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.
Hair loss discussion mentions ineffective treatments like Nutrafol and low-level laser therapy sold by transplant clinics. Trust in hair restoration doctors questioned due to promoting these treatments.
Dutasteride mesotherapy showed increased hair density and diameter without reducing serum DHT levels in a small study. However, the sample size was too small to make definitive claims about its efficacy.
Grapefruit juice doesn't significantly affect finasteride or dutasteride. Drinking topical minoxidil is risky; saw palmetto is less effective than finasteride or dutasteride for hair loss.
The conversation is about the effectiveness of hair loss treatments like finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil. Users agree these treatments help maintain hair but don't guarantee miraculous regrowth, emphasizing early intervention for best results.
A user on finasteride for 8 months shared bloodwork results showing increased testosterone and estradiol levels, with concerns about high LH. Responses advised monitoring for symptoms but noted levels are within reference ranges.
The user reported high estradiol levels after one month of using finasteride for hair loss. They discussed potential side effects and adjustments to their treatment plan.
The post discusses potential links between low vitamin D levels and hair loss, and how correcting this might impact the effectiveness of Minoxidil and Finasteride treatments. The responses vary, with some suggesting that vitamin D deficiency would cause overall scalp hair loss, while others believe it would first affect the most sensitive areas.
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ummwhatsure: No it doesn't. I started losing my hair around 27/28.
This user has had great success with a combination of finasteride and Minoxidil, taking 1 milligram of finasteride per day and applying Minoxidil twice daily for 4 years, starting when they were 31. They experienced some shedding in the first two years, but now have thicker, fuller hair than before.
Hair loss due to low Vitamin D levels improved significantly after taking 4000UI Vitamin D capsules and vitamin B supplements. The user noticed a reduction in hair shedding within a week.
Minoxidil alone is often insufficient for treating hair loss because it doesn't address the DHT-related cause. Combining it with finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally more effective.
Pyrilutamide and RU58841 are androgen receptor antagonists that block receptors without significantly reducing testosterone or DHT levels. Any indirect effect on androgen levels is likely negligible.
Adding tretinoin to minoxidil may help non-responders but likely won't improve results for those already responding to minoxidil. The user plans to try tretinoin with minoxidil and finasteride to see if it enhances hair regrowth.
Dutasteride takes 1-3 months to affect scalp DHT levels, not just a week. The prostate absorbs Dutasteride faster than the scalp due to different vascular networks and enzyme densities.
A user noticed increased hair loss after taking B12 supplements for two months, with B12 levels rising to 1500. They are seeking help as other tests show normal levels of minerals and vitamins.
People are discussing why barbers often don't mention their clients' hair loss, with some sharing personal experiences where barbers did suggest treatments like finasteride (Fin) or mentioned the possibility of hair transplants. Some barbers avoid the topic to not offend clients, while others openly discuss it and recommend treatments or acknowledge the issue when asked.
The user "ajsr8" shared their story of hair loss despite being on treatments. They started using finasteride in 2019 and later tried topical minoxidil, but it didn't seem to work. They also experienced side effects from other treatments. They are considering cutting off their hair and stopping the medications if there is no improvement in three months. Other users suggested trying different treatments and getting a blood test to check for underlying conditions.
Vitamin D deficiency might cause hair loss at the temples. The user has a vitamin D level of 9ng and is experiencing hair loss in that area, resembling a Norwood scale 1 (NW1) pattern.
Clascoterone (Breezula) showed positive results for treating hair loss without affecting cortisol levels. Opinions vary, with some users optimistic about its potential and others critical of its effectiveness compared to existing treatments like finasteride.
Topical androgen receptor antagonists may not be necessary if 5-AR inhibitors like finasteride or dutasteride effectively reduce DHT levels. Combining a 5-AR inhibitor with a topical androgen antagonist could potentially enhance treatment, but oral use of androgen antagonists is too risky due to severe side effects.
Finasteride can increase total testosterone and potentially raise estrogen levels, leading to side effects. Biotin in combined tablets can falsely elevate thyroid hormone levels in blood tests.
A user is concerned that finasteride isn't working after 4 months and is considering switching to dutasteride due to severe hair loss. Others suggest continuing finasteride, adding minoxidil, and being patient.
Hair loss can be linked to low testosterone, affecting DHT and estrogen levels. Treatments discussed include increasing testosterone, using Finasteride, and applying estrogen cream.
After 9 months of using Dutasteride, oral and foam Minoxidil, Zinc, Vitamin D, Nizoral shampoo, and microneedling, combined with reduced stress, an individual restored their hair. They saw significant improvement despite initial worsening, and had low Vitamin D levels which they corrected with supplements.
The user has been experiencing hair loss since having COVID and has low vitamin D levels; they are seeing some improvement in their crown and hairline after starting vitamin D supplements. Commenters suggest the hair loss pattern is consistent with male pattern baldness (MPD) and varies by individual.
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.
Topical finasteride as a potential alternative to oral finasteride for reducing DHT levels on the scalp with fewer side effects, and other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil.