A user with low testosterone and mild gyno is considering finasteride for hair loss. Others suggest consulting an endocrinologist first and share experiences of finasteride not worsening gyno.
Saw palmetto can help reduce DHT levels and may work in combination with other supplements like beta sitosterol and pygume, but it's less effective than finasteride. Additional treatments like pumpkin seed extract, zinc, biotin, essential oils, scalp massages, and micro-needling can support hair health, but should not replace existing treatments like finasteride.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.
The user reported high testosterone and estradiol levels within range, but unexpectedly high DHT levels after using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss. Another person suggested the dutasteride might be fake or a bad batch and recommended using the branded Avodart.
The user is considering using P5P to reduce high prolactin levels and is questioning if oral minoxidil could be contributing to the issue. They are also debating whether to switch from oral to topical minoxidil.
A 37-year-old male resolved scalp folliculitis by adopting a low-histamine diet and taking Vitamin A, Zinc, and Fish Oil, leading to better skin health and thicker hair. He warns about the potential toxicity of excessive Vitamin A intake.
Some people respond better to minoxidil due to higher enzyme levels converting it to its active form. Minoxidil helps with hair regrowth but doesn't prevent hair loss; finasteride and other DHT inhibitors are needed for that.
A user shared progress pictures showing successful hair retention using a low-dose topical finasteride (0.008%) combined with minoxidil. Users discussed the effectiveness of the treatment, minimal effective dosing, and avoiding systemic side effects.
The user has been taking dutasteride for 8 months and finasteride before that, with normal DHT levels but high estradiol and prolactin, leading to sexual side effects. The user is disappointed with these results.
Dutasteride might be better for hairline due to varying levels of 5AR activity in scalps. Genetic tests can determine if finasteride is enough or if dutasteride is needed.
User seeks advice for mom's hair loss, considering treatments like spiro, iron/biotin supplements, 2% minoxidil, and Nioxin. Mom has Parkinson's and low estrogen due to hysterectomy, which may contribute to thinning.
The post discusses the potential of upregulating aromatase to treat hair loss, suggesting that increasing CCL2 levels through Vitamin D or microneedling might help. The user questions why microneedling doesn't work for everyone, especially those with advanced hair loss.
The user has been taking finasteride for a year without improvement and added minoxidil and dermarolling recently, but hair loss continues. Blood tests showed normal testosterone and vitamins, except for low vitamin D3 and an allergy, which doctors suggested could be causing the hair loss.
The individual is experiencing hair loss and has a vitamin D deficiency, with levels at 7.49ng/ml or 26nmol/l. They are unsure if the deficiency is causing the hair loss and are seeking advice on vitamin D supplementation.
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.
IGFBP‐rP1 shows potential for treating androgenic alopecia by influencing hair cycle transitions. Increasing IGF-1 levels may have similar effects to Minoxidil and 5-AR inhibitors in reducing hair loss.
A user shared their pre-finasteride lab results, including DHT, estradiol, testosterone, SHBG, prolactin, FSH, and LH levels. Another user responded, cautioning against making unsupported claims about side effects and recovery.
The conversation suggests that people should consult a dermatologist to understand their type of hair loss before starting treatments like finasteride or dutasteride, especially if they have autoimmune issues or low DHT. Some participants believe in starting treatment like finasteride immediately if hair loss is due to DHT, while others recommend ruling out other causes and considering minoxidil first, especially for younger individuals.
Using licorice to counteract the blood pressure-lowering effects of oral minoxidil. Concerns about licorice affecting potassium levels and minoxidil's effectiveness were raised.
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.
Hair loss treatments Fin and Minoxidil failed for user. Suggested alternatives are 75mg oral spiro and RU58841, but concerns about low testosterone and self-esteem were raised.
Alcohol-based minoxidil absorbs better but can cause irritation; non-alcohol-based is gentler. Topical dutasteride shows promise but needs more research; low-dose oral minoxidil (0.25 mg/day) is effective with fewer side effects. Ingredients like Procapil, Redensyl, caffeine, and Anagain in shampoos have limited evidence; ketoconazole shampoo can help when used 2-3 times a week with other treatments.
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 shared their experience with Finasteride for hair loss, noting a significant reduction in DHT levels and a complete loss of libido without other side effects. Another user agreed, discussing the negative impact on sexual drive and criticizing the community's attitude towards discussing side effects.
The conversation discusses the potential role of prolactin in hair loss and mentions treatments like HMI115, mucuna pruriens, Zinc, and B6 P5P for lowering prolactin levels. It also touches on the use of natural compounds and the lack of studies due to funding issues.
A 20-year-old male is unsure how to interpret his bloodwork results and whether he should take finasteride for hair loss. His bloodwork shows borderline high levels of albumin and testosterone, and high progesterone, but normal levels of other hormones.
The user has been taking oral Finasteride and topical Essengen 6 Plus for hair loss and is experiencing increased depression. They plan to get bloodwork to check hormone levels and are seeking advice on which tests to include.
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.
Finasteride raises total testosterone but lowers free testosterone, which is important for male health. Users report mixed experiences with their fitness levels and blood test results after using finasteride.
A user is anxious about starting finasteride for hair loss despite believing in its effectiveness. Others suggest starting with a lower dose and emphasize the low risk of side effects.