Potential side effects of 5AR inhibitors like finasteride and dutasteride. Users debate risks, benefits, and personal experiences with these hair loss treatments.
An 18-year-old woman experiencing hair loss due to stress, possible PCOS, and low vitamin D is concerned about starting 5% minoxidil foam, prescribed by her doctor, due to potential facial hair growth. She is also using a topical steroid for scalp sensitivity and pain.
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.
The conversation discusses whether topical caffeine is effective for hair loss, with some users questioning its role due to its vasoconstrictive and vasodilative properties, while another suggests that temporary vasoconstriction might be beneficial by promoting angiogenesis. Specific treatments mentioned include caffeine shampoo, which one user believes is ineffective.
Creatine may affect hair loss by reducing PGE2 levels, which could influence hair growth. The discussion highlights the need for more research on this potential mechanism.
Creatine does not significantly affect hair loss when taking finasteride. Some users report no change, while others believe it may accelerate hair loss if predisposed to male pattern baldness.
The conversation discusses a claim that avoiding coffee can lead to significant hair regrowth in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. Participants are skeptical, with some sharing personal anecdotes that contradict the claim, and others discussing the potential role of caffeine in hair loss and the effectiveness of other treatments like finasteride and minoxidil.
Concerns about CosmeRNA safety mechanisms and potential side effects. Discussion includes comparisons to Fluridil and questions about nanoparticle specificity and siRNA stability.
The conversation is about a user planning to start minoxidil treatment and considering increasing zinc intake to improve testosterone and libido. They are concerned about potential hair loss due to increased testosterone and are advised to consider magnesium supplementation and the effects of DHT if not on finasteride or dutasteride.
A study that outlines the full model for androgenic alopecia (AGA) which links DHT to cellular senescence in dermal papilla cells, and suggests black chokeberry as a source of cyanidin 3-O-arabinoside polyphenol with potential anti-oxidant properties that could reverse this process. The post encourages reaching out to experts in anti-aging and longevity to research treatments involving the polyphenol.
Finasteride can cause side effects like erectile dysfunction and decreased libido, possibly due to increased estradiol from testosterone aromatization, especially in those with higher body fat. Side effects vary widely and may also be influenced by genetic factors or neurosteroid inhibition.
Insulin resistance may increase DHT production, contributing to hair loss, and addressing it through diet, nutrients, and natural DHT blockers like saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil could help reverse hair loss. Some users prefer medications like finasteride for more effective results.
Some users report eye issues like blurry vision and dry eyes while using finasteride or dutasteride, though others experience no changes. Concerns about myopia progression are discussed, but no clear link to these medications is established.
The conversation discusses the belief that zinc, caffeine, and weightlifting may contribute to hair loss by increasing DHT levels. The original poster plans to reduce zinc and caffeine intake and stop weightlifting to see if it improves their hair condition.
The conversation discusses whether creatine is safe to use with finasteride for hair loss treatment. It suggests consulting a doctor before adjusting finasteride dosage.
The user experienced unwanted hair growth on their body from using a caffeine lotion, similar to their experience with minoxidil. They are seeking others' experiences with caffeine products causing hair growth in unintended areas.
Creatine is debated for causing hair loss, with some users claiming it raises DHT levels, while others argue it has no significant effect. Despite conflicting opinions, some users report hair loss even when using DHT blockers like finasteride.
Dutasteride may reduce bone mineral density, but there's no increased risk of osteoporosis or fractures compared to finasteride. Users suggest resistance training to counter potential bone effects.
Adding caffeine to topical minoxidil is unlikely to enhance its effectiveness, with most users agreeing it has minimal impact. The main treatments discussed are minoxidil and finasteride, with some users adding other ingredients like azelaic acid and retinol.
Finasteride can affect hormone levels within two weeks, and a break of several weeks is recommended for baseline results. Monitoring E2 and testosterone is suggested to assess the risk of gynecomastia.
The user observed that stopping nicotine and caffeine improved their scalp health while using oral finasteride. However, relapsing with caffeine and nicotine caused scalp tightness and inflammation.
Minoxidil can cause dark, puffy undereyes. Users suggest using caffeine serum, retinol moisturizer, and Remescar eye bags cream to counteract this effect.
The conversation discusses concerns that Minoxidil may cause skin aging, like collagen depletion and puffier faces. Some users suggest that a good skincare routine or collagen supplements might prevent these effects.
Finasteride may affect blood sugar and metabolism, with some users reporting increased blood sugar and changes in body composition. To manage potential side effects, users suggest exercise, intermittent fasting, and dietary adjustments.
Walking after taking oral minoxidil is discussed, but no clear conclusion is provided. The conversation focuses on the effects of oral minoxidil on hair loss.
Dutasteride mesotherapy in women with metabolic syndrome accelerated hair loss after initial regrowth, while women without metabolic syndrome saw continuous regrowth. The user with mild insulin resistance is hesitant to try topical dutasteride and seeks experiences from others with insulin resistance.
RU58841 may help some with hair loss, but it can have side effects like heart pain. Dutasteride and finasteride can cause initial shedding, and results may take time.
The conversation discusses the potential long-term effects of stopping finasteride after extended use, with differing opinions on the existence and prevalence of post-finasteride syndrome (PFS). Some users report persistent side effects, while others argue that such effects are rare or unrelated to the medication.
Oral minoxidil caused changes in hair texture, making it curly, dry, and lifeless, raising concerns about whether this is a temporary phase or permanent. Users discussed potential side effects of oral minoxidil, including heart issues, and suggested consulting a dermatologist and monitoring health markers.