The Effect of St John's Wort on the Pharmacokinetics and Metabolism of Finasteride in Man

A 29-year-old male on 1 mg Finasteride for 3 months has experienced a significant increase in testosterone and estradiol levels, with no major side effects except slightly oilier skin and increased emotional sensitivity. The user is concerned about these hormonal changes and seeks advice, as their general practitioner is not knowledgeable about the issue.

Finasteride has no effect on the user's estradiol levels, and body fat may influence aromatization. The user is on testosterone replacement therapy and uses everyday injections to manage high RBC count, with plans to measure DHT, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone levels.

The user experienced a significant drop in libido and erectile issues after increasing their finasteride dosage, combining oral and topical treatments. They plan to take a break and resume using a lower concentration of topical finasteride to manage side effects.

Finasteride may affect blood sugar and metabolism, with some users reporting increased blood sugar and changes in body composition. To manage potential side effects, users suggest exercise, intermittent fasting, and dietary adjustments.

Ashwagandha is used to reduce stress and improve sleep, while finasteride is taken for hair loss. Users report positive effects from ashwagandha and mixed results from finasteride, with some experiencing a slight dip in libido.

The conversation discusses adding finasteride (Propecia) to a liquid containing stemoxydine for hair loss treatment. The user is inquiring about the effectiveness of this combination.