DIET! You can control 5-alpha reductase without largely affecting your testosterone levels. Cut out all IGF-1 inducing foods like dairy, and refined sugars. Eat foods high in anti-oxidants to help systemic inflammation. One of the most potent natural anti-oxidants is Astaxanthin and there are studies showing that it will help control 5aR -> DHT. Make sure you got Vitamin A & D!! Eat your sweet potatoes and supplement with something like cod liver oil. Notice that modern indegenous cultures have 0 incidents of acne and very low hair loss rates (look at the Kitavan culture). We know from studies male pattern baldness is DHT/Inflammation/Calcification, so eat to control that! Anti-oxidants/natrual vitamins/MSM.
There are several studies using natural substances that show alot of promise as well, but they are just not trialed because theres no money to be made. There was a peppermint oil study posted lately that showed better growth than minoxidil by far in mice. Dr. Bronners peppermint oil soap is easy to use on your scalp and feels good. But everyone will just blow it off cause you know.. the big 3. Ketoconazole is more of an anti-fungal treatment than an anti-angrodgen too.
