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 user received hormone test results showing normal estradiol and testosterone levels, low SHBG, and normal free androgen index. They are considering starting finasteride but are concerned due to being slightly overweight.
A 52-year-old male with Multiple Sclerosis is considering using Finasteride and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) for hair loss but is advised to lose weight first to avoid side effects. He is currently focusing on diet, weight loss, and using Rogaine and microneedling for hair treatment.
The user cannot tolerate oral finasteride and is considering topical finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and RU58841 as alternative treatments for hair loss. They seek advice on whether these options are worth trying.
Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.