Non-Surgical Management of BPH: An Updated Review of Current Literature and State of the Art on Natural Compounds and Medical Therapy

The conversation discusses using natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto, beta sitosterol, pumpkin seed oil, pygeum africanum bark, and nettle root as alternatives to finasteride for hair loss, with mixed opinions on their effectiveness. Some users report minimal improvement with natural options and better results with finasteride or dutasteride, despite concerns about potential side effects.

A 30-year-old woman with androgenetic alopecia is considering bicalutamide to slow hair loss but is concerned about its impact on muscle growth due to its anti-androgen effects. Alternatives suggested include dutasteride, spironolactone, RU58841, and minoxidil, with concerns about bicalutamide's side effects.

The conversation discusses natural DHT blockers like rice bran oil, which may reduce 5α-reductase activity similarly to Minoxidil and Dutasteride. One user argues that finasteride is more reliable and effective than natural alternatives.

Finasteride, dutasteride, saw palmetto, caffeine, spironolactone, acetyltetrapeptides, tea tree oil, hydrocortisone, zinc pyrithione, latanoprost, melatonin, marine protein supplements, PRP, microneedling, and valproate are discussed as treatments for hair loss. DHT reduction and inflammation control are key strategies.

The user plans to switch from minoxidil to finasteride or dutasteride for hair loss, while managing hormones with aromatase inhibitors and SHBG blockers. They seek advice on the best options for these treatments, considering past side effects and future therapies.

Topical androgen receptor antagonists may not be necessary if 5-AR inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride effectively reduce DHT levels. Combining a 5-AR inhibitor with a topical androgen antagonist could potentially enhance treatment, but oral use of androgen antagonists is too risky due to severe side effects.