Losing hair can be extremely devastating. The failed attempts to restore hair or cover bald spots can be frustrating. There are over-the-counter, prescribed medications and new drugs like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride that may cause more harm than good because of their side effects. So, what’s the best medicine for hair loss without side effects?
There are several hair loss aids, like Microneedling, that have given men lots of hope to naturally regrow their hair without dangerous side effects. Fortunately, these effective products allow men to feel their best and enjoy a full set of hair again without considering hair transplant surgery or, even worse, wearing a hairpiece.
But before we review these products, let’s first discuss the hair growth cycle, the main causes of hair loss, and some of the most popular medications for hair loss.
The Hair Growth Cycle
We must understand why hair falls out and why it grows brittle. The hair growth cycle goes through four distinct phases. The hair grows from its root or follicle underneath the skin. It is fed by blood vessels and grows for several years until it falls out. Then a new hair grows from that same follicle after a resting period.
This explains why sometimes we “shed” and see hairs all over the floor. It is normal for hair to fall out, but sometimes the follicle is weak, and hair falls out prematurely or stops growing new hair. This is the issue that will be addressed with these two products.
What Causes Hair to Fall Out?
Knowing exactly why your hair falls out will help you make the necessary corrections. Sometimes is more than one reason, and thus you’ll have to modify various factors at once to have the best success in regrowing your hair. These are common reasons for hair loss:
- Hormonal imbalance: Conditions such as hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) can alter the hormone levels such as testosterone and DHT. The hormone, DHT, attacks the hair follicle by shrinking it and rendering it useless.
- Poor diet: If you’re doing an extreme crash diet, miss meals because of stress at work, or perhaps you get food cravings and don’t eat things that are good for you, then you’ll start to become deficient in essential vitamins and minerals. If you’re missing zinc, biotin, niacin, folic acid, selenium, protein, B vitamins, or vitamins E, A, and D, you risk losing your hair.
- Diseases: Diseases that are prolonged, such as the case with pneumonia, cause the hair follicle to shrink and weaken.
- Normal aging: When we get older, our hormone levels change. Testosterone and DTH hit abnormal levels and cause hair follicles to become weak.
What is the Best Medicine for Hair Loss?
There are two popular hair loss medicines today, Minoxidil (Rogaine) and Finasteride (Propecia). These two products are proven effective for treating hair loss and hair thinning. The FDA has approved Minoxidil to treat AGA or Androgenic alopecia. On the other hand, Finasteride is currently being used to treat Androgenic Alopecia and Benign Prostate Hyperplasia.
Another synthetic compound being studied for its great potential in reversing hair loss is RU58841. Years ago, it was only available as a research chemical and could only be bought at the manufacturer’s website: AnagenInc.com. Now, it is available on Amazon in powder and serum form. Let’s see if this product works, safe enough, and worth a try!
What is RU58841?
Also known as PSK-3841 or HMR-3841, RU58841 is a compound made up of a nonsteroidal antiandrogen created in the 1980s. It alleviates androgen-dependent conditions such as male pattern baldness. This drug has a similar chemical structure to nilutamide, an anti-androgenic drug used to treat prostate cancer.
How Does RU58841 Regrow Hair?
Unlike other antiandrogenic medicine for hair loss that works by reducing or blocking the production of testosterone and DHT, RU58841 only blocks the DHT receptor and doesn’t allow it to cause hair loss. The hair follicle doesn’t shrink from the interaction with DHT and has the strength to continue to grow hair.
RU58841 Studies & Research
RU58841 is not a new drug; it was originally developed in the 1980s to help treat androgen-induced conditions such as acne and hair loss.
One of the earliest studies was published in the Biochemistry Journal in 1994. Three series of antiandrogenic inhibitors, RU 58841, RU 56187, RU 38882 were applied topically to Syrian Hamster’s ears for 4 weeks. It was observed that RU58841 displays a high affinity for androgen receptors on the hamsters’ prostate and flank organs androgen receptors.
But when topically applied, RU 58841 was effective in targeting the flank organ’s receptors without affecting the hamster’s sex organs. Because of this, it was theorized that RU58841 could be a great treatment for androgen-dependent skin disorders such as acne and hirsutism and androgenetic alopecia.
RU58841 Side Effects?
RU58841 is often compared to Finasteride, a drug that decreases DHT, but at a systemic level causing various side effects. Because RU58841 works topically on the scalp, it doesn’t change DHT circulating in the blood, and it is free from systemic side effects.
Are Ru58841 Side Effects Permanent?
Just like its treatment effects, the possible side effects of RU58841 are also reversible. It was found in the original study that cessation of treatment reverts the reduced sebaceous glands size to their original size.
Ru58841 vs Finasteride
Finasteride, also known as Finpecia or Propecia, is a prescription drug used for treating hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia. Finasteride and Ru58841 both block the formation of DHT but in different ways. Finpecia acts against hair loss by blocking the action of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. RU58841, on the other hand, blocks the androgen receptors, where hormones are activated and bound, thereby also completely blocking the formation of DHT.
In addition, Finasteride is an oral drug, while RU58841 is a topical solution. When it comes to side effects and efficacy, the RU58841 looks more promising compared to Finasteride. The topical application of RU58841 provides for more effective regional treatment without the formation of active metabolites. In addition, topical treatments is safer than drugs taken orally. In fact, finasteride has a lot of listed adverse side effects including impotence, sexual problems and allergic reactions. In addition, compared to oral
Furthermore, one specific study involved administering finasteride and RU58841. The researchers found out that the RU58841 increased the anagen phase of hair follicles by 103% while finasteride by 88%, only. Additionally, hair regrowth with RU58841 was observed to increase by 26%.
Ru58841 vs Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an over-the-counter, FDA-approved medication for hair loss. It’s one of the most recommended products by dermatologists and has been established for a long time. Its main mode of action is vasodilation and promoting blood flow and hair growth on the affected scalp. RU 58841, on the other hand, stops hair loss by blocking androgen receptors and preventing DHT formation. It has not yet passed phase two of drug development and has limited studies on application to humans.
Currently, no study administered both minoxidil and RU58841 on subjects. However, it should be noted that as far as RU58841 was studied, there were no reported side effects to its users. Minoxidil, on one hand, had many reports of side effects that are partially due to extensive use, such as scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth, and headaches.
Is RU58841 Legal?
Although there are a lot of positive feedback and results for RU58841, this product has not been approved by the FDA. In fact, this chemical formula is available for in vitro testing and experimentation purposes only.
Why is RU58841 not FDA approved?
It has undergone phase II trial, but it did not reach phase III of drug development trials and study. Unfortunately, its study was stopped due to financial problems and was not continued since.
Does RU58841 cause shedding or make hair worse?
Unlike Minoxidil, RU58841 doesn’t cause hair shedding. Hair shedding occurs as an initial side effect of using Minoxidil. But because RU58841 has a different mechanism in preventing hair loss, hair loss is not usually experienced by users.
Does RU58841 cause headaches?
While there are no studies that reported its side effects, users who have used RU58841 have not experienced headache side effects.
Does RU58841 work?
While human trials are limited, the results of topical RU58841 treatments were promising. However, there are still unknown factors, such as its side effects, since it was only tested primarily on animals. Its study was stopped due to financing problems, and since limited studies are available, there are no indications of its stability and long-term use effects. It is not guaranteed safe, and its use is subject to your own risk.
3 Best RU58841 Alternatives
As you may have read, RU58841 is a promising treatment for hair loss. The only problem with it (including Minoxidil and Finasteride) is they come with possible risks and side effects that are quite scary for some. The mildest side effects are skin rash, headache, runny nose, and growth of unwanted facial or body hair. But the worst ones include impotence, sexual and libido problems, swelling of legs, feet, and breasts for women, difficulty breathing, and severe allergic reactions.
If you want to avoid these side effects, here are the best alternatives and natural supplements you can use.
Folexin
How Does Folexin Regrow Hair without any Side Effects?
A different approach to regrowing hair is using Folexin. It is rich in nutrients that hair follicles require to grow healthy hair. The product is made in the USA in an FDA-approved facility guaranteeing total quality.
This hair loss supplement is full of vitamins, minerals, and natural botanicals that support not only your hair but your overall health. The proprietary blend in the ingredients ensures you receive a targeted formula. The best part is there are no side effects; instead, you’ll experience vitality by enhancing your nutrition.
Folexin Side Effects
Since Folexin is made from natural ingredients, side effects are very rare. Read the ingredients label and check if you’re allergic to any of it. In addition, if you’re taking any other medication, consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
Folexin Ingredients
The powerful ingredients include biotin, known to support the hair growth cycle, and Fo-Ti, an ancient Chinese plant used for regrowing hair. Along with those two components, Folexin is filled with B vitamins, zinc, folate, calcium, and other nutrients that form part of the healthy nutritional profile required to grow abundant hair.
You’ll notice that your hair grows more fully, thicker, shinier, and stronger. A bonus is seeing your skin and nails improve as well. Learn more about this product in our Folexin Review.
Valotin Hair Growth Support
Valotin is another popular supplement for hair loss that has been helping thousands of users grow healthy and stronger hair. And the main advantage of this pill is that it is made of high-quality and natural products to ensure users don’t experience side effects.
The active components of Valotin help regrow hair and combat hair loss by acting as a DHT blocker and addressing nutrient deficiencies. It then helps promote new hair growth by stimulating the scalp blood flow and nourishing the body with the right nutrients and vitamins essential to building and regrowing hair.
In addition to that, Valotin offers a complete hair rejuvenation kit to help you achieve the best results. It offers a shampoo, conditioner, and a strengthening serum that can be applied directly to the scalp and hair.
If you want to learn more about Valotin, we have created a detailed review of this product. We’ve included all the ingredients, pros, and cons to help you decide if it’s the best solution for you.
Procerin Regrowth Complex
Procerin XT Serum Review:
Procerin XT Serum Review:Also made from natural ingredients and essential hair-building vitamins, Procerin is one of our favorite hair growth products. Aside from the extensive list of nutrients, this product has it also has a topical foam that you can use directly on your scalp to get faster results.
The main difference between Procerin to the first products we’ve mentioned is that it also has several oils like primrose oil, avocado oil, and peppermint, which have been clinically proven to help heal and grow hair from the inside. It also has grapeseed extract rich in polyphenols and vitamin C, which are both depleted by stress.
Does it have side effects? Learn more in our Procerin Hair Regrowth Complex review.
Medicine For Hair Loss Without Side Effects: Conclusion
Hair thinning, a receding hairline, and bald spots affect a man’s self-esteem. Even if someone is very confident, they still have to adapt their lives around this problem. A full set of hair symbolizes masculinity, health, and vitality.
Finding the best products to fight hair thinning and hair loss without any side effects is difficult. There are a lot of products out there that claim to be effective but cause more damage instead.
That’s why if you don’t want to experience these horrifying side effects, we highly recommend taking supplements for hair loss that is formulated from natural ingredients. Other supplements not on this list that are effective are Propidren and Viviscal Extra Strength. New Nordic Hair Volume and Hair La Vie are hair growth products worth trying. And if you still haven’t decided whether to buy one, we have created separate in-depth reviews for each to help you decide.
Diana used to work as an Assistant Salon Manager in Los Angeles, CA before she started writing for Union of Barbers. With over 10 years of experience, she has tried hundreds of hair care products and has seen, styled, and treated all types of hair. Now, she shares all of the things she has learned in the hair industry and gives advice on everything about hair. When she’s not writing, you can find Diana at the beach on her yoga mat!
