A 27-year-old male using Minoxidil, Finasteride, and dermarolling for hair loss shared blood test results and experienced side effects with Finasteride. Adjusting the Finasteride dosage helped reduce side effects.
A user reported that after using a topical mix of finasteride and minoxidil, their DHT levels decreased, testosterone and estradiol levels lowered unexpectedly, and they are considering vitamin D3 supplements due to deficiency. They apply the mix 3-4 times a week and use minoxidil on other days. Another user commented that finasteride typically increases testosterone, not decreases it.
The user checked iron, ferritin, B12, zinc, testosterone, DHT, and estrogens to understand hair loss causes and the effects of dutasteride. They also noted increased heart rate and paleness with oral minoxidil.
The conversation is about which blood markers to test before starting a 5-AR inhibitor for hair loss. The user mentions already testing Total T, Free T, SHBG, Estradiol, Haematocrit, Red blood cell count, and White cell count, and asks if DHT or additional markers are needed.
The user has been taking 0.5 finasteride for 10 months and wants to repeat blood tests, including estradiol. However, their doctor is reluctant to test estradiol, arguing it's typically low in men, and the user is considering seeking a second opinion.
The user got blood work to check hormone levels before starting Finasteride for hair loss and is seeking advice on interpreting the results. They are considering hormone levels in relation to potential side effects of Finasteride.
The user is considering starting finasteride for hair loss but is concerned about potential side effects due to their estradiol levels being near the upper limit. They have consulted a doctor who confirmed their levels are okay to start the treatment.
You cannot donate blood if you are taking finasteride or dutasteride due to potential risks to pregnant women. Finasteride has a shorter wait time to donate blood compared to dutasteride, and both oral and topical forms can disqualify you from donating.
A user in the UK seeks advice on blood tests before starting Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss. Recommended tests include thyroid function, hormone levels, liver and kidney function, and vitamin and mineral levels.
A user in England seeks advice on where to get a custom blood test for DHT, PRL, estradiol, SHBG, testosterone, and free testosterone before starting dutasteride. They want a baseline measurement before beginning treatment.
CRISPR treatments for blood disorders have been approved, leading to discussions about its potential for treating hair loss (AGA). A study showed that editing a gene related to DHT sensitivity could lead to hair regrowth, suggesting CRISPR may eventually be used for AGA, but it's expected to be expensive and not soon available.
A 32-year-old male started taking 0.5mg of finasteride daily for hair thinning and, after 8 weeks, experienced a 70% reduction in DHT and an increase in estradiol; he is currently in the shedding phase of treatment and questioning if the dosage is correct based on his DHT levels. He began with a lower dose due to already low normal testosterone and DHT levels.
Low Vitamin D can cause hair shedding, and taking 5000 IU of Vitamin D daily reduced shedding significantly. Vitamin D deficiency is common and correcting it can benefit overall health.
A user has been taking finasteride for 5 months with no improvement in diffuse hair loss and suspects high levels of prolactin, cortisol, progesterone, and DHEAS, as well as iron, might be contributing to the issue. They are also taking vitamin D to address a deficiency.
The user started using finasteride, minoxidil, and biotin for male pattern baldness (MPB) and is experiencing rapid thinning. They are questioning if low blood flow to the head could be contributing to their hair loss.
The conversation is about which blood tests are essential to check before starting hair loss treatment with finasteride or dutasteride. The tests mentioned include DHT, PSA, Estrogen/Estradiol, Testosterone, FSH, and LH.
The conversation discusses the theory that finasteride-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is related to blood flow rather than hormonal changes. The user suggests that lowering LDL cholesterol aggressively might improve ED symptoms for those on finasteride.
A user's plan to use Zix and topical finasteride (5AR inhibitors) for hair loss, followed by blood testing before/after. The user has suggested creating a fund to cover part of the cost of their blood tests. Replies to their post discuss the effectiveness of the treatments.
The user is taking 1mg Dutasteride, 2.5mg oral Minoxidil, topical Minoxidil, 28mg iron, vitamin D3 + K2, and Selenium daily. They are concerned about their receding hairline despite good hair density and crown.
A 25-year-old male is concerned about his blood test results, particularly the low percentage of free testosterone, and is questioning whether starting finasteride for hair loss might worsen this issue. He also notes a slight vitamin D deficiency and lack of sleep before the test.
Using licorice to counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of oral minoxidil. Concerns about licorice affecting potassium levels and minoxidil's effectiveness were raised.
A 25-year-old male with normal hormone levels is considering starting finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss but is concerned about high estradiol levels and potential side effects. Responses vary, with some suggesting blood tests before starting treatment and others emphasizing individual tolerance and the importance of consulting a doctor.
Finasteride may have positive effects by keeping testosterone levels higher, potentially maintaining youthfulness and physical performance as one ages. It could also help with conditions related to aging like andropause and sarcopenia without increasing estradiol levels.
A user shared their experience with finasteride for hair regrowth, which was effective but caused side effects like gynecomastia and mood swings. They now manage side effects with Arimidex and vitamins while continuing finasteride, and monitor their health with blood tests.
A user is concerned about taking 1mg/day of finasteride due to potential gynecomastia, given their blood results. They seek advice on how their hormone levels might be affected by blocking DHT.
A user took 1.5 mg Finasteride and topical Minoxidil for 11 months, resulting in significant changes in blood values but no noticeable hair improvement. They experienced side effects like mood swings and increased visceral fat, leading them to stop Finasteride.
Charts show how long Finasteride and Dutasteride stay in the blood, explaining why 0.5 mg Finasteride is less effective than 1 mg. Dutasteride accumulates over time, leading to gradual results compared to the immediate effects of Finasteride.
The discussion revolves around the frequency of applying topical finasteride for hair loss treatment. The main question is whether applying it every 4-5 days could still be effective, given that its half-life in the scalp tissue is 5-6 days.