Dutasteride raises scalp testosterone by 99%, which may not be ideal for those sensitive to all androgens. Some argue finasteride's balancing act might be better, while others believe dutasteride is superior for hair regrowth.
Finasteride may have positive effects by keeping testosteronelevels higher, potentially maintaining youthfulness and physical performance as one ages. It could also help with conditions related to aging like andropause and sarcopenia without increasing estradiol levels.
The user shared their bloodwork results showing DHT at 17 ng/dl and testosterone at 287 ng/dl, with a slight Vitamin D deficiency. They are seeking opinions on these levels and have an upcoming dermatologist appointment.
Finasteride significantly increased testosteronelevels for the user, with no major side effects except watery semen, which was resolved with zinc supplements. The user's hairline stopped receding and slightly improved.
The post and conversation are about the user's high testosteronelevels and their worsening hair loss despite trying various treatments. They are considering using low doses of anti-androgens to lower their testosteronelevels as a potential solution.
A user experienced a significant drop in testosteronelevels after taking finasteride, leading to side effects like low libido and muscle mass loss. Despite its effectiveness for hair, the user decided to stop finasteride due to its impact on hormones, preferring to be bald.
The user is experiencing diffuse hair loss due to high testosteronelevels and has tried various treatments including finasteride, minoxidil, nanoxidil, keto/caffeine shampoo, dermarolling, and RU-58841 with limited success. They are seeking advice on safely lowering testosteronelevels to manage hair loss.
Testosterone within the normal range does not significantly contribute to male pattern baldness (MPB); DHT is the main factor that can be controlled. Genetics play a crucial role in hair loss, and treatments like finasteride and dutasteride, which block DHT, can help despite potentially raising testosteronelevels.
The conversation discusses concerns about starting finasteride with low testosteronelevels, with one person suggesting finasteride might increase testosterone and decrease DHT, and another advising to pay attention to thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
27-year-old female experiences aggressive hair thinning and hirsutism despite normal testosteronelevels. Spironolactone and 2% minoxidil were ineffective; high DHEA sulfate levels may be the cause.
The impact of creatine on DHT levels, and whether it could cause accelerated male pattern baldness (MPB). The user taking a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor found that their DHT levels actually reduced despite taking creatine for nine weeks. Replies suggested looking into testosteronelevels as well and debating the safety of creatine use in relation to MPB.
The conversation discusses the confusion over low testosterone potentially causing hair loss, with users sharing personal experiences and knowledge about hair loss treatments like Finasteride. Some users suggest that hair follicle sensitivity to DHT, not testosteronelevels, is the key factor in balding, and others discuss the side effects of hair loss medications.
Combining finasteride and dutasteride with activities that raise testosterone may increase the risk of side effects like gynecomastia, depending on genetic predisposition and hormone levels. It's advised to check hormone levels to assess the risk.
A user reported that after using a topical mix of finasteride and minoxidil, their DHT levels decreased, testosterone and estradiol levels lowered unexpectedly, and they are considering vitamin D3 supplements due to deficiency. They apply the mix 3-4 times a week and use minoxidil on other days. Another user commented that finasteride typically increases testosterone, not decreases it.
The conversation discusses the fluctuation of testosteronelevels in men under 40 and the difference between serum DHT and scalp DHT. It also mentions that DHT levels are higher on Dutasteride than on Finasteride, which is unusual.
The user experienced excessive scalp oiliness and high testosteronelevels after switching from finasteride to dutasteride. They plan to manage their condition with finasteride and are considering spironolactone to reduce testosterone and restore dry skin.
The user received hormone test results showing normal estradiol and testosteronelevels, low SHBG, and normal free androgen index. They are considering starting finasteride but are concerned due to being slightly overweight.
A 32-year-old male started taking 0.5mg of finasteride daily for hair thinning and, after 8 weeks, experienced a 70% reduction in DHT and an increase in estradiol; he is currently in the shedding phase of treatment and questioning if the dosage is correct based on his DHT levels. He began with a lower dose due to already low normal testosterone and DHT levels.
A user reported a 50% increase in testosterone after 18 months of taking dutasteride for hair loss. The conversation includes skepticism about the reliability of single testosterone tests and questions about estrogen levels.
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.
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 testosteronelevels.
Trans women discuss using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss and whether to continue after testosterone suppression. One user reduced dutasteride dosage after achieving undetectable testosteronelevels.
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 testosteronelevels.
Despite using 5% minoxidil, 0.1% finasteride, and other treatments like microneedling, MK-677, and Cialis, hair loss continues with high testosterone and DHT levels. Considering oral dutasteride but concerned about further increasing testosteronelevels.
Some individuals taking finasteride for hair loss report increased libido and frequent masturbation, with no immediate hair regrowth but darker hair appearance. A dermatologist explains that finasteride may raise testosteronelevels temporarily, which could lead to increased sex drive in some people.
The user is concerned that drinking spearmint tea while on finasteride might harm sperm count, mobility, and testosteronelevels, despite seeing positive effects on hair. They seek advice on whether to continue or stop the tea.
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 testosteronelevels, which may worsen hair loss instead of improving it.
User asks if Ashwagandha causes hair loss while using Finasteride and Minoxidil. Replies suggest Ashwagandha may increase shedding, but raising testosterone within normal levels likely won't significantly affect hair loss.
The user is using RU58841, finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil to slow down aggressive hair loss but is still experiencing hair shedding due to high testosteronelevels. They plan to use ostarine to lower testosterone and prevent hair loss while maintaining muscle mass, and will continue using the other treatments.