CS - Minoxidil and Collagen

I've got no intention of using Minoxidil - but I am intrigued by its growth inducing abilities and side effects.

In your opinion - how important to growth is the prevention of collagen synthesis in Minoxidils regrowth abilities?

People who suffer side effects (perhaps water retention and facial skin ageing from collagen inhibition) - are they simply using too much - or is the inhibition inevitable?

Are there any natural equivalents that suffer the same side effects? What role do you believe collagen plays in hair regrowth, and is there any role in MPB (I personally suspect not)?

thanks!

GBP

gbp2000 - All drugs for hair loss are really terrible, maybe just a matter of degree. There were some in development just a few years ago and they quickly dissapeared from trials because they caused cancer.

Minoxidil is basically a cover for hormone/electrolye imbalance. If one has high blood pressure or elevated aldosterone levels is an area to control. Vitamin D, magnesium and antioxidants are some ways to normalize the balance.

The collagenase enzyme MMP-9 is the factor in hair loss. Then you have TGF-beta. The first tears down collagen, the second can induce fibrosis (hardened collagen).

Minoxidil plays no role in either of these mechanisms.

Personally I think DHT and Minoxidil get way too much attention on these boards.

My own approach is based almost entirely on MMP-9, TGF-beta, BMP's, Redox and thyroid.