Dihydrotestosterone May Contribute to the Development of Migraine Headaches

January 2013 in “ PubMed ”

Jerome H. Check, Rachel E. Cohen

dihydrotestosterone DHT finasteride testosterone estrogen Propecia

TLDR Dihydrotestosterone might cause migraines, and finasteride could help reduce them.

The study explored the potential role of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the development of migraine headaches. A young woman with chronic migraines was treated with 5 mg of finasteride daily, which led to a near-complete disappearance of her migraines. However, the symptoms returned after discontinuing the medication due to side effects like dry eyes. The findings suggested that DHT might contribute to migraines, as finasteride reduces DHT levels. Alternatively, the relief could be due to finasteride's other effects, such as increasing testosterone, which may interact with estrogen at the blood vessel level.

View this study on pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Related Community Posts Join

6 / 210 results

community My Testosterone is less than 1/3rd In 7 Months since I took Finasteride!

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 117 upvotes 2 years ago

A user experienced a significant drop in testosterone levels after taking finasteride, leading to side effects like low libido and muscle mass loss. Despite its effectiveness for hair, the user decided to stop finasteride due to its impact on hormones, preferring to be bald.

community 6 months of microneedling, minox, 1% keto, & biotin. Time for fin?

in Progress Pictures 338 upvotes 2 years ago

User experienced hair growth after 6 months using microneedling, minoxidil, ketoconazole, and biotin. Commenters suggest adding finasteride to treatment for better results and preventing further hair loss.

community Why is it that low testosterone causes hair loss as well? How can I be balding?

in Chat 158 upvotes 1 year ago

The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosterone levels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.

community Ultimate DHT/finasteride microdosing graph to replace the commonly one referenced on forums

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 206 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments, specifically, discussing the effectiveness and side effects of finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841 in various microdoses. It also includes an updated graph which provides information on how different doses affect DHT levels, scalp skin and serum androgen levels, as well as hair count.

community Be careful when switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride because for more efficacy.

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 13 upvotes 1 year ago

Switching from finasteride to dutasteride may be more effective for hair regrowth due to dutasteride's stronger enzyme inhibition, but combining both drugs could enhance results. Some users report better outcomes with dutasteride, while others recommend a gradual transition to prevent potential hair loss.

community Proof that finasteride messes with neurosteroids

in Research/Science 230 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

Related Research

2 / 2 results

research Dihydrotestosterone May Contribute to the Development of Migraine Headaches

9 citations , January 2013 in “PubMed”

Dihydrotestosterone might cause migraines, and finasteride could help reduce them.

research Effect of Finasteride, a 5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor, on Serum Gonadotropins in Normal Men

30 citations , August 1992 in “The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism”

Finasteride doesn't affect hormone levels in normal men.