The most common question from people who are undergoing hair loss treatment “does hair loss treatment work?” Results may vary because of drug metabolizers so, people do not respond equally to all medications. The “One size fits all” approach is outdated in the treatment of diseases. Personalized treatment based on gene-drug interactions is becoming popular through pharmacogenetic testing. Minoxidil efficacy in the treatment of hair loss mainly depends on the availability of sulphotransferase enzyme.
Now, the new test in the Indian market can predict how well men and women with androgenetic alopecia will respond to the clinically-proven treatment, minoxidil. TrichoGene, India introduced the Minoxidil Response DNA Test (MRT) founded by two young entrepreneurs Dr M. Sai Babu and Mohd Rizwan Younus. MRT is based on pharmacogenetics where the SULT1A1 gene will be analyzed to determine whether a sufficient quantity of sulphotransferase enzyme is present or not to increase the activity of minoxidil.
Minoxidil is one of the most used medications for men and women who are experiencing hair loss. Dermatologists recommend minoxidil to treat hair loss because it is the only FDA-approved drug. Irrespective of the brands available in the market one should experience the same results.
People using Minoxidil topically for hair loss treatment may notice variable responses. It normally takes around six months to start noticing the positive effects of treatment. So, One should wait for six to eight months to see the results. This variability in response is because of the altered expression of sulphotransferases.
Possible pathways where minoxidil works for hair growth:
- Minoxidil may help increase the length of the anagen phase of the hair cycle by acting directly on the hair follicles.
- Minoxidil may help limit the formation of Dihydroxy testosterone (DHT), which plays an important role in hair loss.
- Minoxidil help turn on a pathway called the endoperoxide-synthase one pathway and also activates the expression of growth factors that makes the development of more vessels around the hair follicle area. This is important for hair growth as more vessels mean more nutrients and oxygen available to the hair follicles.
Predicting minoxidil response for hair loss treatment
MRT is very useful to screen responders from non-responders to minoxidil for hair loss treatment. This test is a very unique and provides results in 7-14 working days with 100% accuracy. Based on minoxidil response status dermatologists will recommend medications that suit 100%. Increasing the efficacy of minoxidil response is very important in hair loss treatment. Micro-needling and minoxidil boosters are the alternatives to increase the surface area of minoxidil absorption.
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