Growth stimulants

[MB8]

I take finasteride to lower my DHT levels, but I need something to stimulate hair growth.

Is minoxidil really the best thing there is? Even the American Hair Loss Association describes it as a "relatively marginally effective drug in the fight against hair loss."

What other growth stimulants exist? Please share your insights and experiences.

Many thanks.

[Agahi]

pretty much nothing else sadly

[MichaelJ]

Do you have an issue with Minox are are you just exploring your options? In my own experience Minox is the only thing that has really worked for me, even after 5 years.

[Hicks]

What about PRP? Check out Greco in FL. I'm setting something up next month at Coles office. If I can get in. Anyway that's all I know of.

[MB8]

Do you have an issue with Minox are are you just exploring your options?

A bit of both.

I've yet to use minoxidil, so I can't say whether or not it will work for me.

But based on what I've read, the results don't seem promising.

For instance, in an article by Dr Alan Bauman, he states:

"over-the-counter minoxidil may only work well in about 38.3 per cent of patients, according to medical studies. Studies suggest that a patient has to have an active enzyme called "sulfotransferase" in order for their hair follicles to respond to minoxidil treatments. It is this enzyme that converts topically applied minoxidil into the active chemical (called minoxidil sulfate) that stimulates the follicles. Not everyone has enough sulfotransferase to "activate" minoxidil. There may be other biological roadblocks too -- like inflammation at or around hair follicles in the scalp and other factors, which can also affect minoxidil's action. The bottom line for patients is that there's a 65 per cent chance that standard over-the-counter minoxidil won't help you." (my emphasis)

However, I said above that I haven't used it YET because, given the limited options, I'll probably end up on it.