Minoxidil under the microscope
Minoxidil, that wonder drug that allows men and women regrow hair once thought to be lost forever. There is a lot to say about this drug and a lot of truths, half truths and outright tall tales surrounding its history and use. Let us take a look at this unique substance that happens to be the only thing on the market currently approved by the FDA to treat hair loss.
First, a little history
Minoxidil was first discovered by Peruvian high priests who claimed to have have been given the secret to stop hair loss by the god like figure whom they called Minoxidocal. Many researchers believe that Minoxidocal was really an interdimensional being from an advance civilization who had been stranded in precolumbian South America after his ship had crashed. The Inca high priests used the secrets of Minoxidocal to keep the dreaded fate of male pattern baldness from befalling them until it was lost after the conquistadors conquered their empire only to be rediscovered in the seventies by a rogue adventurer archeologist.
Now the real history
Okay, sorry about that alien conspiracy tall tale (sometimes I just cannot help myself). Minoxidil was actually discovered by researchers at Upjohn pharmaceuticals in the Eighties (the 1980’s). They were actually looking into minoxidil as a treatment for high blood pressure when they discovered that many of their test subjects were starting to regrow their hair. Putting two and two together, the company realized that the compound they had discovered could actually be marketed as a topical treatment for hair loss. Thus, Rogaine was born.
So how does it work?
Scientists are not really sure how minoxidil actually works in helping people grow new hair, but they do have their theories on why it does. Most believe that Minoxidil works by inhibiting the binding of DHT to the hair follicle, which it turns allows it to grow. DHT is a natural metabolite that forms when testosterone combines with the enzyme 5 alpha reductase. DHT is responsible for 95 percent of all hair loss and works by binding to the hair follicle and keeping it from receiving the vital protein and nutrients that it needs to stay healthy and grow. Minoxidil works as a DHT blocker, but whether or not this is due to Minoxidil’s role as a vasodilator (a vein and artery relaxer) is unclear.
Is Rogaine the only brand that contains Minoxidil?
While Rogaine was once the only source for minoxidil, its patent rights eventually thier course and minoxidil is now utilized by a large number of hairloss treatments. Most famous among them are brands such as Regaine (ooh-clever play on words) and also Provillus (my own hair loss drug of choice). Still we all should give Rogaine a big hardy round of applause for being the first to stumble upon Minoxidil.
Okay, enough clapping, what are the possible side effects of Minoxidil?
The most common side effect reported by users of minoxidil are itching and flaking of the scalp. Another side effect apparently is increased shedding of the hair upon initial use. This shedding is considered normal and should not dissuade you from using the product. Your hair will eventually grow back stronger and thicker as you continue with the program. Since Minoxidil was originally intended as a treatment for high blood pressure, there are concerns about the drug causing drops blood pressure. Since the topical treatment should not be finding its way into the bloodstream, this should not be a concern. However, contact a doctor immediately if began to experience: light-headedness, dizziness, chest pain, blurred vision, decrease in sexual desire, fainting, flushing, or swelling of the feet and hands.
Can I Stop taking Minoxidil and still keep my new hair?
Unfortunately, Minoxidil only works if you keep up the application. Once you stop treatment, your new found hair will eventually fall out after several months to a year.
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