The Circulating Dihydrotestosterone/Testosterone Ratio Is Increased by Gut Microbial 5α-Reductase Activity in Females

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.

Dairy may contain DHT precursors that could affect hair loss and prostate health, with some users noting reduced hair shedding after eliminating dairy. Individual responses to dairy and DHT blockers vary, with some attributing hair health to diet changes and others seeing no impact.

The conversation discusses a personal theory on the role of DHT in stress and reproduction, suggesting it converts testosterone for reproductive traits. The discussion includes skepticism and mentions individual differences in physiology and neurochemistry.

Hair loss may be influenced more by inflammation, microbiome imbalances, and gut health than DHT. Treatments discussed include minoxidil, finasteride, RU58841, fecal microbiota transplants, and JAK inhibitors.

The conversation is about managing hair loss while on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Suggestions include using finasteride or dutasteride to address high DHT levels, with considerations on the impact of TRT on hair loss.

The user experienced improved libido and erections after reducing DHT levels with 0.5mg of dutasteride once a week, despite previous side effects from finasteride. They are also on testosterone replacement therapy and have not noticed major personality changes.