In this video, the host reacts to a video by Dr. Huberman about preventing hair loss. Dr. Huberman discusses various ways to slow or reverse hair loss, including the use of minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride. He also mentions the importance of managing stress and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to prevent hair loss. Dr. Huberman suggests that caffeine, certain supplements like myoinositol and saw palmetto, and the use of ketoconazole shampoo may also have positive effects. However, the host disagrees with some of Dr. Huberman’s points, particularly regarding the use of growth hormone supplements and the equivalence of topical and oral forms of finasteride. Overall, Dr. Huberman emphasizes that consistent, long-term treatment is necessary to maintain hair growth.
Key Insights:
- Approximately 50 percent of all men and women will experience significant hair loss by age 50.
- Stress can contribute to hair loss.
- Minoxidil can slow down hair loss and reverse miniturization.
- The main agent for halting hair loss is finasteride or dutasteride, which are 5-alpha reductase blockers.
- Minoxidil treatment needs to be continued indefinitely to hold onto hair growth.
- Caffeine, when ingested or applied topically, can increase hair growth.
- Increasing igf-1 levels can stimulate hair growth.
- Supplements like myoinositol, berberine, and metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and potentially help with hair loss.
- Rapid weight loss and being overweight can trigger hair loss.
- Saw palmetto and ketoconazole are common compounds used to combat hair loss.
- Finasteride and dutasteride are the major players in maintaining or increasing hair growth.
- Topical finasteride may not have the same bioavailability as the oral form.
- One milligram of oral finasteride is usually recommended as a starting dose.
- Regular use of finasteride can prevent further hair loss and stimulate some hair growth.
- It is important to monitor hormone levels and consult a doctor before starting any treatments.
Transcript
In this video, I’ll be reacting to Dr. Huberman’s video on how to stop hair loss before it’s too late. This is a clip from his full video, which we’ll be linking in the description below. Today, we are discussing hair loss, a topic that concerns many people. There are individuals who are losing their hair and want to halt or reverse this process. Today, we will talk about the various methods that science has taught us to slow down or reverse hair loss.
By the age of 50, approximately 50 percent of both men and women will have experienced significant hair loss, noticeable enough for them to be aware of it. In fact, even marginal hair loss can cause severe anxiety for most individuals. Stress can actually contribute to hair loss. One of the oldest treatments for hair loss is minoxidil, which increases blood flow to the scalp. Minoxidil does not primarily aim at halting hair loss, but rather alters the ratio between terminal and vellus hair. Vellus hair refers to the finer hair that results from the hair loss process, while terminal hair is thicker and longer. Minoxidil can reverse this process to some extent. It has limited anti-androgenic effects. The main medication for halting hair loss is finasteride or dutasteride, which are 5-alpha reductase blockers. These medications can promote hair growth and maintain existing hair. Minoxidil has been proven effective in slowing down the rate of hair loss, although its effects are relatively minimal. If you are interested in medical therapy and obtaining the medication, you can visit feelconfident.com.
It is important to note that if you decide to undergo minoxidil treatment, you will have to continue using it for the rest of your life if you wish to maintain the hair growth achieved or preserve the hair you already have. For younger individuals experiencing hair loss, finasteride would be the recommended medication. Whether or not to add minoxidil to the treatment is a personal choice. Dr. Huberman is correct in highlighting the need for continuous use of minoxidil to maintain its initial impact. Now, let’s discuss the chemical adjustments that can be made in the hair growth pathway to stimulate hair growth or halt hair loss.
The first surprising method on this list is caffeine. By consuming caffeine or applying topical caffeine products, such as ointments, creams, shampoos, conditioners, and thickening foams, you can directly increase hair growth and maintain the hair on your head. Another way to increase hair growth and maintain existing hair is by increasing IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1) levels. This can be achieved through prescription drugs that stimulate the release of growth hormone. However, it is important to note that some supplements containing growth hormone can actually contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT levels. Therefore, finasteride becomes even more crucial for individuals taking such supplements.
Supplements like myoinositol, berberine, or metformin can improve insulin sensitivity and positively affect hair growth. However, losing a significant amount of weight can also trigger hair loss. Saw palmetto, taken at a dosage of approximately 300 milligrams per day, can help maintain hair by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase activity. Ketoconazole, commonly found in shampoos like Nizoral, has shown effectiveness in promoting hair growth and increasing hair diameter. It is both anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory, which contributes to its hair-related benefits.
Finasteride and its close cousin dutasteride play a major role in maintaining or increasing hair growth. Finasteride, when taken properly, can reduce hair loss in 90 percent of individuals. However, the effects may be less dramatic for women, resulting in a 20 to 30 percent overall improvement. It is available in oral or topical forms. The oral form is usually taken at a dose of one milligram per day, while the topical form is typically taken in a one percent solution or ointment rubbed into the scalp. There is limited data supporting the claim that the one percent topical is equivalent to one milligram of the oral form. It is advised to start with the oral form and adjust the dosage based on side effects, with 0.5 to one milligram per day being the usual effective dosage. Continuous use of finasteride for a sufficient period of time can offset hair loss and prevent further hair loss.
To obtain a prescription, you can visit feelconfident.com at a reasonable price. It is important to monitor hormone levels, particularly DHT levels, while on medication. Thank you, Dr. Huberman, for raising awareness about hair loss. Make sure to subscribe, and I’ll see you in the next video.
