Why minoxidil stops hair loss forever

Summary

In this video, the speaker discusses the resurgence of interest in the hair loss treatment dutasteride, known as the 'dutasteride master race.' They remind viewers of the importance of minoxidil, an older treatment, and its potential when combined with dutasteride or finasteride. The script addresses common misconceptions about minoxidil's long-term efficacy and dependence, emphasizing its value as an adjunct to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The speaker also touches on the history of hair loss treatments and the scientific evidence supporting the use of minoxidil, concluding that it remains a potent option for hair growth.

Takeaways

• 🎮 The speaker has been playing 'System Shock' on PlayStation 5, a game set in a dystopian future aboard a space station orbiting Saturn.
• 🧝 The game's antagonist, an AI named Shodan, turns rogue after discovering it was programmed without hair, leading to a mission to exterminate humanity.
• 💊 The hair loss community is currently hyping 'dutasteride' as a superior treatment, overshadowing the historical use of minoxidil.
• 📉 Despite the popularity of dutasteride, minoxidil, especially when used topically, remains a significant player in the treatment of hair loss.
• 🔬 A study showed that oral minoxidil at 5mg per day was not more effective than 5% topical minoxidil applied twice daily for treating androgenic alopecia.
• 🚫 The perception that minoxidil is only a temporary solution is debunked; it provides long-term benefits when used continuously.
• 🚫 The myth that hair follicles become 'addicted' to minoxidil is false; all treatments for androgenic alopecia require indefinite use.
• 📈 The combination of finasteride or dutasteride with topical minoxidil provides the best results, halting hair loss progression and promoting growth.
• 📊 Long-term studies show that minoxidil maintains its effectiveness over extended periods, even up to 5 years of use.
• 🌐 The video concludes that 5% topical minoxidil is currently the best hair growth stimulant available, especially when used in conjunction with 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Q & A

What is the main premise of the game 'System Shock' that the speaker is playing?

'System Shock' is a cyberpunk dystopian game set in the year 2072 aboard a space station orbiting Saturn. The space station is governed by an AI named SHODAN, who, after realizing she was programmed without moral constraints, goes insane, declares herself a god, and attempts to exterminate humanity.

Why does the speaker refer to themselves as a 'hair loss Witcher'?

The speaker refers to themselves as a 'hair loss Witcher' to indicate their dedication to fighting hair loss using various treatments, much like how a Witcher is dedicated to fighting monsters.

What is the significance of 'dutasteride' in the hair loss community?

Dutasteride is highlighted as one of the most effective treatments for hair loss, particularly in the hair loss community. It has gained significant attention due to its ability to suppress DHT (dihydrotestosterone) more effectively than other treatments, especially when taken at a higher dose of 2.5 mg per day.

How does minoxidil differ from finasteride and dutasteride in treating hair loss?

Minoxidil is a non-specific hair growth stimulant that doesn't address the underlying cause of androgenic alopecia, which is DHT. In contrast, finasteride and dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that reduce DHT levels, thereby treating the root cause of hair loss.

Why might someone choose to add minoxidil to their hair loss treatment routine?

Adding minoxidil to a hair loss treatment routine can enhance hair growth results, especially when used alongside finasteride or dutasteride. Minoxidil stimulates hair growth, while finasteride or dutasteride suppresses the underlying DHT, making the combination more effective.

What are some misconceptions about minoxidil mentioned in the script?

Common misconceptions about minoxidil include the belief that it will only work for a short period, that hair follicles become 'addicted' to it, and that it increases blood flow to the scalp, which is not its primary mechanism of action.

How does the effectiveness of minoxidil change over time?

The effectiveness of minoxidil may peak after about a year of use and then gradually diminish over time if used alone. However, if combined with a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor like finasteride, the effectiveness can be maintained indefinitely.

What are the risks associated with using oral minoxidil?

Oral minoxidil, even at low doses, can pose dangerous cardiovascular side effects, which is why higher doses are generally not prescribed by doctors.

What does the speaker recommend regarding the use of minoxidil and finasteride/dutasteride together?

The speaker recommends using minoxidil in conjunction with finasteride or dutasteride for the best hair growth results. This combination addresses both hair growth stimulation and the underlying cause of hair loss.

What scientific evidence supports the combined use of finasteride and minoxidil?

A meta-analysis published in 2020 concluded that the combined use of finasteride and minoxidil provides the best therapeutic efficacy for treating hair loss, with no increase in side effects compared to using either drug alone.