In this solo episode on androgenic alopecia, the host explains that hair loss is slow and progressive, driven largely by genetics and DHT-mediated miniaturization of follicles across the anagen, catagen, and telogen cycle, and stresses early detection using periodic photos of the temples, hairline/vertex, and crown. He frames hair growth as a "battle" between Wnt signaling (promotes growth and anagen entry via stem cell activation) and DHT signaling (suppresses Wnt and increases inhibitors like DKK, TGF-beta, and PGD2), noting advanced loss involves inflammation, fibrosis, and irreversible follicle loss. He reviews contributors like poor scalp blood flow, iron deficiency (most evidence), possible zinc/B12/folate deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, and insulin resistance, then covers treatments: finasteride (oral and topical) and dutasteride as DHT blockers with potential systemic side effects, plus minoxidil and microneedling (home vs professional) as key options, with add-ons like ketoconazole shampoo, PRP, red light, and cautions about anabolic steroids and high-dose testosterone increasing DHT pressure.
Hair loss diagnosis and treatment
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
Androgenetic alopecia
https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/
DHT and WNT signaling
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29549490/
Finasteride
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a698016.html
Topical finasteride
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6609098/
FDA warning on compounded topical finasteride
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/human-drug-compounding/fda-alerts-health-care-providers-compounders-and-consumers-potential-risks-associated-compounded
Post-finasteride syndrome
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35983808/
Dutasteride
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a603001.html
Minoxidil
https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
Microneedling for hair loss
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23960389/
Ketoconazole shampoo
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31858672/
Topical caffeine
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39997270/
Pumpkin seed oil
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24864154/
PRP for hair loss
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30882509/
Red light / low-level light therapy
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8906269/
Stem cells / exosomes for hair growth
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12433634/
Iron, zinc, B12, and folate deficiencies
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6380979/
Thyroid testing
https://medlineplus.gov/thyroidtests.html
Insulin resistance / metabolic syndrome
https://medlineplus.gov/metabolicsyndrome.html
Testosterone / TRT
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a605020.html
Tretinoin
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682437.html
Anastrozole / Arimidex
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a696018.html
Anabolic steroids
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/anabolic-steroids
Show Notes
00:00 Welcome to the Hart2Heart Podcast
00:56 What Is Androgenic Alopecia
02:17 Hair Follicle Life Cycle
03:55 Miniaturization and Early Detection
06:51 DHT Basics and Other Causes
09:27 WNT Versus DHT Explained
13:10 Nutrients Thyroid and Insulin
16:26 Finasteride Benefits and Risks
19:21 Topical Finasteride and Dutasteride
25:01 Minoxidil Growth Booster
27:19 Microneedling for WNT Activation
30:21 Extra Treatments and Add Ons
37:04 Testosterone TRT and Steroids
40:16 Wrap Up and Key Takeaways
The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health, longevity, and peak performance.
This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise protocols, leveraging sunlight, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals — using medications only when absolutely necessary.
Beyond health science, we explore the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being.
Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary
(Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as
Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen).
If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this podcast is for you.We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being.
Connect with Dr. Mike Hart
Instagram: @drmikehart
Twitter: @drmikehart
Facebook: @drmikehart
