Female (37) experiencing hair loss for 5 years, tried max dose of spiro and oral + topical minox without success. Discovered low cortisol and low DHEA levels, seeking functional medicine practitioner for help.
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.
Isotretinoin may cause hair loss by increasing DHT through a precursor androgen, DHEAS. Treatments like topical antiandrogens (RU58841, pyrilutamide) and drugs increasing PPAR-y expression (pioglitazone) might prevent this hair loss.
A user asked if taking a blood test 3 days after starting finasteride would affect the results for Estradiol, FSH, SHBG, Progesterone, and DHEA-S. The conversation is about the timing of blood tests after beginning finasteride treatment.
The user discusses their hair loss experience, exploring various hypotheses including thyroid levels, vitamin D, DHEA, nutritional deficiency, diabetes, seborrheic dermatitis, lack of nutrition to hair follicles, chronic inflammation, female pattern hair loss causes, cortisol, and prolactin levels. They are currently using finasteride, beta-sitosterol, and have tried topical dutasteride and microneedling therapy.
27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosterone levels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.
The user shared their personal experience with hair loss, hormone imbalances, and treatments including testosterone boosters, natural estrogen blockers, and DHEA. They suggest that low-dose finasteride and natural hormone therapy could reduce hair loss with fewer side effects.
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.
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.
The conversation discusses whether dutasteride might cause less depression than finasteride for hair loss treatment, with some users suggesting it could due to different mechanisms of action or molecular size, while others express skepticism or share personal experiences with these medications.
The conclusion of the conversation is that some individuals may experience a condition called reactionary hypergonadism when taking dutasteride for hair loss. This condition can lead to an increase in testosterone levels, which may worsen hair loss instead of improving it.
The conversation is about whether testing for free DHT is necessary before starting Finasteride for hair loss, despite having other hormone tests available. One person suggests that genetic response to DHT is more important than DHT levels and advises starting Finasteride without the free DHT test.
The user recovered from Post-Finasteride Syndrome (PFS) using a specific hormone protocol after trying finasteride and dutasteride. They now help others with PFS by reviewing blood work and offering personalized advice.
Men with early male pattern baldness (MPB) may have hormonal abnormalities similar to those in women with PCOS. Specific treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, Finasteride, and RU58841.
A user started taking 1mg finasteride for hair loss and plans to follow a thrice-weekly dosing schedule recommended by two doctors. They previously used saw palmetto without issues and are hopeful finasteride won't cause sexual side effects.
A 29 year old female with hair loss issues that have been linked to PCOS; the user has started taking Spironolactone and iron supplements in hopes of regrowing their hair, but is wondering if it's too late.
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.
A user is asking about increasing their dutasteride dosage from 0.5mg to up to 2.5mg and whether it improves hair loss treatment. They are seeking experiences from others who have tried higher doses.
The conversation discusses a user's progress after 4 months of using 1.25mg finasteride daily, minoxidil, and dermarolling to treat hair thinning, particularly on the sides and crown. The user believes finasteride made the most difference, and they share tips on managing hair loss and tracking progress.
A 29-year-old woman is experiencing gradual hair thinning since age 15, suspects Androgenic Alopecia, and has tried 5% minoxidil with little success. She has purchased various hair loss treatments including minoxidil, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, but is cautious about starting them due to potential interactions with her ADHD medication.
Female with aga tried minoxidil 5% and spironolactone, no success yet. Gladyator96 suggests waiting 6 months, adding tretinoin or dermarolling with minoxidil.
CosmeRNA, a new hair loss treatment, is expected to release soon and may become part of the "big three" treatments alongside finasteride and minoxidil. It works differently from finasteride by targeting androgen receptors in hair follicles, potentially offering fewer side effects.
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.
The conversation discusses a last-resort hair loss treatment combining topical finasteride, minoxidil, melatonin, and progesterone, with claims that topical finasteride can inhibit up to 52% of scalp DHT. One reply clarifies that progesterone is not an anti-androgen but has anti-androgenic properties because it competes with androgens for receptors.
P5P supplementation helped reverse finasteride side effects, particularly by lowering prolactin levels and restoring sensitivity. The user experienced significant improvement within a day and full recovery in a few days.
A person considering finasteride for hair loss checked their hormone levels before starting treatment. They are concerned about the potential increase in estradiol and its effects, as well as the impact on their sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and free testosterone levels.
User "missbloombastic" has been experiencing hair loss since 2016 and tried min, fin, multivitamins, and spiro with mixed results. Another user shares their struggle with hair loss and its impact on self-esteem, while a third user suggests checking blood tests and confirming the cause of hair loss.
Glycine supplementation may increase 5-alpha reductase activity, potentially affecting hair loss. Users discuss its impact on hair fall and its role in the body.
A user has been treating hair loss with finasteride for two years without success and is experiencing an itchy scalp with seborrhea. Despite low DHT levels, they are still losing hair, suggesting that DHT might not be the main cause of their hair loss, and they are considering other treatments or causes.