High DHEA levels may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT in hair follicles, potentially explaining why finasteride is ineffective for some. Treatments like high-dose dutasteride and RU58841 are suggested, but the underlying cause, such as adrenal issues, should be investigated.
N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) was found to improve hair parameters in men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia, showing increased terminal hair count and decreased vellus hair count, with good tolerability. NAC, used alone or with minoxidil, may help due to its antioxidant properties, though its effectiveness can vary among individuals.
Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.
The user shared their 10-year hair loss journey, discussing treatments like oral minoxidil, oral finasteride, and LLLT, and ultimately deciding on a hair transplant. They also explored the possibility of having alopecia areata incognita and advised seeking multiple opinions before surgery.
A person with hair loss since COVID-19 is considering treatments like finasteride and minoxidil but is hesitant due to potential side effects. Suggestions include visiting a dermatologist, using a ketoconazole shampoo, and considering that post-COVID hair loss might be an autoimmune response.