Androgenetic alopecia is caused by DHT affecting hair growth. Finasteride and minoxidil are used to manage hair loss by blocking DHT and promoting hair growth.
The user started using finasteride, minoxidil, and biotin for male pattern baldness (MPB) and is experiencing rapid thinning. They are questioning if low blood flow to the head could be contributing to their hair loss.
The conversation discusses hair loss treatments, emphasizing the importance of patience and sticking with a treatment for at least 12-18 months before judging its effectiveness or adding new treatments. Users share experiences and agree that introducing treatments too quickly can lead to panic and negative outcomes.
Akkermansia bacteria can improve hair growth inhibited by testosterone, and metformin may increase Akkermansia, which could help with hair loss related to aging, insulin resistance, and inflammation.
The conversation discusses the potential of using topical estrogen treatments for hair loss without systemic absorption, highlighting challenges and possible solutions like using estriol. It also mentions other treatments like topical finasteride, microneedling, and scalp massage, while noting the limitations and side effects of current options.
How androgens, including testosterone, can cause hair follicles to miniaturize in people with sensitivity to androgens, and treatments such as finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, or fluridil may be used in combination for long-term treatment.
Finasteride significantly increased testosterone levels 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.
Finasteride can cause gynecomastia, which may be reversible by stopping the drug and using selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) like tamoxifen. Lifestyle changes such as weight loss and avoiding alcohol can also help, but surgery may be needed if the condition persists.
A user experienced initial side effects from finasteride, including erectile dysfunction and emotional changes, but later noticed increased muscle mass and assertiveness. Hormonal tests showed elevated estrogen and prolactin levels, which slightly decreased over time; the user plans lifestyle changes to see if they help.
The conversation is about a finding that finasteride does not significantly increase the risk of sexual dysfunction, with users sharing mixed personal experiences regarding 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.
Being overweight may increase finasteride side effects due to higher aromatase activity converting testosterone to estradiol. Maintaining a healthy weight could reduce these side effects.
The conversation discusses whether finasteride's reduction of DHT and increase in scalp testosterone contribute to hair follicle miniaturization. Some participants argue testosterone does not cause miniaturization, while others suggest that even with reduced DHT, other androgens like testosterone may still contribute to hair loss.
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 testosterone levels.
The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride and back to finasteride led to gynecomastia and fatigue, likely due to hormonal imbalances. Suggested treatments include Tamoxifen, Raloxifene, or low-dose Anastrozole, with a recommendation to test testosterone and estradiol levels.
Finasteride may affect liver function and cortisol levels, potentially linking it to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). More research is needed to understand this connection fully.
The user is experiencing severe hair shedding while on finasteride and plans to start using ketoconazole shampoo to address a greasy, waxy scalp buildup. They are seeking additional advice for managing hair loss.
The conversation discusses concerns about potential side effects, specifically gynecomastia, from taking 1mg of finasteride every other day for hair loss. Bloodwork results were shared, but more information was requested to provide advice.
The post and conversation are about the effectiveness of finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss. The conclusion is that the user had better results with finasteride and experienced rapid balding after switching to dutasteride.
A user named Medical_Opinion8120, a 23-year-old female, is experiencing hair loss potentially due to a past accutane course. She has tried minoxidil without success and is currently taking iron and zinc supplements.
The conversation discusses the potential benefits of castor oil for hair thickening, with one user noting it may increase prostaglandin E2 and decrease PGD2. The original poster plans to take 1-2ml orally daily.
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.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of Dutasteride mesotherapy for hair loss treatment in Germany. The user is considering trying it and seeks opinions from others who have experience with it.
RU58841 is discussed as a topical anti-androgen for hair loss, but its effectiveness and safety are not well-documented, leading to mixed opinions and experiences among users. Some combine it with finasteride, but concerns about side effects and lack of FDA approval limit its popularity.
A 21-year-old MTF individual is experiencing rapid hair thinning and is currently on estradiol valerate. They are inquiring about the effectiveness of spironolactone for hair loss, despite being aware of its serious side effects.
The conversation discusses the side effects of finasteride, including low libido and erectile dysfunction, and the possibility of these effects being permanent, known as post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report personal experiences with PFS and debate whether the condition is real, with varying opinions on the reversibility of side effects and the role of individual biology.
A user experienced severe side effects from finasteride, including mental health issues and physical symptoms, and sought advice on managing post-finasteride syndrome. Suggestions included checking vitamin levels, considering dopamine agonists, and avoiding further psychiatric medications.
Creatine may increase scalp DHT without affecting serum DHT, potentially speeding up male pattern baldness (MPB) for those genetically prone. Treatments mentioned include Minoxidil, finasteride, and RU58841.