Finasteride can quickly raise estradiol levels by blocking DHT, allowing testosterone to convert to estrogen. Taking finasteride for just a few days can affect blood test results.
A 22-year-old male experienced increased testosterone and estradiol levels after 8 months on finasteride, leading to softer erections and reduced arousal. Suggestions included reducing finasteride dosage, using supplements like L-arginine, L-citrulline, zinc, and possibly tadalafil to improve symptoms.
The conversation discusses the ineffectiveness of tablet forms of dutasteride for hair loss due to poor absorption compared to soft gel capsules. It suggests switching to FDA-approved soft gel capsules for better results, as tablets may not adequately suppress DHT levels.
The user switched from finasteride to dutasteride for hair loss and saw significant improvement in under two months. They also microneedle, take supplements including collagen and vitamin D3, use ketoconazole shampoo, and noticed accidental hair regrowth with retinol application on their face.
A user experienced unexpected hormone test results after 7 months on 1mg daily finasteride, noting a decrease in estradiol despite expectations of an increase. Other users suggested that hormone responses can vary and that finasteride might still be effective if DHT levels are within range, while also mentioning factors like circadian rhythm and stress that could impact results.
Taking finasteride or dutasteride with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can increase testosterone levels by blocking its conversion to DHT, potentially raising estrogen levels. Users suggest monitoring for high estrogen symptoms and possibly using an aromatase inhibitor like anastrozole if needed.
Dutasteride can cause hair shedding even with suppressed testosterone levels due to previous damage from DHT. Hair shedding is often a sign of damaged hair being replaced by healthier growth.
The conversation is about using finasteride for hair loss and considering supplements like ginseng or ashwagandha to boost testosterone levels. Concerns are raised about potential negative effects on hair due to increased DHT conversion, and it's suggested that natural testosterone boosters may not significantly impact those with already high testosterone levels.
People are discussing the use of finasteride for hair loss and the importance of hormonal blood testing to monitor effects like changes in DHT and estradiol levels. Some users also mention using minoxidil and the potential side effects of estradiol, such as gynecomastia, especially at higher doses.
A 20-year-old male has been using finasteride for 7 months and oral minoxidil for 2 months and is planning to check testosterone and estradiol levels. He is seeking advice on additional blood tests to consider.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness and side effects of using Dutasteride, particularly at higher doses like 2.5mg, for hair loss treatment. Concerns are raised about potential side effects, long-term safety, and the difference between topical and oral applications.
The conversation is about starting finasteride for hair loss, with concerns about high free testosterone and potential side effects like gynecomastia. The user plans to address vitamin deficiencies before beginning the treatment.
A user reported a significant increase in testosterone and estradiol levels after taking Finasteride for 5 months, with estradiol levels rising over 2000%. They plan to consult their doctor, suspecting a lab error, as they feel fine with no side effects.
The conversation discusses concerns about starting finasteride with low testosterone levels, with one person suggesting finasteride might increase testosterone and decrease DHT, and another advising to pay attention to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
A user experienced increased pimples and cysts after two years on dutasteride, possibly due to hormonal changes. Suggestions included seeing an endocrinologist, using supplements like boron and DIM, adjusting diet, and reducing body fat to manage side effects.
The user experienced positive scalp results with Dutasteride but noticed beard thinning, prompting a switch back to Finasteride. They plan to monitor the situation and may consider combining treatments in the future.
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 conversation discusses using Duodart (dutasteride + tamsulosin) for hair loss, with side effects like frequent urination and ejaculation issues leading to discontinuation. The user switched to German Avodart and experienced mood and erection side effects, considering adjusting the dosage to three times a week.
The user experienced sexual side effects after starting finasteride and later switched to dutasteride, noticing hormonal changes. They are considering using P5P and possibly aromatase inhibitors to manage high prolactin and estradiol levels.
Finasteride increased testosterone levels from 900 ng/dl to 1200 ng/dl without side effects, improving hair condition. Access to finasteride and minoxidil varies by country, with some places requiring prescriptions and others offering easy access.
Dutasteride may cause fewer side effects than finasteride, with some users experiencing increased libido. The effects of these treatments can vary, especially when combined with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Testosterone can still cause hair loss even when DHT is blocked by dutasteride, especially if hair follicles are sensitive. Topical treatments like RU58841 or pyrilutamide may help, but their long-term effectiveness is uncertain compared to dutasteride.
A user is experimenting with creating a DIY oral Dutasteride solution using raw powder, MCT oil, and Vitamin E to reduce costs. Others discuss their experiences with similar methods and the challenges of sourcing and testing Dutasteride.
The user reduced serum DHT by 60% using Advanced Trichology's natural DHT blocker but saw no improvement in hair loss. They are considering switching to finasteride due to its proven effectiveness in inhibiting scalp DHT.
PTD-DBM is a Korean-developed treatment for hair loss, with limited information available and some users testing it personally. A user purchased PTD-DBM for $115 and plans to test it on their temples, but its effectiveness and authenticity remain uncertain.
A user experienced decreased free testosterone levels after three months of using finasteride, despite positive results in hair shedding reduction. They are considering switching to topical finasteride and plan to conduct further blood tests, including checking SHBG levels, to understand the hormonal changes.
Ashwagandha may increase testosterone, which can convert to DHT and potentially affect hair loss, but using dutasteride should mitigate this concern. Users suggest that occasional Ashwagandha use is unlikely to impact hair loss significantly when on dutasteride.
Dutasteride treatment may decrease sperm concentration, but levels remain above WHO recommendations and recover after discontinuation. The study has limitations, including small sample size and lack of pre-treatment sperm data, and does not assess other fertility factors.
The conversation discusses using very low dose topical finasteride to achieve specific serum DHT reduction percentages. It concludes that finasteride dosage increases linearly between 5-30% DHT reduction but requires exponential increases for reductions up to 70%.
Gut microbiota significantly influences androgen metabolism, impacting hair loss treatments like finasteride. Probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants may help manage DHT levels and improve hair health.