343 citations
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December 2008 in “Endocrine Reviews”
Metformin helps with menstrual cycles and insulin levels in PCOS but is less effective for hair growth, diabetes prevention, and weight loss, and may improve fertility and reduce diabetes risk.
162 citations
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April 2016 in “The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology”
Testosterone therapy in transgender men has both desired effects like increased muscle mass and potential health risks such as higher cardiovascular risk.
The user has been using finasteride for almost a year, starting at age 18, and added tretinoin and 5% topical minoxidil 1-2 months ago. They are concerned about hair receding again despite the treatments.
Hair loss negatively affects mental health, causing anxiety and depression. Minoxidil and finasteride are discussed as treatments, but side effects and mental health concerns remain.
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.
A user discusses starting nandrolone replacement therapy to stop hair loss and improve hair health, noting its benefits over finasteride. They report halted hair loss, improved skin, increased muscle, and a calm mood after three weeks.
The conversation discusses the potential benefits of finasteride (Fin) for lowering cholesterol and reducing cardiovascular disease risk, with users sharing personal experiences and opinions on the medication's effects on health and hair loss. Some users report positive changes in cholesterol levels after taking finasteride, while others are skeptical or joke about its effects.