The user experienced hair shedding after switching from minoxidil to finasteride and is considering switching to dutasteride or stopping pills altogether. They also stopped using a specific shampoo with probiotics, enzymatic exfoliator, zinc, and panthenol.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) impacts various skin conditions, including Androgenetic alopecia and seborrheic dermatitis, by causing overactivity in sebaceous glands. Topical medications Tacrolimus and Clobetasol can reduce these inflammatory conditions, and treatments like RU58841, Minoxidil, and Finasteride may also be beneficial.
Natural vitamins like pumpkin seed oil, saw palmetto, and ecklonia cava are discussed for their potential to lower DHT levels. They may work similarly to finasteride but are significantly weaker.
Some people have low sulfotransferase enzyme levels, affecting their response to minoxidil. Lifestyle factors, genetics, and diet, like MSM intake, might influence these enzyme levels.
Topical 2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR) regrows hair in mice almost as well as 2% Minoxidil. However, 2dDR may contribute to oxidative stress and hair loss due to the formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs).