176 citations,
August 2015 in “The journal of allergy and clinical immunology/Journal of allergy and clinical immunology/The journal of allergy and clinical immunology”
Alopecia areata involves immune activation in the scalp, suggesting treatments targeting TH1, TH2, and IL-23 pathways.
The user has been treating hair loss with 1mg oral finasteride daily, 1mg topical minoxidil twice daily, and microneedling twice a week. They report improved hair quality and density but are still experiencing shedding.
A user has been on finasteride for 1.5 years and minoxidil for 2 years, experiencing worsening hair shedding, losing 300+ hairs per wash. They are concerned if this indicates the medicine isn't working and are seeking others' experiences.
Dutasteride at 0.5 mg/day does not significantly alter allopregnanolone levels, but higher doses (2.5 mg/day) do. Dutasteride may also have anti-neuroinflammatory effects, but the impact on neurosteroids is still debated.