Expression of 11β-Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase Type 1 in Visceral and Subcutaneous Adipose Tissues of Patients with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Is Associated with Adiposity

A 30-year-old female with PCOS and male pattern baldness is frustrated with her endocrinologist's recommendation of only Spironolactone and minoxidil, feeling that dutasteride, finasteride, and progesterone would be more effective. Other users suggest various online sources for treatments, warn against self-medicating due to potential risks, and recommend seeking a specialized endocrinologist or considering additional treatments like Inositol, Berberine, and dermaneedling.

A female with PCOS and androgenetic alopecia is starting treatment with oral Minoxidil, topical Minoxidil 5% with finasteride, and plans to add mesotherapy. She previously tried anti-androgenic contraceptive pills but couldn't tolerate them and is using Myo Inositol for weight management.

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.

FCE 28260 (PNU 156765), an under-explored 5α-reductase inhibitor, showcases promising results in research by Giudici et al., outperforming well-known treatments like Finasteride in reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Its superior efficacy, demonstrated through lower IC50 values in both natural and human recombinant enzyme studies, suggests it could offer more effective management of DHT-related conditions. Additionally, its lower molecular weight hints at better potential for topical application, potentially offering advantages in treating conditions such as androgenic alopecia. Despite its potential, it has not advanced in development, possibly due to financial limitations, leaving its therapeutic prospects and side effect profile largely unexplored.

OP shares their experience with PCOS-related hair loss, highlighting that addressing vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies, managing hormones with spironolactone, and using gentle hair care products helped improve their condition. They advise against relying on "miracle" hair oils and emphasize the importance of medical evaluation and a combined approach to treatment.

A woman with androgenic hair loss, likely due to PCOS, is seeking topical treatments as oral medications are not an option. Suggested treatments include topical finasteride, spironolactone, and clascoterone, with spironolactone and clascoterone being safer options due to lower systemic absorption risk.