Dermatologists' Perspectives and Real-World Assessment of Alopecia Areata Severity, Burden, and Healthcare Resource Utilization in Adults in Saudi Arabia

A 33-year-old experienced significant hair loss after a depressive episode and taking paroxetine, possibly due to telogen effluvium or androgenic alopecia. Suggestions included reducing alcohol, considering finasteride and minoxidil, and consulting a doctor about antidepressant side effects.

User encourages taking finasteride for hair loss, stating rare permanent side effects. Replies discuss experiences with finasteride, side effects, effectiveness, and alternative treatments.

The user plans to stop finasteride after three months, believing hair loss isn't due to DHT, and will continue with oral minoxidil, microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo. They suspect stress and poor nutrition are the main causes and seek opinions on DHT blockers' effectiveness.

Gut microbiota significantly influences androgen metabolism, impacting hair loss treatments like finasteride. Probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants may help manage DHT levels and improve hair health.

A 19-year-old is distressed about his 17-year-old autistic brother's hair loss, projecting his own insecurities despite being on finasteride and dutasteride. Replies suggest the brother might not care about balding, and the poster should address his own issues.

Dutasteride may not effectively stop scalp hair loss and can cause thinning of facial and body hair, including eyebrows. Users suggest considering other causes like autoimmune conditions or vitamin deficiencies and exploring treatments like finasteride or minoxidil.