How to Stop Hair Loss Before it's Too Late | Surgeon Reacts to @hubermanlab

Summary

In this video, the host reacts to Dr. Huberman's insights on preventing hair loss, highlighting the impact of stress and anxiety on hair health. They discuss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, emphasizing their roles in slowing hair loss and promoting growth. The video also explores alternative methods, including caffeine, supplements, and topical solutions, while stressing the importance of ongoing treatment and the potential side effects of certain approaches.

Takeaways

• 🧑‍⚕️ Dr. Huberman discusses methods to slow or reverse hair loss, emphasizing the importance of science-backed approaches.
• 👨‍🦰 By age 50, about 50% of men and women experience noticeable hair loss, which can cause significant anxiety.
• 💊 Minoxidil is a long-standing treatment for hair loss that can increase blood flow and, to some extent, reverse hair thinning.
• 🚫 Minoxidil does not have strong anti-androgenic effects; it mainly changes the hair growth cycle dynamics.
• 💊 Finasteride or dutasteride are 5-alpha reductase blockers and are considered the primary agents for halting hair loss.
• 📉 Minoxidil's effect on slowing hair loss is minimal compared to its potential to maintain existing hair growth.
• ☕ Caffeine, either ingested or applied topically, can be a surprising way to stimulate hair growth.
• 💉 Increasing IGF-1 levels, potentially through prescription drugs or supplements, can help maintain hair growth.
• ⚠️ However, increasing IGF-1 can also increase DHT levels, which may lead to more hair loss, making finasteride even more critical.
• 🌱 Supplements like myoinositol, berberine, or metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and potentially reduce hair loss.
• 🌿 Saw palmetto, with its 5-alpha reductase inhibition activity, can help maintain hair and is included in hair care formulations.
• 🦠 Ketoconazole, an antifungal and anti-inflammatory agent, has been shown to increase hair number and diameter.
• 💊 Finasteride is the major player in maintaining or increasing hair growth, with oral and topical forms available, but the oral form is considered the standard.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is discussing methods to prevent and potentially reverse hair loss, based on scientific findings.

By what age does significant hair loss typically become noticeable for many individuals?

By age 50, approximately 50 percent of all men and women will have experienced significant hair loss that they start to notice.

What is the psychological impact of hair loss on most people?

Most people who experience even marginal hair loss undergo pretty severe anxiety.

What is one of the longest standing treatments for halting and reversing hair loss mentioned in the video?

One of the longest standing treatments mentioned is minoxidil, which can increase blood flow and to some degree reverse hair loss.

How does minoxidil primarily work in relation to hair loss?

Minoxidil primarily works by changing the dynamic between terminal and vellus hair, promoting the growth of thicker terminal hairs.

What is the main agent for halting hair loss according to the video?

The main agent for halting hair loss is finasteride or dutasteride, which are 5-alpha reductase blockers.

What is a potential side effect of using minoxidil for hair loss treatment?

A potential side effect is that minoxidil treatment, if pursued, is likely something that one has to continue for the rest of their life to maintain the hair growth obtained.

What is a surprising method mentioned for stimulating hair growth or halting hair loss?

A surprising method mentioned is the use of caffeine, either ingested or applied topically to the scalp.

What is the role of IGF-1 in hair growth and why is it controversial in the context of hair loss treatment?

IGF-1 can increase hair growth and skin turnover, but it can also increase DHT levels, potentially leading to more hair loss, which makes its use controversial.

What is the role of saw palmetto in the context of hair loss prevention mentioned in the video?

Saw palmetto, when taken at about 300 milligrams per day, is likely to help maintain hair that one would have otherwise lost, due to its 5-alpha reductase inhibition activity.

What are the two major forms of finasteride mentioned in the video and how do they differ?

The two major forms of finasteride are oral and topical. The oral form is typically taken as a 1 mg tablet, while the topical form is a 1% solution or ointment applied directly to the scalp. The bioavailability and effectiveness of the topical form may not be equivalent to the oral form.

What is the recommended starting dose for finasteride according to the video?

The recommended starting dose for most people is 1 mg of finasteride as a tablet per day, which is considered effective and safe.

How does the video suggest monitoring the effects of finasteride treatment?

The video suggests monitoring DHT levels and other hormone levels as an ideal way to assess the effects of finasteride treatment.