Finasteride and dutasteride may increase estrogen levels, leading to water retention and a fuller face. Users discuss managing these effects with lifestyle changes and supplements like zinc and DIM.
Finasteride's potential side effects, especially sexual dysfunction, are discussed, with emphasis on hormonal balance between testosterone and estradiol. Users share experiences with finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride, highlighting the variability in side effects and the influence of mindset and lifestyle.
Finasteride can increase total testosterone and potentially raise estrogen levels, leading to side effects. Biotin in combined tablets can falsely elevate thyroid hormone levels in blood tests.
Minoxidil gains are not permanent without continued use, even with DHT suppression. Combining treatments like Dutasteride, Finasteride, and RU58841 may help maintain hair, but stopping Minoxidil typically results in hair loss.
The user is considering starting finasteride for hair loss but is concerned about potential side effects due to their estradiol levels being near the upper limit. They have consulted a doctor who confirmed their levels are okay to start the treatment.
The "DHT itch" is real and likely due to inflammation at the hair follicle, exacerbated by increased testosterone or androgens. Treatments mentioned include dutasteride, minoxidil, finasteride, and various topical solutions.
A user in the UK seeks advice on blood tests before starting Finasteride and Minoxidil for hair loss. Recommended tests include thyroid function, hormone levels, liver and kidney function, and vitamin and mineral levels.
The DHT itch is linked to hair loss and persists despite finasteride use; switching to dutasteride helped alleviate the itch and promoted regrowth. Some users suggest seborrheic dermatitis as a cause and recommend treatments like medicated shampoos, vitamin D, and minoxidil.
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.
Natural alternatives like omega-3, green tea, and pumpkin seeds are suggested for reducing DHT levels, but their effectiveness is questioned. Topical minoxidil and ketoconazole shampoo are recommended, with some users also considering low-dose finasteride and saw palmetto.
User discusses tight scalp causing hair loss and suggests treatments like scalp massages, PRP, saw palmetto, and eucapil. They share their experience with saw palmetto and eucapil and consider adding PRP and scalp massages for better results.
The conversation discusses the theory that scalp fibrosis contributes to male pattern baldness (MPB) by increasing DHT concentration, and mentions treatments like Minoxidil. The user seeks opinions on the theory and the effectiveness of scalp massages.
Flax seeds may block DHT and prevent hair loss. Users discuss its potential benefits, with one noting it likely has negligible effects on hair but is good for the diet.
The user got blood work to check hormone levels before starting Finasteride for hair loss and is seeking advice on interpreting the results. They are considering hormone levels in relation to potential side effects of Finasteride.
The conversation discusses the theory that finasteride-induced erectile dysfunction (ED) is related to blood flow rather than hormonal changes. The user suggests that lowering LDL cholesterol aggressively might improve ED symptoms for those on finasteride.
A user shared their experience with finasteride for hair regrowth, which was effective but caused side effects like gynecomastia and mood swings. They now manage side effects with Arimidex and vitamins while continuing finasteride, and monitor their health with blood tests.
Creatine might increase hair loss due to increased DHT sensitivity, but evidence is mostly anecdotal. The user is using oral minoxidil for hair loss and is cautious about starting creatine.
A 38-year-old female is experiencing hair loss despite having almost undetectable DHT levels after using dutasteride. Suggestions include checking for PCOS, thyroid issues, adjusting diet, considering the impact of birth control, and trying treatments like tretinoin, redensyl, retinol, and minoxidil with derma stamping.
Factors that can cause hair loss other than DHT, such as inflammation and diet, and potential treatments like scalp massages, minoxidil, citrulline, stretches, meditation, iron sulfate/Vitamin C, Vitamin D, protein and Dutasteride.
The user started using finasteride, minoxidil, and biotin for male pattern baldness (MPB) and is experiencing rapid thinning. They are questioning if low blood flow to the head could be contributing to their hair loss.
Dairy may contain DHT precursors that could affect hair loss and prostate health, with some users noting reduced hair shedding after eliminating dairy. Individual responses to dairy and DHT blockers vary, with some attributing hair health to diet changes and others seeing no impact.
The user has androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and low Vitamin D levels, and they started using topical minoxidil (5%). They are considering finasteride but are concerned about side effects and are advised to seek mental health support.
DHT is important for sexual function and mood, but finasteride and dutasteride can reduce DHT, causing side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. These treatments are effective for hair loss, but their impact on DHT leads to debate.
A 22-year-old male with high estrogen levels is considering finasteride for hair loss but is concerned about potential side effects due to his hormone levels and family history of diabetes. Users suggest consulting a doctor, possibly an endocrinologist, and considering lifestyle changes like diet and exercise to address visceral fat and insulin resistance before starting treatment.
The user is taking 2.5 mg dutasteride and 5% minoxidil but is not seeing hair regrowth, and is considering adding RU58841. They are experiencing fatigue and low MCV/MCH, possibly related to dutasteride, and are advised to be patient, consider microneedling, and check for iron deficiency.
The user is using oral minoxidil and dutasteride for hair loss and observed changes in blood pressure after taking oral minoxidil. They experienced no visible symptoms from topical minoxidil, finasteride, or other treatments and are seeking feedback on whether these blood pressure changes are typical for oral minoxidil users.
The user is experiencing rapid hair loss despite using dutasteride, finasteride, and minoxidil, and is concerned about high estradiol and testosterone levels. They are advised to consult an endocrinologist for potential hormonal imbalances.
The user shared their experience with dutasteride for hair loss prevention, noting side effects like muscle weakness and brain fog, and observed increased testosterone levels. They recommend starting with a low dose and adjusting based on individual needs and blood work results.
Ketoconazole shampoo does not significantly reduce systemic or scalp DHT levels and is mainly used for its anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory effects. It is not a replacement for finasteride, which is recommended by some users despite concerns about side effects.
Increased Malassezia and Cutibacterium in the scalp microbiome are linked to higher sebum production and inflammation in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Treatments include ciclopirox shampoo, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, clobetasol propionate, calcipotriol, minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride.