A user reported a significant increase in testosterone and estradiol levels after taking Finasteride for 5 months, with estradiol levels rising over 2000%. They plan to consult their doctor, suspecting a lab error, as they feel fine with no side effects.
Increasing dutasteride from 3x to 5x a week led to worse hair loss and higher DHT levels, prompting a return to the original dosing. The user also uses topical minoxidil and is addressing a folic acid deficiency.
The conversation discusses a hair loss treatment regimen involving 2.5mg dutasteride, 10mg oral minoxidil, RU58841, and low-dose testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The user reports progress without significant side effects, except for facial bloating from minoxidil.
Taking zinc may reduce side effects of finasteride, such as gyno, by preventing testosterone from converting to estrogen. Some users report improved symptoms with zinc, but excessive intake can cause issues like copper deficiency or stomach problems.
Natural DHT blockers caused negative side effects like weak erections and depression, while finasteride improved overall well-being and cleared acne. Users shared similar experiences, finding finasteride effective without the adverse effects of natural treatments.
A user shared their hair regrowth progress using Dutasteride, topical Minoxidil, Spironolactone, and Estradiol Valerate injections as part of hormone replacement therapy for transitioning. They experienced significant hair improvement and personal satisfaction but caution against this approach for non-transitioning individuals due to irreversible changes.
Finasteride can increase body and facial hair growth due to increased testosterone, despite its intended use to reduce hair loss on the scalp. Some users consider trying topical finasteride for less systemic impact, while others report mixed results and side effects.
A 20-year-old saw significant hair regrowth after 9 months of using DHT blockers (finasteride and dutasteride) and 6 months of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estradiol. The regrowth is attributed to low testosterone and high estradiol levels, without using Minoxidil.
A 27-year-old woman with androgenic alopecia is losing hair despite using oral minoxidil and spironolactone, and is considering dutasteride. She is exploring causes like stress and medication side effects, planning tests, and considering treatment changes.
The user experienced a decrease in DHT levels after starting finasteride and noted improved gym performance with creatine. They observed hair improvement and are considering adding more minoxidil to their routine.
An 18-year-old is using a high-dose treatment for hair loss, including 2.5 mg dutasteride, topical minoxidil, and injectable GHK-Cu, despite minimal hair loss. Many users suggest reducing the dutasteride dose due to potential side effects and recommend starting with finasteride instead.
The user added 0.5mg dutasteride to their regimen of topical finasteride and minoxidil but experienced rapid hairline recession despite reduced hair fall. Suggestions included increasing the dutasteride dosage to 1mg daily to better suppress DHT and potentially adding oral minoxidil.
The user experienced improved libido and erections after reducing DHT levels with 0.5mg of dutasteride once a week, despite previous side effects from finasteride. They are also on testosterone replacement therapy and have not noticed major personality changes.
Finasteride can cause side effects like erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, possibly due to increased estradiol from testosterone aromatization, especially in those with higher body fat. Side effects vary widely and may also be influenced by genetic factors or neurosteroid inhibition.
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.
Clascoterone shows promising results for hair regrowth in men with androgenetic alopecia, with potential FDA approval by 2026. It acts as a topical androgen receptor blocker, offering a new treatment option with minimal side effects compared to existing treatments like finasteride.
Pyrilutamide/KX-826 is being considered as a potential treatment for female androgenetic alopecia (AGA), but its high cost and limited data on effectiveness are concerns. Kintor markets it for both men and women.
The conversation discusses the link between seborrheic dermatitis, acne, and male pattern baldness, suggesting that DHT may cause both skin conditions and hair loss. Treatments mentioned include RU58841, finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, Nizoral shampoo, and other topical anti-androgens.
The user experienced side effects from finasteride and is considering adding Alfatradiol or Fluridil to their regimen, which includes Minoxidil, dermarolling, and ketoconazole. Fluridil is noted to be more effective than Alfatradiol but less effective than finasteride, with mild side effects reported.
The conversation discusses using homemade topical finasteride for hair loss, showing an increase in DHT levels despite treatment. The user applies 0.125mg daily, resulting in 113.4% of previous DHT levels.
Spironolactone and estrogen may be more effective for hair regrowth in transgender women than finasteride alone. Estrogen and spironolactone suppress testosterone, potentially reducing DHT more effectively than finasteride.
Creatine may increase DHT, potentially affecting hair loss, but opinions vary. Users discuss using finasteride and alternatives like plant protein to manage hair loss.
OP noticed an increase in DHT levels after 5 months of using finasteride and is unsure if the drug is effective or if other factors like stress or vitamins are influencing the results. Users suggest testing the medication for authenticity, consulting a doctor, and possibly trying a different brand or dosage.
The conversation discusses alternatives to 5AR inhibitors for hair loss treatment, suggesting options like minoxidil, KX-826, pyrilutimide, microneedling, and topical bicalutamide. Concerns about side effects and the effectiveness of these treatments are also highlighted.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride due to side effects and is experiencing fewer side effects with dutasteride, though some scalp itching has occurred. Blood tests show elevated testosterone and estrogen, low DHT, and normal liver and cholesterol levels, leading the user to feel confident in the long-term benefits of dutasteride for hair regrowth.
Finasteride is seen as risky for men due to side effects like erectile dysfunction, while hormonal birth control for women is normalized despite its side effects. The discussion points out a double standard influenced by societal and gender norms.
A user is considering finasteride for hair loss and is concerned about its effects on DHT levels and potential side effects, including those from creatine. The user seeks advice on finasteride's impact on hair and body hair, given their high DHT and testosterone levels.
The user is taking Dutasteride, Finasteride, Estradiol, Spironolactone, and Progesterone for hair regrowth and is considering adding Minoxidil and rosemary oil. They are experiencing some hair regrowth and are consulting a dermatologist to avoid a hair transplant.
Topical estradiol may help with hair loss but can have systemic effects, like reduced testosterone production. Using estrogen blockers can have negative side effects, such as joint pain and reduced sex drive.