Cure for male pattern baldness given boost by sugar discovery

Promise and Mechanism of the New Sugar (2-deoxy-D-ribose)

• Commenters note existing literature that 2dDR promotes angiogenesis via VEGF and aids wound healing; the observed faster hair growth around treated wounds seems plausible.
• Some argue better scalp vascularization is likely beneficial for hair and possibly skin, but this is speculative.
• Others warn angiogenesis can also support tumor growth, and the scalp is already a common skin‑cancer site, so safety must be studied carefully.
• The article’s claim that it’s “as effective as Minoxidil” dampens enthusiasm for some, since Minoxidil is seen by several as modest at best.

Comparisons to Existing Hair-Loss Treatments

• Minoxidil:
  • Experiences range from “barely effective” to “extremely effective,” especially orally or when started early; can regrow some hair but requires lifelong use.
  • Some report severe cardiovascular side effects (chest pain, “heart attack” feeling).
• Finasteride/Dutasteride:
  • Widely acknowledged to significantly slow or partially reverse androgenic hair loss by suppressing DHT.
  • Some see dutasteride as “almost a cure” if started early; others stress increased systemic impact vs finasteride.
  • Reported side effects: reduced libido, ED, mood changes, depression, suicidal thoughts, fertility concerns, gynecomastia; others insist these are rare, overblown, or largely nocebo.
• Alternative/adjunct options:
  • PRP injections, hair transplants (FUE) reported as effective but costly, with varying durability and need for ongoing maintenance (PRP, meds).
  • A cited rosemary oil study claims Minoxidil‑like efficacy with fewer side effects.
  • Cyclosporin and keto/“nutrient” angles are mentioned but not developed into clear, safe protocols.

Safety, Hormones, and Systemic Effects

• Extended debate on how finasteride affects testosterone, DHT, and endocrine feedback loops; outcomes and reversibility seen as uncertain.
• Some emphasize DHT may have neuroprotective roles; others dismiss adult DHT as mostly harmful.
• A trans poster describes complex tradeoffs between estrogen therapy, finasteride, sexual function, and hair preservation.

Psychological, Social, and Evolutionary Aspects

• Strong divide between “accept it, shave it” advocates and those who see that as dismissive of real distress.
• Many say baldness significantly harms self‑image, dating prospects, and social treatment, especially with early onset; others argue confidence, fitness, grooming, and personality can fully compensate.
• Multiple comments stress that balding (in‑between stage) looks much worse than fully shaved.
• Some argue calling it a “cure” pathologizes natural aging; others counter that people routinely “cure” unwanted but natural traits (nose shape, wrinkles, obesity).
• Evolutionary arguments appear on both sides: hair as a sign of youth/health vs claims that baldness itself may not be strongly selected against.

Access, Cost, and Medical Gatekeeping

• One poster describes a doctor refusing finasteride due to side‑effect concerns, leaving them feeling abandoned; others recommend seeking another doctor or sourcing meds independently, raising issues of cost and safety.
• Someone notes 2dDR is already sold as a supplement, but no one in the thread reports trying it for hair.

Meta: Skepticism About the Hype

• Several commenters are wary of PR fluff and note the university press release didn’t even link the underlying paper (later shared by another poster).
• The Minoxidil analogy (hypertension drug → hair drug) makes some suspect this may end up similarly modest, not a true “cure.”