Ray Peat: Testosterone Isn’t the Culprit, Prolactin and Cortisol Drive Hair Loss (2016)
    Research/Science 10/23/2025

    At a glance
    In this research discussion post, the primary subjects mentioned are
    • Finasteride
    • Minoxidil
    the tone is 😐 neutral with effective results.

    Other terms

    Prolactin and cortisol are identified as key factors in hair loss, with stress hormones impacting hair shedding. Finasteride and minoxidil are effective treatments, while DHT's role and individual sensitivity are significant factors.
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      community How all hormones affect our hair follicles. Not just DHT. Take a look at this paper. Prolactin, melatonin, cortisol, progesterone, testosterone and more

      in Research/Science  126 upvotes 3 years ago
      The conversation discusses various factors affecting hair loss, not just DHT, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil, finasteride, and melatonin. Some users report personal experiences with these treatments and hormone tests, while others speculate on the role of hormones like prolactin and cortisol in hair loss.

      community High DHT with finasteride. Help!

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  7 upvotes 2 years ago
      Despite using 5% minoxidil, 0.1% finasteride, and other treatments like microneedling, MK-677, and Cialis, hair loss continues with high testosterone and DHT levels. Considering oral dutasteride but concerned about further increasing testosterone levels.

      community Blood test results and alternatives to oral finasteride

      in Treatment  7 upvotes 8 months ago
      The user experienced erectile dysfunction from oral finasteride and is considering alternatives like topical high-dose finasteride, RU58841, topical Latanoprost, and oral Minoxidil. Blood tests showed changes in testosterone and DHT levels, and the endocrinologist advised stopping finasteride.

      community MY Hair Loss Treatment Summary

      in Treatment  10 upvotes 1 year ago
      The conversation is about various hair loss treatments, including finasteride, minoxidil, RU58841, and natural supplements like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil. It also covers methods to improve blood circulation, nourish hair follicles, and address underlying health issues like vitamin D deficiency and high cortisol levels.

      community My Experience and a Discourse on "DUPA"

      in Treatment  8 upvotes 1 year ago
      The user discusses their hair loss experience, exploring various hypotheses including thyroid levels, vitamin D, DHEA, nutritional deficiency, diabetes, seborrheic dermatitis, lack of nutrition to hair follicles, chronic inflammation, female pattern hair loss causes, cortisol, and prolactin levels. They are currently using finasteride, beta-sitosterol, and have tried topical dutasteride and microneedling therapy.

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