Melanocyte and Gonad Activity as Potential Severity Modifying Factors in C3H/HeJ Mouse Alopecia Areata

The user is experiencing hair loss despite using estradiol, bicalutamide, dutasteride, and topical minoxidil. They stopped minoxidil temporarily, which worsened their condition, and are considering oral minoxidil but are concerned about side effects and cost.

The user has been using oral finasteride for 15 months and oral minoxidil for 6 months, and developed alopecia areata, for which a dermatologist prescribed calcipotriol/betamethasone. The treatment is helping, but the user is experiencing another shedding phase and is concerned about the effects of the steroid cream and the cause of hair loss.

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.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.

Hair loss treatments discussed include finasteride, minoxidil, spironolactone, and estradiol, with concerns about side effects like sexual dysfunction and feminization. Some users prefer hair transplants or shaving over medication due to potential side effects.

The user is undergoing treatment for hair loss using finasteride, Kenalog injections, and Clobetasol, along with vitamin D and collagen supplements. They are considering additional treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, and there is discussion about whether the hair loss is due to stress, alopecia areata, or a scarring condition like lichen planopilaris.