Hair Cortisol Concentrations in Mental Disorders: A Systematic Review

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.

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.

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.

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.

The conversation discusses the hypothesis that a lack of the enzyme 3-alpha hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD) on the scalp may contribute to hair loss by allowing DHT to accumulate. Despite interest in this theory, no recent research has been conducted, and current treatments like finasteride and minoxidil remain the most supported options.

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.