. NIOXIN® (Cleanser, Conditioner, and Treatment) - Use these Nioxin products as your daily shampoo and conditioner. They work on the scalp to ensure that your skin is healthy. Shampoo removes impurities that clog follicles, including DHT. The conditioner keeps the scalp moisturized. The treatment adds botanicals and nutrients to the scalp skin.
   
5. NIZORAL® (A-D Shampoo) - Ketoconazole, the main ingredient in Nizoral, acts as a relatively mild anti-androgen. (Androgen binds to hair follicles and over time shrinks them down, causing thinner and thinner hair.) Use this shampoo once a week for help with DHT.

​

This hair regiment is not difficult to maintain, and can provide great results. I went from losing my hair to growing it back! It takes a few months to start working, so for the first 6 months have patience. Passing the 1 to 2 year markers using the "Big 4" regiment should yield significant hair gains, or at the very least put an end to your loss.

This article assumes appropriate nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

Peace,

-bj

Has anyone on this thread actually used a ketoconazole shampoo with any success at all. I'm 45 now and have been on TRT since 2010, and by 2013 I started using Revita for about 3 weeks but experienced a pretty bad shed to the point where I stopped using it. I went from having a very tiny thinning area on my crown --so tiny no one but me noticed-- to losing enough hair on the top of my head that I was able to see right through it to my skull. ...I stopped the keto, went off TRT hoping to get my hair back, but it has been 2 years off everything and only like 50% has grown back.

I've heard that you have to stick it out a few months and the shedding eventually stops and then it grows back thicker and fuller. But who can actually verify this?

I've heard people say it works, but no one has actually admitted that they grew back hair with it, or at least kept hair loss in check. All I really seem to read about are people writing how it caused them to lose hair that never grew back.

The reason I ask this is:

I'm at a point now where I am tempted to give it another go and stick it out this time to see if it works because I really don't have much to lose but the rest of the hair I was able to hold onto two. It's like a double or nothing kind of bet. But, if no one out there can vouch that Keto has actually worked for them, maybe it's just as well I cut my loses.

Same goes for Rogaine. Has anyone experienced positive results using Rogaine foam, or other treatments? Propecia kind of scares me but I would be willing to give rogaine foam a shot if people can vouch for it. ...I realize everyone is different, but I would like to know any success stories out there.

 

[BigDave]

Has anyone on this thread actually used a ketoconazole shampoo with any success at all. I'm 45 now and have been on TRT since 2010, and by 2013 I started using Revita for about 3 weeks but experienced a pretty bad shed to the point where I stopped using it. I went from having a very tiny thinning area on my crown --so tiny no one but me noticed-- to losing enough hair on the top of my head that I was able to see right through it to my skull. ...I stopped the keto, went off TRT hoping to get my hair back, but it has been 2 years off everything and only like 50% has grown back.

I've heard that you have to stick it out a few months and the shedding eventually stops and then it grows back thicker and fuller. But who can actually verify this?

I've heard people say it works, but no one has actually admitted that they grew back hair with it, or at least kept hair loss in check. All I really seem to read about are people writing how it caused them to lose hair that never grew back.

The reason I ask this is:

I'm at a point now where I am tempted to give it another go and stick it out this time to see if it works because I really don't have much to lose but the rest of the hair I was able to hold onto two. It's like a double or nothing kind of bet. But, if no one out there can vouch that Keto has actually worked for them, maybe it's just as well I cut my loses.

Same goes for Rogaine. Has anyone experienced positive results using Rogaine foam, or other treatments? Propecia kind of scares me but I would be willing to give rogaine foam a shot if people can vouch for it. ...I realize everyone is different, but I would like to know any success stories out there.

I worked with a guy that used Rogaine. He was seriously balding, and has a full head of hair. Like anything, it probably has a lot to do w/ individual body chemistry/issues. Also not sure if you have to use it forever to keep results. It did work for him, & quickly. Give it a shot maybe.

 

[programdude]

My hairline has slowly but surely been creeping back(have a beauty mark for reference lol), and the sides seem to be thinning too. However I have only done one test cycle and no one in my family has baldness... So what gives? I've used Nizoral fairly religiously too.

I just started second cycle(literally just), and have had two d bol doses and when I ran my hand through my hair came up with quite a few strands... Would the d bol act that quickly in causing hair loss? Or is this unrelated, albeit still very unfortunate.

One problem is that everywhere seems to indicate fighting hairloss with products doesn't work for temples/receding hairline.. So am I just boned? Its not at an unacceptable point right now, but if it keeps at it, it will get bad.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Choi YM, Diehl J, Levins PC. Promising alternative clinical uses of prostaglandin F2alpha analogs: Beyond the eyelashes. J Am Acad Dermatol. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S019096221402057X

Prostaglandin F2alpha analogs, commonly prescribed for glaucoma treatment, have been shown to induce side effects such as cutaneous hypertrichosis and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, these medications have theoretic applications in the treatment of alopecia and disorders of hypopigmentation. We reviewed the literature to find original studies assessing the use of prostaglandin F2alpha analogs in these settings. Studies and reports were analyzed in regards to androgenic alopecia, alopecia areata, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, vitiligo, and hypopigmented scarring. Based on the results of these studies, and consideration of pathophysiologic mechanism, the most promising applications for prostaglandin F2alpha analogs include androgenic alopecia, chemotherapy-induced alopecia, and alopecia areata concurrently treated with corticosteroids.

 

[homer456]

Some of you bros dont care about hair loss, but it can be a big concern for most of us other bros. I'm 35 and I still have a thick and full head of hair. I am not one of those guys who would look good bald or balding. In some of my cycles years ago, I noticed large volumes of hair falling out in the shower during a cycle. This brought me to the point where I would look in the mirror and say, "What good is there in having huge muscles if my hair looks like crap?" So my search began to find the best possible hair solution, which involves stopping hair loss and even reversing it!

Let me just show you the final results (IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE), and I will comment on each:

1. AVODART® (Dutasteride) - Dutasteride was developed to help shrink the prostate and was found to have an even more profound effect on regrowing hair than Finasteride! Not only that, it can take care of more of your DHT, it starts working faster, and stays in your system for much longer. 1 to 5 mg ED is all you need, and it also keeps that prostate down during your cycles. In my book, this is a win/win situation.
   
2. PROPECIA® (Finasteride) - Next to Viagra, this drug may have had one of the all time record advertising budgets. Finasteride is a hair loss prevention / regrowth drug. Recommended dose is 1 mg ED and after 6 to 12 months the user may achieve positive results. The reason I write "big 4" in the title of this thread is that it may not be necessary to use both Dutasteride and Finasteride, although there are no known drug interactions. I say roll with Dutasteride if you can and if not then use Finasteride.
   
3. ROGAINE® (Minoxidil) - Cheap to buy generic at target in three month supply, Minoxidil blocks DHT on the scalp. After handling DHT within the body via Dutasteride or Finasteride, you can also stop the damage of DHT on the scalp. Use twice a day. I use it after my morning shower and after my workout shower.
   
4. NIOXIN® (Cleanser, Conditioner, and Treatment) - Use these Nioxin products as your daily shampoo and conditioner. They work on the scalp to ensure that your skin is healthy. Shampoo removes impurities that clog follicles, including DHT. The conditioner keeps the scalp moisturized. The treatment adds botanicals and nutrients to the scalp skin.
   
5. NIZORAL® (A-D Shampoo) - Ketoconazole, the main ingredient in Nizoral, acts as a relatively mild anti-androgen. (Androgen binds to hair follicles and over time shrinks them down, causing thinner and thinner hair.) Use this shampoo once a week for help with DHT.

​

This hair regiment is not difficult to maintain, and can provide great results. I went from losing my hair to growing it back! It takes a few months to start working, so for the first 6 months have patience. Passing the 1 to 2 year markers using the "Big 4" regiment should yield significant hair gains, or at the very least put an end to your loss.

This article assumes appropriate nutrition, hydration, and sleep.

Peace,

-bj

nice touch can see a lot of experience!

 

[daledd]

Any bro's here have experience with dutasteride? Supposedly dutasteride is able to block most DHT from converting during a test cycle which would lead to no hair loss. Using fin won't work because it's not as strong.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Chandrashekar BS, Nandhini T, Vasanth V, Sriram R, Navale S. Topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride: An account of maintenance of hair density after replacing oral finasteride. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2015;6(1):17-20. http://www.idoj.in/article.asp?issn...ssue=1;spage=17;epage=20;aulast=Chandrashekar

BACKGROUND: Finasteride acts by reducing dihydrotestosterone levels, thereby inhibiting miniaturization of hair follicles in patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Oral finasteride is associated with side effects such as decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, and gynecomastia.

AIM: The aim of the following study is to assess the efficacy of maintaining hair growth with 5% topical minoxidil fortified with 0.1% finasteride in patients with AGA after initial treatment with 5% topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for two years.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective assessment was done in 50 male patients aged 20-40 years with AGA. All the patients had been initially treated with topical minoxidil and oral finasteride for a period of two years, after which the oral finasteride was replaced with topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride. Five of 50 patients had discontinued the treatment for a period of 8-12 months and were then resumed with only topical minoxidil fortified with finasteride. The patients' case sheets and photographs were reviewed by independent observers and the efficacy of minoxidil-finasteride combination was assessed.

RESULTS: Of the 45 patients who underwent a continuous treatment for AGA, 84.44% maintained a good hair density with topical minoxidil-finasteride combinatio. Of the five patients who discontinued oral finasteride for 8-12 months, four demonstrated good improvement in hair density when treatment was resumed with topical minoxidil-finasteride combination.

CONCLUSION: Topical finasteride can be considered for hair density maintenance after initial improvement with oral finasteride, thereby obviating the indefinite use of oral finasteride.

 

[Capt Forest]

That's good news. I been using 2% nizoral shampoo and less hair is falling out in the shower and in my brush. I have long hair down my back.

 

[Michael Scally MD]

Protein for Hair Growth
http://techfinder.stanford.edu/technology_detail.php?ID=29964

Topical hair-growth products such as minoxidil and finasteride are only modestly effective at preventing hair shedding, neither compound stimulates hair growth. Stanford researchers have developed a process using a protein in such a way that the protein penetrates the intact epidermis, tracks down the hair follicle, and amplifies endogenous Wnt signaling. A number of stem and progenitor cell populations within the hair follicle are Wnt responsive. Protein delivery to these stem and progenitor populations maintains the cells in a self-renewing and proliferative state, thus extending the active growth phase of hair follicles and enhancing the length and/or thickness of the hair shaft.

• Researchers observed a 30% increase in hair length and 35% increase in hair thickness following a once/day sub cutaneous injection of protein (10 ul of a 100 ng/ul solution) to skin in which hair follicles were synchronized through waxing.

 

[daledd]

Protein for Hair Growth
http://techfinder.stanford.edu/technology_detail.php?ID=29964

Topical hair-growth products such as minoxidil and finasteride are only modestly effective at preventing hair shedding, neither compound stimulates hair growth. Stanford researchers have developed a process using a protein in such a way that the protein penetrates the intact epidermis, tracks down the hair follicle, and amplifies endogenous Wnt signaling. A number of stem and progenitor cell populations within the hair follicle are Wnt responsive. Protein delivery to these stem and progenitor populations maintains the cells in a self-renewing and proliferative state, thus extending the active growth phase of hair follicles and enhancing the length and/or thickness of the hair shaft.

• 
  
  
  • Researchers observed a 30% increase in hair length and 35% increase in hair thickness following a once/day sub cutaneous injection of protein (10 ul of a 100 ng/ul solution) to skin in which hair follicles were synchronized through waxing.

What if the hair follicles are dead?

 

[johnnyBALLZ]

Protein for Hair Growth
http://techfinder.stanford.edu/technology_detail.php?ID=29964

Topical hair-growth products such as minoxidil and finasteride are only modestly effective at preventing hair shedding, neither compound stimulates hair growth. Stanford researchers have developed a process using a protein in such a way that the protein penetrates the intact epidermis, tracks down the hair follicle, and amplifies endogenous Wnt signaling. A number of stem and progenitor cell populations within the hair follicle are Wnt responsive. Protein delivery to these stem and progenitor populations maintains the cells in a self-renewing and proliferative state, thus extending the active growth phase of hair follicles and enhancing the length and/or thickness of the hair shaft.

• Researchers observed a 30% increase in hair length and 35% increase in hair thickness following a once/day sub cutaneous injection of protein (10 ul of a 100 ng/ul solution) to skin in which hair follicles were synchronized through waxing.

Any idea where to get this stuff, Doc?

 

[Michael Scally MD]

What if the hair follicles are dead?

If you are bald, I would think no go.

Any idea where to get this stuff, Doc?

It is experimental.

 

[double-leg]

I'd like some to get back what just came out. I got some tren recently that f@@Ked me up. Woke up like wtf?

 

[midland412]

Curious as to how nizoral/propecia will affect a cycle? I mean, will a cycle at say 500mg weekly overpower the medication and its use be pointless? Or can the medication help, but inhibit gains? Not sure how much these medications can lower ones free testosterone?
I'm trying to figure out the best medium to making the most gains on cycle, while losing the least amount of hair. Would injecting lower doses more frequently of say enanthate help at all even if the total amount of test taken per week was the same as someone dosing twice per week at higher miligrams?

I'm scheduling an appointment with my dermatologist and will be researching in the meantime..