The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on Chronic Stress Assessed by Hair Cortisol Analysis via LC-MS/MS

Finasteride and Nizoral shampoo with Ketoconazole are used for hair loss treatment. Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) is recommended over Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for more accurate DHT testing.

The user has been taking 1mg finasteride daily for a year with no improvement in hair loss and reports low cortisol levels, sleep issues, and anxiety changes. The conversation includes discussions on the potential effects of finasteride on cortisol and neurosteroids, with suggestions to consult a doctor and consider other factors.

Stress can lead to hair loss by affecting hair-follicle stem cells, and this loss is harder to recover from if one has male pattern baldness (MPB). Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to address hair loss, but stress-related hair loss differs from androgenic alopecia.

OP is using 5% minoxidil and a foligain supplement for hair loss, with blood test results showing high cortisol levels. OP is considering starting finasteride, while another user shares their experience with finasteride and hair loss challenges due to malabsorption issues.

Corticosterone inhibits GAS6, affecting hair follicle stem-cell activity, with potential implications for stress-related hair loss. Ashwagandha and Vitamin K are suggested for reducing cortisol, but their effectiveness is debated.

Prolactin and cortisol are identified as key factors in hair loss, with stress hormones impacting hair shedding. Finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments, while DHT's role and individual sensitivity are significant factors.