What medications can influence hair growth?

Birth control and minoxidil are known to influence hair growth due to their mechanisms of action.

Birth control pills, which contain hormones like estrogen and progestin, can affect hair growth patterns in various ways. For instance, some formulations reduce androgens (male hormones) in the body, which can help decrease unwanted hair growth and allow for more balanced hair development.

Minoxidil, originally developed as a treatment for high blood pressure, has been repurposed for its side effect of promoting hair regrowth. Applied topically, it stimulates hair follicles, leading to increased blood flow and nutrients to the hair follicles, fostering the growth of new hair.

In contrast, other medications listed do not have a significant impact on hair growth. Ibuprofen and aspirin primarily serve as pain relievers and do not act on hair follicles or hormones. Antibiotics and antihistamines are focused on treating infections and allergies, respectively, without direct involvement in hair growth processes. Insulin and glucagon primarily regulate blood sugar levels and do not have a direct role in hair follicle stimulation or inhibition. Each of these alternatives lacks the specific properties that affect hair growth in the manner that birth control and minoxidil do.