Anti-androgens like Finasteride, Dutasteride, Metformin, and Topical Spironolactone cause hairline recession and increased cholesterol levels. The hairline recovers after stopping the drugs.
A user on finasteride for 7+ months shared bloodwork results, questioning if high DHT levels and testosterone could affect cholesterol. Replies suggest consulting a doctor and question the high testosterone levels.
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.
High dose niacin (1000mg daily) seems to have halted hair loss but did not regrow lost hair. The user plans to continue due to additional benefits like lower stress and higher good cholesterol.
Poor diet and lifestyle contribute to male pattern baldness. Treatments like Minoxidil, dietary changes, and lifestyle adjustments may help slow hair loss.
The conversation discusses using ketoconazole, an anti-androgen, for hair loss and whether mesotherapy with dermarolling could enhance its absorption into the scalp. The user questions if the typical 2% ketoconazole shampoo dose would be effective when used after dermarolling to target androgen receptors in the scalp.
User experienced hair loss on the top of the head for 2 years, noticed improvement after adding a smoothie with various fruits, vegetables, and seeds to their diet. They observed increased hair growth after 2 weeks of this dietary change.
The user shared a 10-month hair loss treatment routine using Finasteride, ketoconazole shampoo, and Red Light Therapy, noting significant progress and considering adding Dutasteride. They experienced initial side effects and changes in libido, but overall reduced hair shedding and regrowth, especially at the temples.
The conversation discusses a user's 4-month progress using topical minoxidil and 1.5-month use of topical finasteride, along with almost weekly microneedling, for hair loss. Some responses indicate noticeable improvement and encourage continued use, while others suggest it's too early to judge effectiveness and mention the possibility of a hair transplant.
The conversation discusses the lack of significant advancements in hair loss treatments beyond finasteride and minoxidil, questioning if hair restoration technology has reached a dead end. Hair transplant technology has improved, but new medications face challenges with market entry, cost, accessibility, and long-term effectiveness.
The conversation discusses a five-year study on dutasteride, a medication for male hair loss. The study found that 89.9% of patients saw improvement or prevention of hair loss progression, with varying success rates based on different balding patterns. Side effects were mostly sexual and decreased over time. Dutasteride was concluded to be a long-term, safe, and effective treatment for male hair loss.
Minoxidil users can safely use salicylic acid shampoo to manage scalp pimples and dandruff. Nizoral is also recommended for hair gain and treating scalp pimples.
The user is addressing hair loss with scalp botox, scalp massage, nizoral shampoo, various vitamins and supplements, and natural nitric oxide boosters like citrulline malate and beetroot powder. They are also considering a mouthpiece to reduce snoring and improve sleep.
A person noticed increased hair thinning after changing their workout routine from cycling to weightlifting, which also coincided with a rise in testosterone levels. They are considering stopping intense workouts, switching to yoga, cutting out caffeine, and re-evaluating after a few months to see if it improves their hair condition.
Dutasteride has been used for 20 years with some hair thickness improvement but no dramatic regrowth. The user also experimented with minoxidil, tretinoin, and peptides like BPC 157 for potential benefits in hair density and quality.
Taking dutasteride daily at higher doses results in more effective DHT suppression compared to every other day dosing, due to its dose-dependent nature and long half-life. Even at lower doses, dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for hair loss.
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 shared a 3.5-month hair regrowth progress using Minoxidil, ketoconazole, and dermarolling, and has started taking oral finasteride to maintain gains. There was a significant initial hair shed, which is normal for these treatments.
The user tried minoxidil 5% for 3 years with little improvement, then switched to a 15% minoxidil with 0.1% finasteride solution once daily and started using pyrilutamide, resulting in significant hair regrowth over time. They are considering a hair transplant but are continuing with topical treatments to maximize hair growth first.
The conversation discusses the struggle with diffuse hair thinning and the effectiveness of treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and RU58841. Users share experiences of hair thickening and shedding stopping with these treatments, but results vary and some are skeptical.
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.
User shares 1-year progress using 1mg Finasteride and 5% Minoxidil daily. Others praise results, discuss when improvements appeared, and mention shedding phase.
The conversation discusses various factors affecting hair loss, not just DHT, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and melatonin. Some users report personal experiences with these treatments and hormone tests, while others speculate on the role of hormones like prolactin and cortisol in hair loss.
Dutasteride is more effective than finasteride, has neuroprotective benefits, and may prevent acne. Despite initial concerns about metabolic effects, further research suggests it is safe for most users, especially if not hypogonadal.
The conversation discusses a new model for understanding androgenetic alopecia (AGA), linking it to dietary and lifestyle factors similar to PCOS, and highlighting the role of DHT, vascular damage, and inflammation. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.