The effects of smoking cigarettes on DHT levels and its potential effect on hair loss, with some people sharing experiences in relation to their own hair loss. Various treatments for reducing or reversing hair loss were discussed, such as quitting smoking, minoxidil, finasteride and RU58841.
The user has been using liposomal topical finasteride since late 2022, progressively increasing the dose, but DHT serumlevels remain largely unchanged. Despite using finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and ketoconazole, hair condition has neither improved nor worsened.
The conversation discusses the effectiveness of different concentrations and dosages of topical finasteride on scalp and serum DHT levels, comparing it to oral finasteride and noting the side effects seem to be fewer at lower dosages. Participants shared experiences and referenced a chart indicating similar scalp DHT reduction with 0.025% topical finasteride as with 1mg oral finasteride, but with fewer side effects.
The user reported early stage diffuse hair thinning and increased DHT levels after 4 weeks on Finasteride and 8 weeks on Finasteride plus 4 weeks on Dutasteride, despite the medications being authentic and stored properly. They are considering increasing their Dutasteride dosage due to the lack of side effects and are unsure if the treatment is helping their hair.
A user experienced increased hair shedding and unchanged DHT levels after taking 0.25mg of finasteride for 47 days, leading them to increase the dose to 0.5mg. Others discussed varying experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and the importance of measuring scalp DHT.