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Glossary 5α-reductase inhibitory activity

blocks enzyme converting testosterone to hair-loss-linked DHT

5α-reductase inhibitory activity refers to the ability of a substance to block the action of the enzyme 5α-reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss and conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia. By inhibiting 5α-reductase, these substances can help reduce DHT levels, potentially preventing hair loss and treating related conditions.

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community Androsterone as a Neurosteroid Replacement Strategy for 5α-Reductase Inhibitor–Associated Sexual and Affective Dysfunction

in Research/Science 36 upvotes 2 months ago

Androsterone may help with sexual and affective dysfunction from finasteride by replacing disrupted neurosteroids without increasing androgenic side effects. Controlled testing is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

community Does caffeine inhibit 5-α-reductase?

4 upvotes 6 years ago

Caffeine may promote hair growth and potentially inhibit 5-α-reductase activity in hair follicles, but its effectiveness and systemic impact remain unclear. Users discuss using topical caffeine solutions, with some experiencing no side effects compared to finasteride.

community Sugar and Hair loss connections

in Research/Science 41 upvotes 1 year ago

High sugar diets may worsen hair loss by increasing 5α-reductase activity and androgen levels, especially in women with PCOS. A low sugar diet might reduce scalp DHT levels, similar to finasteride, but genetics also significantly influence hair loss.

community 5 alpha reductase type 1 is in brain tissue producing the main endogenous gabaergic allopregnanolone, not 2. How can finasteride as a 5ar2 lower that?

27 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.

community Re:you (NOVOGRO) New Hair Loss Treatment Coming in August

45 upvotes 2 months ago

NOVOGRO's new hair loss treatment is questioned for its effectiveness compared to minoxidil, with skepticism about its claims and trial results. The product targets women and lacks the 5α-reductase inhibitor NV-1065, which is still in development.

community Dutasteride: More Than a DHT Reducer – A Potential Androgen Receptor Inhibitor?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 31 upvotes 1 year ago

Dutasteride may inhibit androgen receptors in addition to reducing DHT, potentially explaining its effectiveness over finasteride for hair loss. Concerns about its impact on muscle growth are debated, with some suggesting no significant effects.

community Finasteride - 5 years and my expierience

128 upvotes 2 weeks ago

A 26-year-old shared their 5-year experience using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, noting initial improvements but later experiencing reduced libido and erection quality, leading them to switch from oral to topical finasteride. They advise starting with a low-dose topical solution and emphasize making informed decisions, acknowledging that while finasteride is effective, it can have side effects.

community Supposedly dairy contains precursors to DHT that are already 5a-reduced and convert to DHT independent of 5a-reductase inhibition

26 upvotes 5 months ago

Dairy may contain DHT precursors that could affect hair loss and prostate health, with some users noting reduced hair shedding after eliminating dairy. Individual responses to dairy and DHT blockers vary, with some attributing hair health to diet changes and others seeing no impact.

community Finasteride success for androgenic alopecia by a 27M physician (NO PICTURES)

4 upvotes 10 years ago

A 27-year-old male physician improved hair density using minoxidil 5% foam and finasteride 1mg every other day, with initial sexual side effects that subsided. He recommends trying finasteride for a year but warns against dutasteride due to potential liver effects.

community We should actually be hopeful for these recent new developments

112 upvotes 1 year ago

AI advancements, like AlphaFold, are speeding up drug discovery for hair loss, promising more effective treatments. Current options like minoxidil and finasteride have limitations, but new developments could improve solutions in 5-10 years.

community Finasteride does deplete important nuero-active steroids

11 upvotes 3 years ago

Finasteride can reduce neuroactive steroids, causing side effects like depression, anxiety, and sexual dysfunction. Some users experience persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride, while others use alternative treatments like topical solutions.

community Minoxidil is NOT an Anti-androgen. No.

in Research/Science 43 upvotes 10 months ago

Minoxidil is not an anti-androgen; it is a growth stimulator and does not lower DHT like finasteride or dutasteride. Minoxidil can cause side effects like facial swelling and anxiety due to its vasodilator properties.

community Finasteride - impact on Neurosteroids, which yes, \are important and not a garbage hormone

in Research/Science 163 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride may affect neurosteroids, impacting mood and sexual function, with varied user experiences. Some report side effects like depression and sexual dysfunction, while others find it effective for hair retention or prefer alternatives like Dutasteride or topical treatments.

community Dutasteride actually has different half lives depending on dose

in Research/Science 37 upvotes 1 year ago

Dutasteride's half-life varies with dosage, and lower doses can be effective with fewer side effects compared to finasteride. Some users report different side effects with dutasteride and finasteride, and extreme dosages of dutasteride are unnecessary and potentially harmful.

community EU Shouldn't Ban Fin & Dut: PFS is NOT REAL.

10 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride and Dutasteride do not cause depression or "Post Finasteride Syndrome," with concerns often linked to the nocebo effect and preexisting mental health issues. The EU is unlikely to ban these drugs, but access may become more restricted due to ongoing debates.

community risks with finasteride and dutasteride

138 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride and dutasteride have potential risks, including post-finasteride syndrome, but are commonly used for hair loss. RU58841, minoxidil, and needling are suggested as alternatives, though all treatments carry risks.

community Everyone is ignoring that plasma finasteride levels are 100x lower with topical compared to oral.

in Research/Science 140 upvotes 2 years ago

Topical finasteride results in plasma levels 100 times lower than oral finasteride, potentially reducing systemic side effects. Users report similar efficacy with fewer side effects, suggesting a preference for topical application.

community New Research- Creatine Increasing Scalp DHT Without Corresponding Serum DHT Increase

121 upvotes 2 years ago

Creatine may increase scalp DHT without affecting serum DHT, potentially speeding up male pattern baldness (MPB) for those genetically prone. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.

community Evolution theory: AGA is your body trying to reduce the risk of prostate cancer by exposing your scalp to more UV

in Research/Science 9 months ago

Androgenic alopecia (AGA) might have evolved to reduce prostate cancer risk by increasing UV exposure to the scalp, but this theory is debated. Treatments like minoxidil and finasteride are used for AGA, though the exact causes and evolutionary reasons for hair loss are unclear.

community Can someone please shed some light on natural topicals like castor oil and onion juice

5 upvotes 9 years ago

Castor oil may reduce DHT and help with hair growth, while onion juice lacks evidence for effectiveness. Alternatives to natural topicals include RU58841, olive leaf extract, baicalin, and curcuminoids.

community Bile Acid-Mediated DHT Dysregulation Hypothesis

in Research/Science 13 upvotes 1 year ago

Elevated bile acids can inhibit the enzyme AKR1C2, leading to increased DHT levels, which may accelerate hair loss in those predisposed to androgenetic alopecia. Treatments mentioned include topical minoxidil and finasteride.

community Testosterone and Estradiol levels on 1 mg/day dutasteride

43 upvotes 11 months ago

A 30-year-old man experienced significant hair regrowth and improved libido after using finasteride and dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with no adverse effects. He plans to reduce dutasteride dosage when trying to conceive and has been using topical minoxidil since 2015.

community Study: There is 70x Higher Unconjugated DHT in Feces Compared To Blood Levels in Young Adults - Gut Microbiota Manages DHT Recycling and Metabolism

in Research/Science 194 upvotes 1 year ago

Gut microbiota significantly influences androgen metabolism, impacting hair loss treatments like finasteride. Probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants may help manage DHT levels and improve hair health.

community Creatine is the opposite of minoxidil !

324 upvotes 11 months ago

Creatine may counteract minoxidil's hair growth effects by closing potassium ATP channels, potentially leading to hair loss in predisposed individuals. Despite anecdotal reports, there is no conclusive evidence linking creatine to hair loss.

community Dutasteride likely reduces Bone Mineral Density

in Research/Science 5 months ago

Dutasteride may reduce bone mineral density, but there's no increased risk of osteoporosis or fractures compared to finasteride. Users suggest resistance training to counter potential bone effects.

community Hair Loss Ruins Your Mind: 10x rate of BDD. PF S is not real

in Research/Science 39 upvotes 7 months ago

Hair loss is linked to a higher rate of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), OCD, and depression. Finasteride and dutasteride are not linked to increased suicidal risk, though some users report mental health side effects.

community Fresh off the press: Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility

in Research/Science 643 upvotes 1 year ago

Dutasteride may cause chronic infertility by reducing semen volume and motility, with concerns about irreversible prostate fibrosis. Users consider switching to finasteride or using treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, weighing hair preservation against fertility.

community Blaming Finasteride doesn't help you solve anything: dry eyes

51 upvotes 1 year ago

Finasteride is debated for causing dry eyes, with some users experiencing relief after stopping it, while others find no connection. Topical treatments like dutasteride and minoxidil are suggested as alternatives, with advice to consult medical professionals.

community DHT and 5AR respect post, it's importance within the brain

in Research/Science 111 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses whether to use finasteride for hair loss, considering its role in inhibiting DHT and 5AR, which can affect brain function and mood. Some users report anxiety and depression from finasteride, while others do not experience these side effects and emphasize the importance of DHT for brain and prostate health.

community Dutasteride SAVES your hair follicles: MAJOR BS on people who say it destroyed their hair permanently.

158 upvotes 2 years ago

The conversation discusses the effectiveness of hair loss treatments, specifically finasteride and dutasteride. The conclusion is that dutasteride significantly reduces DHT levels and may be more effective than finasteride for long-term hair retention, with some users reporting personal experiences and side effects.