27F with androgenic alopecia since 17 seeks treatment. Tried spironolactone, caused low blood pressure; believes finasteride is safer and wants to try it.
Minoxidil increases blood supply to the scalp, strengthening dormant follicles and extending the growth phase, but may increase scalp activity that can be countered with DHT blockers. Women experiencing side effects from finasteride or dutasteride for hair loss might consider alternatives like estrogen, especially if on birth control.
A 34-year-old woman is experiencing diffuse hair loss and irregular periods, possibly due to long-term spironolactone use. She is considering minoxidil and finasteride for treatment and seeking medical advice for androgenic alopecia and hormonal imbalances.
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.
The user shared their hormone levels over time while using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss. They experienced a significant drop in DHT levels but continued to lose hair, hoping for better results in the future.
Pregnancy can temporarily reverse hair loss in women, but attempts to mimic pregnancy hormones with treatments like contraceptive pills, spironolactone, estradiol, progesterone, finasteride, and minoxidil have been ineffective. The discussion highlights the need for research into the hormonal mechanisms of pregnancy that affect hair regrowth.
Stress can lead to hair loss by affecting hair-follicle stem cells, and this loss is harder to recover from if one has male pattern baldness (MPB). Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to address hair loss, but stress-related hair loss differs from androgenic alopecia.
Using dutasteride or finasteride can increase free testosterone, which may convert to estradiol, potentially causing side effects like increased estrogen levels. Individual responses vary, and some users report changes in cholesterol, hair texture, and side effects like gyno or increased sex drive.
A 22-year-old is experiencing hair loss after transitioning from fem HRT to DIY testosterone therapy and is considering using Dutasteride while also taking Saw Palmetto. They are concerned about the impact on virilization and proper development.
The user shared their personal experience with hair loss, hormone imbalances, and treatments including testosterone boosters, natural estrogen blockers, and DHEA. They suggest that low-dose finasteride and natural hormone therapy could reduce hair loss with fewer side effects.
A woman experiencing hormonal hair loss is on dutasteride and bicalutamide, which initially improved her hair, but she is now experiencing a second shedding phase with significant short hair loss. Despite normal hormone levels and no deficiencies, she is unsure if this shedding is normal and seeks advice.
People are discussing the use of finasteride for hair loss and the importance of hormonal blood testing to monitor effects like changes in DHT and estradiol levels. Some users also mention using minoxidil and the potential side effects of estradiol, such as gynecomastia, especially at higher doses.
A user experienced increased testosterone and estradiol levels after starting finasteride/dutasteride and is asking if these levels will return to normal over time. The conversation focuses on whether these changes are temporary.
Finasteride has no effect on the user's estradiol levels, and body fat may influence aromatization. The user is on testosterone replacement therapy and uses everyday injections to manage high RBC count, with plans to measure DHT, DHEA-S, and pregnenolone levels.
A user experienced high estrogen levels after 10 months of taking 1mg oral finasteride but is happy with hair regrowth. They are considering switching to topical finasteride and are also taking DIM and Zinc supplements.
A 20-year-old saw significant hair regrowth after 9 months of using DHT blockers (finasteride and dutasteride) and 6 months of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with estradiol. The regrowth is attributed to low testosterone and high estradiol levels, without using Minoxidil.
Trans women discuss using finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss and whether to continue after testosterone suppression. One user reduced dutasteride dosage after achieving undetectable testosterone levels.
High estradiol levels may contribute to erectile dysfunction (ED) and can be addressed with lifestyle changes or medication. It's important to consult a medical professional for treatment options.
User discusses Alfatradiol (17a-Estradiol) as a potential hair loss treatment with mixed results. Concerns include low dosage, receptor theory, and possible increased aromatase activity on scalp.
Hair loss theory involves 3alpha-hydroxysteroid reductase (3AHD) converting DHT to androstenol. Discussion explores potential treatments and encourages more research.
Male pattern baldness (MPB) may be an early warning sign for type 2 diabetes due to its association with insulin resistance. Treatments discussed include testosterone therapy and finasteride, which affects hormone levels related to hair loss and insulin sensitivity.
The conversation discusses preventing hair loss during detransitioning, with suggestions to use finasteride or dutasteride as DHT blockers. The user is also considering rosemary oil and monitoring testosterone levels.
Gut microbiota significantly influences androgen metabolism, impacting hair loss treatments like finasteride. Probiotics, dietary changes, and fecal microbiota transplants may help manage DHT levels and improve hair health.
The conversation discusses androgen receptor degraders for hair loss, highlighting their potential advantages over traditional AR blockers like RU58841 and pyrilutamide. Concerns about the safety and cost of these treatments are also mentioned.
Women also experience hair loss, especially post-menopause, often requiring lifestyle changes. Treatments include Scalp Micropigmentation, hair transplants, and sometimes finasteride, with underlying causes needing medical evaluation.
Finasteride is seen as risky for men due to side effects like erectile dysfunction, while hormonal birth control for women is normalized despite its side effects. The discussion points out a double standard influenced by societal and gender norms.
The user experienced hair shedding after starting testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and is considering using DHT blockers like finasteride or dutasteride to address potential DHT-related hair loss. Low ferritin levels due to frequent blood donations may also contribute to hair issues, and the user is working on stabilizing iron levels.
A user is experiencing side effects like less hard erections and sensitive nipples while on finasteride, with bloodwork showing high prolactin levels. They are seeking suggestions to address the prolactin issue.
Some individuals taking finasteride for hair loss report increased libido and frequent masturbation, with no immediate hair regrowth but darker hair appearance. A dermatologist explains that finasteride may raise testosterone levels temporarily, which could lead to increased sex drive in some people.
The user is experiencing low libido and mood swings after starting a low dose of topical finasteride. They are considering further blood tests to investigate low testosterone levels and other hormonal factors.