Celtictigyr said:
HairLossTalk.com: I thought Revivogen and spironolactone basically did the SAME thing, and that was block DHT? Is there something more specific in the way they do that is different?
There's been some confusion about all that in this thread, so let's step through it carefully:
Spironolactone is primarily known as an antiandrogen; that is, a substance which blocks androgen receptors. However, there is some conflicting information about whether or not it has any effect on the 5a-reductase enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT! One study found that it DID inhibit 5a-reductase, and another study found that it did NOT inhibit it! I suggest that for the time being, spironolactone should simply be thought of as an androgen receptor blocker.
The free fatty acids in Revivogen are primarily known as 5a-reductase inhibitors; that is, substances which stop the conversion of testosterone into DHT. However, there is some evidence that they _may_ also act in some way as androgen receptor blockers, or interfere with their function in some other way. But I suggest that for the time being, fatty acids should be thought of mainly as 5a-R inhibitors.
So in that Revivogen review I wrote a long time ago, I therefore suggested the simultaneous use of Revivogen and spironolactone, both to block androgen receptors and inhibit 5a-reductase (although there may be a little bit of overlap in both of those separate functions, with both of those products!
). However, Dr. Shargani emailed me after I posted that review to remind me that as far as they are concerned, Revivogen already HAS an androgen receptor blocker, in the form of saw palmetto! However, because of the somewhat controversial nature of saw palmetto, I personally wouldn't rely on its alleged ability to perform that function. I still like the idea of using topical spironolactone with Revivogen because in my opinion, it's a more proven androgen receptor blocker.
Bryan
