Faculty Opinions Recommendation of Finasteride Inhibits the Disease-Modifying Activity of Progesterone in the Hippocampus Kindling Model of Epileptogenesis

Finasteride and dutasteride are discussed for hair loss, with concerns about their effects on neurosteroids and potential side effects like depression. Alternatives like topical estrogen and lifestyle changes are considered, with varying opinions on mental health and hair regrowth.

Finasteride may affect neurosteroids, impacting mood and sexual function, with varied user experiences. Some report side effects like depression and sexual dysfunction, while others find it effective for hair retention or prefer alternatives like Dutasteride or topical treatments.

The conversation discusses a last-resort hair loss treatment combining topical finasteride, minoxidil, melatonin, and progesterone, with claims that topical finasteride can inhibit up to 52% of scalp DHT. One reply clarifies that progesterone is not an anti-androgen but has anti-androgenic properties because it competes with androgens for receptors.

The user convinced their trichologist to prescribe topical finasteride after using topical estradiol and progesterone for hair maintenance. They also discussed the potential impact of "nofap" on hair loss, noting that abstaining for about four months seemed to reduce shedding.

Finasteride can impact neurosteroids, potentially causing depression and other side effects in some users. Despite these concerns, many continue using it for hair loss, with some switching to topical applications to mitigate side effects.

Finasteride not only inactivates the 5a reductase enzyme but also affects the 5b reductase enzyme in a dose-dependent manner, which can impact sexual behavior and brain activity. The user experienced significant hair regrowth and side effects on 1mg of finasteride, which diminished after reducing the dose to 0.5mg, leading to no side effects and further hair improvement.