Epitestosterone—An Endogenous Antiandrogen?

Androsterone may help with sexual and affective dysfunction from finasteride by replacing disrupted neurosteroids without increasing androgenic side effects. Controlled testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.

Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.

Epristeride is a selective 5 alpha reductase type 2 inhibitor that may reduce scalp DHT similarly to finasteride, with potentially fewer side effects. It is suggested that combining epristeride with finasteride or dutasteride could enhance hair loss treatment effectiveness.

The conversation discusses managing gynecomastia symptoms potentially caused by finasteride use, with treatments including reducing finasteride dosage, using DIM, ashwagandha, tamoxifen, epistane, and arimistane. Users share experiences and advice on balancing testosterone and estrogen levels to address symptoms.

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.