Evidence Based Hair Dr Jeff Donovan

The Evidence Based Hair Podcast is a podcast dedicated to recent research in hair loss.

In this episode, Dr. Jeff Donovan, a dermatologist and hair loss specialist, examines the effect of topical minoxidil in enhancing beard hair growth in men 
Dr. Donovan focuses on a study published in Sage Open Medicine Case Reports titled, "Facial Hair Enhancement with Minoxidil and Off-Label Use". This study highlights the impact of using topical minoxidil for beard hair growth. As a subject frequently questioned by men worldwide, understanding the benefits, side effects, and the result of its use is vital.
A noteworthy part of this study was that it compared the use of topical minoxidil by two identical twins. Only one of the twins applied minoxidil on his face, and as early as the first month, finer, lighter-colored hairs appeared on his beard and mustache. He experienced hair shedding for a few months but still showed overall improvement in hair density and count after using minoxidil for 16 months.
Despite mild side effects such as skin dryness and hypertrichosis on ears and forehead, as well as increased body hair in other areas, the study shows that minoxidil can be an effective strategy for males wishing to enhance their facial hair. The patient in the case report switched to topical minoxidil foam due to dry flakiness caused by the solution, suggesting that the foam might be a preferable choice for some users.
To sum up, this 16-month-long study provides valuable insights on the potential effectiveness of using minoxidil for beard growth. Despite the side effects and need for more long-term data, the results suggest that it is a reasonably safe and potentially helpful approach for those who desire to improve their facial hair density.

In this episode, we will dive into fascinating recent studies about the side effects of Minoxidil, a widely-known medication for hair loss treatment.
This podcast highlights new research regarding what Dr. Donovan calls "the OMAHA effect" (ORAL MINOXIDIL ALCOHOL HANGOVER ASSOCIATION), the surprising association between oral minoxidil use and exacerbated alcohol hangover symptoms. This phenomenon challenges previous conceptions in the medical field and warrants further investigation into potential implications for patients using oral Minoxidil.
However, though intriguing, the data about the OMAHA effect lacks detailed and quantitative information about the patients involved and their experiences. This calls for more precise and extensive research on the matter. Dr. Donovan emphasizes the need to gather more information before this knowledge can lead to changes in medical practice.
Moving forward, the episode also examines another study analyzing the association between topical Minoxidil and hair discoloration. This study equips you with more concrete data, reporting that about one-fourth of patients using Minoxidil perceive that the treatment has led to their hair graying. Despite the product monograph advising patients to stop minoxidil use when hair discoloration is noticed, the podcast argues that this abrupt termination might not be practical as patients risk losing the new hair growth achieved with Minoxidil when they stop the treatment.
Overall, this discussion underscores how hair graying and discoloration, like hair loss, also significantly impacts individuals' lives. As researchers dedicate more attention to understanding these issues, expect more practical guidelines and breakthroughs in combatting them.
Join Dr. Donovan every week for insightful discussions about ground-breaking studies relevant to hair loss and its treatment. Stay tuned for our next episode where we look into topical Minoxidil use for beard growth.

In this episode, we dive into a thought-provoking study by Sanfilippo and Friedman, "Survey of Dermatology Practitioners' Opinions and Prescribing Habits of Oral Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Hair Loss".
 
The study provides valuable insights into the perceptions of practitioners on oral minoxidil, an increasingly popular option for treating hair loss.
 
We discuss the results of this survey and compare it with previous studies, shedding light not only on the effectiveness of oral minoxidil but also on the practitioners' comfort level in prescribing it and patients' satisfaction with its results.
The pulse of the global community and the evidence provided by well-conducted studies play a significant role in shaping our understanding of oral minoxidil. There's a critical need for long-term evaluations and more comprehensive studies to establish its effects and side effects over years of use.
Stay tuned for more in-depth discussions as we continue to explore the realm of hair loss treatments.
And don't forget, if you want to immerse yourself in the study of hair loss and acquire advanced clinical and problem-solving skills, consider applying for a training position in the Evidence-Based Hair Fellowship, the world's most comprehensive program for physicians and allied health professionals.

In this episode of the Evidence-Based Hair Podcast hair loss specialist Dr. Jeff Donovan breaks down the findings of a recent study comparing oral minoxidil and topical minoxidil in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. Published in JAMA Dermatology, the study challenged popular opinions by revealing similar performance between the two types of minoxidil, putting a spotlight on the importance of robust evidence from randomized controlled trials.
Interestingly, Dr. Donovan examined the historical usage of oral minoxidil, once a blood pressure medication, in treating hair loss and the subsequent need for more rigorous studies to solidify its effectiveness. The episode also covers the surprising conclusion that oral minoxidil did not significantly outperform its topical counterpart, contrary to what the mainstream assumes.
Diving deeper into the debate, Dr. Donovan explored differing perspectives derived from the Pantchprateep et al and Penha et al studies of oral minoxidil. Where the Panchaprateep et al study suggested that all patients saw some improvement, the Penha et al study showed that not all participants experienced the same positive results.
In an in-depth examination of the 'Oral Minoxidil versus Topical Minoxidil for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Clinical Trial', the potential side effects, including minor adverse effects of both treatments were also discussed. While not definitive in recommending one treatment over the other, the episode sparks stimulating discussions around the efficacy of oral minoxidil, its comparison to topical minoxidil, and the potential of randomized controlled trials in determining the optimal treatment for male androgenetic hair loss.
 
 
 
STUDIES REVIEWED IN THIS EPISODE
Penha MA et al. Oral Minoxidil vs Topical Minoxidil for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol . 2024 Apr 10:e240284. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2024.0284. Online ahead of print
 
 
Panchaprateep et al. Efficacy and Safety of Oral Minoxidil 5 mg Once Daily in the Treatment of Male Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia: An Open-Label and Global Photographic Assessment. Dermatol Ther. 2020 Dec;10(6):1345-1357

Season 7 episode 2. This episode is dedicated to drug induced alopecia areata